SOCIAL MEDIA VIDEO GUIDELINES 2024

When you're uploading your videos to social media, you need to make sure they conform to the guidelines set out by each platform.

By optimizing for each social network, you increase the chances that people will find you when they're searching for great new content.

In this article, we share with you the current video formatting guidelines for the six main social media networks.

Platform usage statistics in this article come from two Pew Research surveys:
• Demographics of Social Media
• Teens, Social Media and Technology

 

Why Social Media Video Specs Matter

Each social platform has its own target audience. To reflect that, social media video formats are different on each platform and tailored to what each site thinks is most suitable for their users.

When considering how long your videos for social media should be, think about the user you're targeting and the network they use.

For longer-form videos, YouTube is ideal. Your video can be as long as you need to tell your story. That could be 15 minutes long, 30 minutes long, or 60 minutes long or even more.

Many viewers love how their favorite YouTube creators deeply dive into a particular topic. These videos are like a new form of event television. Viewers make time for them, watching in full on their main widescreen TVs at home or on their desktop or laptop.

Not all users want longer videos though. For instance, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat users tend to prefer short, snappy videos.

Nor do they want to watch videos on a large TV. Some users prefer viewing videos on their mobile devices in portrait mode.

To meet user expectations, each site sets its own social media video dimensions to best serve their audience.

If posting videos to multiple networks, consider tailoring content to conform to different guidelines on each. That way, you’ll expand your reach and videos will likely be seen by many more people.

Next, learn which users each platform attracts, effective content types, and the video sizes for each site.

 

YouTube

Although not strictly a social network, more people watch videos on YouTube than any other website. Over 90% of Americans aged 18–49 regularly use it. That figure remains very high at 83% for 50-64 year olds. YouTube and TikTok are the only channels people visit exclusively for video.

YouTube works very well for entertainment, how-tos, and education. Other videos uploaded to YouTube that get lots of views include long-form docs and personal vlogs.
Many top YouTube creators agree consistency in posting and engaging with viewer comments are key to success.

YouTube Video Size Guidelines

Dimensions: 16:9 and 4:3 for standard, 9:16 for Shorts
Size: 426x240 to 3840x2160 pixels (portrait)
Length: Up to 12 hrs (standard), 60 sec (Shorts), max 128GB

 

Facebook

After YouTube, Facebook has the most U.S. adult users by far at 69%. Gen Z/Alpha consumers use it less, preferring TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat.
Effective Facebook video content includes live streams, storytelling, Q&As and polls for engagement.
Open videos with hooks, as the algorithm rewards creators who keep viewers watching.

Facebook Video Size Guidelines

Dimensions: 16:9, 9:16 (Reels), 2.3 (mobile), 2:1 (360 monoscopic) aspect ratios.
Size of videos for Facebook: 1200x min. (landscape/portrait), 540x960 (Reels), 5120x2560 for 360.
Length:  Up to 240 minutes for regular posts (max file size 4Gb), four to 90 seconds for Reels (no file size limit), up to 30 minutes for 360 (max file size 10Gb).

 

Instagram

Instagram has fewer users than Facebook but is very popular among 18-29 year olds, women, and ethnic minorities. Being young, Instagram users tend to earn less than Facebook subscribers.

Instagram involves photo and video sharing. Most popular content includes lifestyle, personal branding and fashion with a strong emphasis on aesthetic quality and beauty.

Post videos with consistent visual themes to build your brand. Instagram now allows shopping on the platform so, if selling products, add call-to-action links to your videos.

Instagram Video Size Guidelines

Dimensions: 16:9, 1:1, 4:5 (standard), 0.01:1-10:1 (Reels)
Size of videos for Instagram: 1080 min. (all ratios), 1080x1920 (Reels)
Length: 3 sec-60 min. (max. 4GB), 3-15 sec. (Reels, max. 4GB)

 

TikTok

Like YouTube, TikTok exclusively involves video sharing. It is wildly popular among teens, especially teen girls and Black youth. Usage also remains high for ages 18-29. Given its youth-skewed demographics, TikTok users earn less than other social media users. 

When possible, chase the latest trends to boost subscribers and potential virality.

TikTok Video Size Guidelines

Dimensions: 9:16 (1:1 for letterboxing)
Size of TikTok videos: 1080x1920 pixels
Length: Up to 3 min. (in-app), 10 min. (external source), max 287.6MB

 

LinkedIn

LinkedIn provides professional networking. Users share largely educational content highly relevant to industry and careers. Approximately one in three Americans use it regularly, with highest adoption among 30-49 year olds. Users tend to be high earners, yet curiously those on Facebook earn more on average.
To stand out on LinkedIn, create videos on industry news, professional development and career advice. Occasionally motivational pieces work if authentic.
Handheld vlog-style and polished, well-edited premium video are popular.

LinkedIn Video Size Guidelines

Dimensions: 1:2.4-2.4:1 ratios
Size of videos for LinkedIn: 640x360 to 1920x1080 (landscape), 360x360 to 1920x1920 (square), 360x640 to 1080x1920 (portrait)
Length: 3 sec-10 min. (max. 5GB)

 

Twitter

Twitter enables micro-blogging text updates with images, videos and polls. Users tend to earn more than other social media platform users. It's the only network which has more male users than female users.

Varied trending content includes interview clips, quick tips and personal takes. Use hashtags for greater visibility.

Twitter Video Size Guidelines

Dimensions: 16:9 or 1:1
Size of videos for Twitter: 1280x720, 720x1280, 720x720
Length: Up to 140 sec. (max. 512MB)

 

Snapchat

Snapchat surpasses Twitter in users, skewing much younger. Core demographics include teens and 18-29 year olds. Adoption also remains high among young females and those with Black/Hispanic heritage.

Given the youth target, Snapchat favors TikTok-style content. Day-in-the-life videos and behind-the-scenes can also overperform.

Snapchat Video Size Guidelines

Dimensions: 9:16
Size of videos for Snapchat: 1080x1920 pixels
Length: 3-10 sec. (max. 32MB)

 

Music's Importance in Social Videos

Most successful creators consider music/audio pivotal for self-expression in their videos.

To prevent rights-related video demonetization, many leverage royalty-free music libraries.

Music and sound effects set tone/emotion. For instance, percussive beats effectively pace quick info delivery in short form videos. For van lifers, road trip music showcases adventures.
Repeated music use over videos builds creator identity. It also commonly underscores narrative and B-roll, pacing content.

For Instagram Reels, choose upbeat tracks. For 15-minute LinkedIn product pitches, motivational music sets the mood.

Well-matched music sets tone, drives narrative and builds brands.