Video sizing guide:

Choosing the Right Dimensions for Every Platform

In today's digital world, video content reigns supreme. However, ensuring your videos look their best across different platforms requires using the correct dimensions. Whether you're creating content for social media, websites, or broadcast, choosing the right video size is crucial for maintaining quality and engagement. This guide will walk you through the best video dimensions for various platforms.

Understanding Aspect Ratios

Before diving into specific sizes, it’s essential to understand aspect ratios. The aspect ratio represents the width and height of a video and is usually expressed as W:H.

  • 16:9 – Standard for YouTube, TV, and most online videos

  • 1:1 – Square format, commonly used for Instagram and Facebook

  • 9:16 – Vertical videos, ideal for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts

  • 4:5 – Portrait format, great for social media feeds

  • 21:9 – Ultra-wide for cinematic content

Video Dimensions by Platform

YouTube:

  • Standard HD: 1920x1080 (16:9)

  • 4K UHD: 3840x2160 (16:9)

  • YouTube Shorts: 1080x1920 (9:16)

Instagram:

  • Feed Videos: 1080x1080 (1:1) or 1080x1350 (4:5)

  • Stories/Reels: 1080x1920 (9:16)

  • IGTV: 1080x1920 (9:16)

Facebook:

  • Feed Videos: 1080x1080 (1:1) or 1080x1350 (4:5)

  • Stories/Reels: 1080x1920 (9:16)

  • Cover Videos: 820x312 (16:9)

TikTok:

  • Standard: 1080x1920 (9:16)

Facebook:

  • Feed Videos: 1080x1080 (1:1) or 1080x1350 (4:5)

  • Stories/Reels: 1080x1920 (9:16)

  • Cover Videos: 820x312 (16:9)

Twitter (X)

  • Feed Videos: 1280x720 (16:9) or 1080x1080 (1:1)

LinkedIn:

  • Feed Videos: 1920x1080 (16:9) or 1080x1080 (1:1)

Facebook:

  • Feed Videos: 1080x1080 (1:1) or 1080x1350 (4:5)

  • Stories/Reels: 1080x1920 (9:16)

  • Cover Videos: 820x312 (16:9)

Websites & Blogs:

  • Standard Embedded Videos: 1920x1080 (16:9)

  • Background Videos: 1920x1080 or larger (16:9)

Final Thoughts


Best Practices for Video Sizing

Optimize for Mobile: Since most users watch videos on mobile, ensure your content is mobile-friendly.

Maintain Quality: Always export videos in high resolution (1080p or higher) to avoid pixelation.

File Format Matters: Use MP4 (H.264) for compatibility across most platforms.

Keep File Size in Check: Compress videos to maintain quality while ensuring fast loading times.

Choosing the right video size for each platform enhances viewer experience and maximizes engagement. Whether you're creating a YouTube vlog, an Instagram Reel, or a Facebook ad, sticking to these dimensions ensures your content looks professional and polished.