A Guide to Social Media Video Dimensions

Getting the dimensions of your video content correct for the various Social Media channels out there is crucial for maximising engagement & ensuring your content looks the part. Choosing the correct format means your message is delivered seamlessly, and your visuals appear professional across your target platforms.

Incorrect video dimensions can lead to cropping, pixelation and a generally poor experience for the viewer, which in turn can result in lower engagement.

In this guide we’ll break down the ideal video dimensions for each platform and discuss how to make the most of your video content.

Why Do Social Media Video Dimensions Matter?

Choosing the correct video dimensions ensures that your content is optimised for the platform you’re targeting. The correct dimensions help your videos appear as intended, avoiding issues like cropping or poor quality, which can distract viewers and reduce engagement.

The right visual format can help make your content stand out in a crowded feed, while getting it wrong can result in a lacklustre presentation that fails to grab attention.

The Social Media Video Dimension Breakdown

Here’s a complete guide to the ideal video dimensions for each platform—along with the best use cases for each.

Instagram

– Instagram Reels & Stories: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 ratio)
– Feed Videos (Landscape): 1080 x 608 pixels (1.91:1 ratio)
– Feed Videos (Square): 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 ratio)

Best Use Cases:
– Reels & Stories: Use Reels and Stories for quick, engaging content such as product teasers, behind-the-scenes moments, or educational snippets that fit into 15-30 seconds.
– Feed Videos: The feed is ideal for longer content like product demos, testimonials or short interviews. Square videos perform especially well for grabbing attention while users scroll.

Facebook

– Feed Videos (Landscape): 1280 x 720 pixels (16:9 ratio)
– Feed Videos (Square): 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 ratio)
– Facebook Stories: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 ratio)

Best Use Cases:
– Feed Videos: Longer content like interviews, explainer videos or webinars works well here.
– Square vs. Landscape: Square videos are more effective for mobile viewers, while landscape videos are better for desktop audiences.
– Stories: Use Stories for time-sensitive content such as offers, events or brand highlights.

LinkedIn

– Feed Videos: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 ratio) or 1920 x 1080 pixels (16:9 ratio)

Best Use Cases:
– Thought Leadership & Value: LinkedIn is ideal for professional content such as industry insights, client success stories or project highlights.
– Square vs. Landscape: Landscape works well for formal presentations, while square videos are better for short, impactful messages.

TikTok

– Video Dimensions: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 ratio)

Best Use Cases:
– TikTok is best for creative, authentic content that aligns with emerging trends. Quick-hitting educational pieces or humorous takes work well here.

YouTube

– Standard YouTube Videos: 1920 x 1080 pixels (16:9 ratio)
– YouTube Shorts: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 ratio)

Best Use Cases:
– Standard Videos: Use YouTube for long-form content like tutorials, interviews & vlogs.
– YouTube Shorts: These are great for quick ‘snack sized’ pieces of content & highlights from longer videos.

Twitter/X

– Feed Videos: 1280 x 720 pixels (16:9 ratio)
– Square or Vertical Videos: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 ratio) or 720 x 1280 pixels (9:16 ratio)

Best Use Cases:

– Twitter is ideal for short, snappy content such as trend responses, news or quick updates.

Platform-by-Platform Video Best Practices

It’s not enough to just know the right dimensions, you need to understand each platform’s technical nuances & the audience using them.

  • Aspect Ratio: Tailoring aspect ratios ensures your video fits the screen space on offer.
  • Resolution & Quality: Use the recommended resolution to ensure crisp and clear video quality, avoiding any auto-scaling.
  • Context & Storytelling: Adapt your storytelling approach based on the platform. The style of storytelling for TikTok is very different from that of LinkedIn for example.

Social Media Video Dimensions FAQs

What happens if I use the wrong video dimensions?

Using the wrong dimensions can lead to cropping, awkward auto re-framing by the platform and a poor visual experience, which ultimately will result in lower engagement.

Can I use the same video across all platforms?

Technically, yes. However, every platform has unique strengths and audience expectations. Adjusting your content can help maximise engagement on each.

Why is vertical video so popular now?

Vertical video has gained popularity thanks to mobile-first platforms like Instagram, TikTok & Snapchat. Vertical videos take full advantage of the phone screen, creating a more immersive experience.

What software can I use to adjust video dimensions?

Tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro and certain online software offerings can help you adjust your video dimensions for different platforms.

What’s the most versatile video dimension for social media?

A 1:1 (square) video is the most versatile format for general use on social media. It works well on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, and is ideal for mobile scrolling.

We Understand How to Optimise Content at Fettle Digital

Getting your video dimensions correct is an important part of making sure your content looks great across all platforms. Properly formatted videos are more likely to grab attention, be visually appealing & ultimately drive engagement.

When you create content tailored for each platform, your message is more likely to resonate with your audience. This will help you stand out in a digital space. Drop us a message if you have any questions or want to start talking about a project.

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