Video Size Limits for Social Media (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X)
Video requirements for every major platform
Each social media platform has different rules for video size, format, resolution, and duration. Uploading a video that doesn't meet these specs results in compression, rejection, or poor quality. Here's what you need to know.
| Feature | Max File Size | Format | Max Duration | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feed video | 250 MB | MP4, MOV | 60 seconds | 1:1, 4:5, 16:9 |
| Reels | 250 MB | MP4, MOV | 90 seconds | 9:16 |
| Stories | 250 MB | MP4, MOV | 15 seconds per story | 9:16 |
| IGTV | 650 MB | MP4, MOV | 10 min (60 min for verified) | 9:16 |
Tips for Instagram:
- Instagram re-compresses all uploads. Pre-compress to 15–20 MB for feed videos to minimize quality loss.
- Reels perform best at 1080×1920 (9:16). Don't upload horizontal videos.
- Keep Stories under 15 seconds or they'll be split into multiple parts.
TikTok
| Spec | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Max file size | 287 MB (mobile), 500 MB (web) |
| Format | MP4, MOV, WebM |
| Max duration | 10 minutes |
| Aspect ratio | 9:16 (recommended), 1:1 |
| Resolution | 1080×1920 recommended |
Tips for TikTok:
- TikTok's compression is aggressive for files over 50 MB. Compress to under 50 MB for best quality.
- Upload from desktop for the 500 MB limit — useful for longer videos.
- H.264 encoding with AAC audio gives the best results.
YouTube
| Quality | Max File Size | Recommended Bitrate |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p | 256 GB | 8–12 Mbps |
| 4K | 256 GB | 35–45 Mbps |
| 8K | 256 GB | 80–120 Mbps |
| Spec | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Format | MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, FLV, WebM |
| Max duration | 12 hours (or 256 GB) |
| Audio | AAC or MP3, 44.1 kHz or higher |
Tips for YouTube:
- YouTube has generous limits, so focus on quality over file size. Upload at the highest quality you have.
- Use MP4 with H.264 for fastest processing. H.265 (HEVC) is supported but processes slower.
- For 4K uploads, expect 30+ minutes of processing time before the 4K option appears.
X (Twitter)
| Spec | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Max file size | 512 MB |
| Format | MP4, MOV |
| Max duration | 2 min 20 seconds |
| Resolution | 32×32 to 1920×1200 |
| Frame rate | 30 or 60 fps |
Tips for X:
- X compresses videos aggressively. Keep files under 15 MB for minimal re-compression.
- The 2:20 duration limit is strict. Use our video trimmer to cut your clip.
- 720p uploads often look better than 1080p on X because of their compression algorithm.
| Feature | Max File Size | Max Duration | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feed video | 4 GB | 240 minutes | 16:9, 1:1, 4:5 |
| Stories | 4 GB | 20 seconds | 9:16 |
| Reels | 4 GB | 60 seconds | 9:16 |
| Ads | 4 GB | 240 minutes | Varies |
Tips for Facebook:
- Facebook's compression is moderate. Files under 100 MB generally look good.
- Upload in MP4 with H.264 for best compatibility.
- 4:5 aspect ratio gets the most screen space in the mobile feed.
How to compress videos for any platform
Instead of remembering every platform's specs, follow this simple workflow:
- Export at 1080p — This is the sweet spot for all platforms.
- Compress to under 50 MB — Use our video compressor to hit your target size.
- Trim to the right length — Use our video trimmer to meet duration limits.
- Convert to MP4 if needed — Use our video converter to ensure compatibility.
FAQ
What happens if my video exceeds a platform's size limit?
Most platforms will either reject the upload or compress it automatically — often with poor results. Pre-compressing gives you control over the quality trade-off.
Should I upload 4K video to social media?
Only YouTube benefits from 4K uploads. Instagram, TikTok, and X will downscale 4K to 1080p anyway, so you're just wasting upload time. Stick with 1080p for these platforms.
Does social media reduce video quality?
Yes. Every major platform re-encodes your video to their preferred format and bitrate. The smaller your upload file, the less additional compression they apply. Pre-compressing to a reasonable size (15–50 MB) actually results in better final quality.
What video format works everywhere?
MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio is universally supported. It works on every platform, every browser, and every device. Use our video converter if your video is in a different format.