Video ad specs for Meta and TikTok in 2026
Before you upload an ad, you need to know which aspect ratio each placement uses, what resolution to aim for and where to keep your text so the app UI doesn't cover it. This guide pulls together what Meta and TikTok publish in their official documentation, so your video doesn't get rejected or cropped. And if you'd rather hand it off, we make motion graphics ads ready in 24 business hours, starting with a 3 video trial for $97.
Why specs matter more than you think
The same video looks different depending on where it runs. In Reels and Stories it fills the whole phone screen. In the Facebook or Instagram feed it sits between other posts in a shorter frame. Drop a horizontal video into a vertical placement and the platform either shrinks it with bars or crops it, and what gets cut is usually the text or the product.
The most common mistake is making one version and letting the platform adapt it. You're better off with a native format for each placement.
Meta: Facebook and Instagram by placement
| Placement | Recommended aspect ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Instagram and Facebook Reels | 9:16 vertical | Full screen. Meta asks you to keep the bottom of the frame clear for the UI. |
| Instagram and Facebook Stories | 9:16 vertical | Full screen, with UI elements at the top and bottom. |
| Facebook and Instagram Feed | 4:5 or 1:1 | 4:5 vertical takes up more of the phone screen than square. |
| Horizontal video | 16:9 | Accepted, but it takes up little space on a phone. |
In its developer documentation for Reels ads, Meta says the video should be full screen vertical (9:16) and that the bottom 35% should stay free of text, logos and other key elements so the Reels interface doesn't hide them. Max file size, accepted file types and length limits vary by placement and campaign objective, so check them in the Meta Ads Guide or in Ads Manager before you upload. For how we approach creative for this platform, see Meta video ad creatives.
TikTok: In-Feed ads on the For You feed
| Spec | What TikTok requires |
|---|---|
| Vertical (recommended) | 9:16, at least 540 x 960 px |
| Horizontal | 16:9, at least 960 x 540 px |
| Square | 1:1, at least 640 x 640 px |
| File types | .mp4, .mov, .mpeg, .3gp or .avi |
| Max file size | 500 MB |
| Length | Up to 10 minutes |
| Bitrate | 516 kbps or higher |
These are the specs TikTok lists for auction In-Feed ads that aren't Spark Ads. The floor is 540 x 960, but TikTok's own creative best practices recommend working in at least 720p and in 9:16 vertical. For Spark Ads, which promote an organic post, the video needs to be .mp4 or .mov. If TikTok is on your media plan, our page on TikTok video ads covers how we adapt the style to the platform.
Safe zones: where not to put your message
In full screen formats, the app draws its interface right on top of your video. The like, comment and share buttons sit on the right. The account name, ad caption and CTA button stack up along the bottom. Menus and the sponsored label live at the top. Anything that lands in those areas can get covered.
- Keep the message centered: benefit, price, offer and logo away from the edges.
- Watch the bottom of the frame: it's the busiest area on both Reels and TikTok.
- Use the official templates: TikTok offers downloadable safe zone files, and the safe area changes with the format, caption length and any add-ons you use.
- Check the preview: TikTok notes there can be slight differences between the preview and the live ad, so leave some room.
Captions and on-screen text
Plenty of people watch with the sound off, so your message should land on text alone. TikTok recommends using captions or text overlays to give your ad context, and on Meta, on-screen text helps the video make sense in the feed.
Keep in mind that the ad caption you type in Ads Manager isn't the same as the text inside the video. On TikTok, non-Spark ad captions show in white with a fixed font you can't customize, and they don't support clickable links, @ mentions or hashtags. Anything that matters belongs inside the video, in big type with strong contrast.
How we deliver our videos
Every ad we make ships as a 9:16 vertical MP4, the native format for Reels, Stories and TikTok, with text inside the safe zone, music and on-screen copy. On the 3 video trial you can add 1:1 and 4:5 versions for $19 for the Facebook and Instagram feed. We never ask for access to your ad account: you or your agency upload the files and set up the campaign. See the work on our examples page.
Ad ideas to start with
The thing nobody checks before launching an ad
A short list of common mistakes in your category, with your product as the fix. Works just as well in 9:16 as in 4:5.
Before and after, split screen
The problem on top, the fix on the bottom. Built so the key part stays in the center of the frame where the UI can't cover it.
Three steps in big type
Numbered steps that read with the sound off, a visual change on each step and the call to action kept above the bottom UI area.
A question you get at a glance
Open with a direct question centered in the frame, designed to read just as well in feed as in full screen.
Illustrative examples of concepts we produce. You choose the result you want and we write the script.
How it works
Pay online
Pick the trial or a plan. No calls, no meetings.
Tell us the result
What you sell, to whom and what you want to achieve. Colors, logo and a reference if you have one.
Get them in 24 business hours
Script, animation and music, ready to upload to Meta or TikTok.
Pricing in USD
Delivered in 24 business hours or you get a free extra video. If a video doesn't match your brief, we redo it at no cost.
Video ads by industry
Video ads for ecommerce
Motion graphics video ads for online stores: script, animation and music, ready for Meta and TikTok Ads in 24 business hours. Try 3 videos for $97.
Video ads for SaaS and apps
Motion graphics video ads for software and apps: your UI animated, script and music, ready for Meta and TikTok Ads in 24 business hours. Try 3 ads for $97.
Video ads for restaurants and food delivery
Motion graphics video ads for restaurants, cafes and delivery brands: online orders, reservations, specials and openings. Ready in 24 hours. Try 3 for $97.
FAQ
What's the best size for a video ad?
For Reels, Stories and TikTok, full screen 9:16 vertical. For the Facebook and Instagram feed, 4:5 or 1:1. Ideally you have a version for each type of placement instead of letting the platform crop your video.
What resolution does TikTok require for ads?
For In-Feed ads, TikTok requires at least 540 x 960 px for vertical, 960 x 540 for horizontal and 640 x 640 for square, and its creative best practices recommend working in at least 720p.
What's the max file size on TikTok and Meta?
TikTok lists up to 500 MB for In-Feed ads that aren't Spark Ads. On Meta, limits depend on the placement and objective, so check the Meta Ads Guide before you upload.
What is a safe zone in a video ad?
It's the part of the frame the app interface doesn't cover. For Reels, Meta asks you to keep the bottom 35% clear. On TikTok the safe area depends on the format and caption length, and the platform offers templates to check it.
How much does it cost to have my ads made in these formats?
The 3 video trial is a one-time $97 per business, delivered as 9:16 MP4, and you can add 1:1 and 4:5 versions for $19. Monthly plans run from $297 for 10 videos up to $1,797 for 100 videos.
How fast do I get the videos?
Within 24 business hours of your payment. If we're late, you get a free extra video, and if a video doesn't match the brief, we redo it at no cost.
Try it with 3 ads
Pay $97 once, tell us what you want to achieve and get 3 ads ready to run in 24 business hours.