Find our practical tips (formats, durations, and best practices) for posting your videos on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, YouTube, and other platforms:
Platform | Type of Post | Ratio & Resolution (Recommendation) | Ideal Duration | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feed / Reels & Stories | Feed: 4:5 (1080×1350) or 1:1 (1080×1080) | 15–30s (keep it short) | Subtitles recommended (frequent silent viewing). Keep text centered (safe zones) to avoid UI overlap. |
| Feed / Reels & Stories | Feed: 4:5 (1080×1350) | Feed: 15–30s / Reels: 7–30s | Provide a dedicated vertical version (9:16). Use subtitles + readable text, avoiding edges (safe zones). |
| Feed (mobile-first) | Recommended: 4:5 (1080×1350) | 15–30s | Immediate hook (first 2–3 seconds). Subtitles highly recommended (viewing without sound). |
TikTok | In-feed (organic & ads) | 9:16 (1080×1920) | 9–15s (often most effective) / up to 60s depending on content | Very quick hook, readable on-screen text. Avoid key elements at the bottom (UI). MP4 export (H.264) recommended. |
YouTube | Long format / Shorts | Long: 16:9 (1920×1080) | Long: 8–15 min (often) / Shorts: 15–60s | Provide 2 exports if needed (16:9 + 9:16). Shorts: mobile-first (large text + safe zones). Be mindful of music rights/Content ID. |
X (Twitter) | Feed (mobile & desktop) | Desktop: 16:9 (1280×720 or 1920×1080) | 15–45s | Early branding + subtitles recommended. Keep editing very dynamic (scrolling behavior). |
WhatsApp (Status) | Status (24h) | 9:16 (1080×1920) | 15–30s | High compression: use high-contrast visuals + large text. Keep key elements centered (safe zones). |
Threads | Feed | Post: 4:5 (1080×1350) | 15–30s | Often autoplay muted: subtitles recommended. Check cropping if cross-posting from Instagram. |
| Video Pins (evergreen discovery) | Standard: 2:3 (1000×1500) | 6–15s | Readable title/text and clear benefit from the start. Avoid too wide formats (risk of cropping). |
Snapchat | Snaps (organic/ads) | 9:16 (1080×1920) | 3–10s (aim very short) | Branding in the first 1–2 seconds. Respect safe zones (UI). Subtitles/on-screen text recommended. |
💡 Platform Guidelines:
Meta (Facebook / Instagram / Threads): Two use cases to cover - Feed (classic scroll) and full-screen formats (Reels/Stories). When in doubt, prepare a dedicated 9:16 version.
LinkedIn: effective for professional communication (expertise, product, employer branding). Think “mobile-first” (4:5 works very well in the feed).
TikTok: a discovery platform - short vertical videos and rhythm (immediate hook) make the difference.
YouTube: combines search (evergreen) and recommendations. Often relevant to create both long format (16:9) and Shorts (9:16).
X (Twitter): real-time (news, announcements, events) is at the heart of its use - better to be short and direct.
WhatsApp (Status): direct distribution (1:1 / communities) and ephemeral content (24h). Watch out for compression: bigger text, high-contrast visuals.
Pinterest: evergreen content (long lifespan) - great for inspiration, tutorials, lists, before/after.
Snapchat: very mobile-first; maximum impact with very short vertical videos (quick branding).
⚠️ Common pitfalls to avoid:
4:5 vs 1:1: on mobile, the 4:5 portrait format takes up more space than the 1:1 square in the feed. It is often more readable and more visible for “Feed” formats.
YouTube Shorts (music & videos > 60s): Shorts can be up to 3 minutes, but beyond 60 seconds, using commercial music may trigger restrictions (Content ID). To avoid surprises, prefer YouTube's audio library / YouTube Studio or royalty-free music.
TikTok (AI-generated content): if your video contains AI-generated elements (voice, avatars, visuals), remember to disclose it upon posting according to platform rules, to avoid moderation or distribution limits.
WhatsApp Status (safe zone): WhatsApp’s interface can cover the top and bottom of the video. For a clean result, keep text and logos centered on the screen (avoid edges, especially bottom).