Platform Upload Specs: Instagram, YouTube & TikTok
The optimal resolution, aspect ratio, format, and settings for uploading video to every major platform. Stop guessing and export with confidence.
Quick reference: all platforms at a glance
Bookmark this table. It covers the specs for every major social video platform as of 2026:
| Platform | Ratio | Resolution | Max Res | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 📱 Instagram Reels | 9:16 | 1080×1920 | 4K (3840×2160) | 90 seconds |
| 🖼️ Instagram Feed | 1:1, 4:5, or 16:9 | 1080×1080 (square) | 4K | 60 seconds |
| ⭕ Instagram Stories | 9:16 | 1080×1920 | 4K | 60 seconds (15 sec per clip) |
| ▶️ YouTube | 16:9 | 1920×1080 or 3840×2160 | 8K (7680×4320) | 12 hours (verified accounts) |
| 📐 YouTube Shorts | 9:16 | 1080×1920 | 4K | 180 seconds |
| 🎵 TikTok | 9:16 | 1080×1920 | 4K | 10 minutes |
Platform-by-platform guide
Instagram Reels — vertical video first
Reels are the highest-reach format on Instagram. They're vertical-only (9:16) and play full-screen on mobile. Instagram compresses all uploads, so the higher your source quality, the better the final result.
Tip:If your footage is 4K, export and upload in 4K. Instagram's compression algorithm will produce better results from a higher-quality source — even if the viewer doesn't see true 4K. For 1080p source footage, upscaling to 4K before uploading generally doesn't improve quality.
YouTube — maximum quality matters
YouTube is the most quality-preserving platform because it stores multiple versions of every video at different resolutions. The higher your upload quality, the better every viewer's experience — even those watching at lower resolutions.
Tip: If you have trouble with YouTube reducing your video quality, upload at 4K or higher — YouTube allocates a better codec (VP9 or AV1) to higher-resolution uploads, which results in visibly better quality even at 1080p playback.
TikTok — heavy compression, vertical only
TikTok applies the heaviest compression of any major platform. Quality differences between 1080p and 4K uploads are minimal here because of aggressive re-encoding. Focus on good lighting and sharp source footage instead of chasing resolution.
General tips for all platforms
Always upload highest quality
Every platform re-compresses your video. Starting from the highest quality source gives the encoder more data to work with — better final quality at every playback resolution.
Use H.264 for compatibility
H.264 (AVC) is universally supported. H.265/HEVC and AV1 are more efficient but may cause upload failures or processing delays on some platforms. MP4 container + H.264 codec is the safest combination.
Export at native frame rate
Don't convert 30 fps to 60 fps or vice versa. Export at the frame rate you shot at. Frame rate conversion introduces motion artifacts.
Match the platform's native ratio
Upload 9:16 to TikTok/Reels/Shorts. Upload 16:9 to YouTube. Uploading the wrong ratio adds black bars that look unprofessional and reduce viewer engagement.
Need to batch-export videos in the right format?
Formatif Pro lets you convert and resize entire folders of videos to any platform's spec in one click — offline, no cloud upload, one-time license.