Social Media Video Specs 2026 — Resolution, Bitrate & Format by Platform
The recommended upload specs for every major platform in 2026 — resolution, aspect ratio, frame rate, bitrate and codec — in one chart, plus the one export file that works everywhere.
Video specs 2026 — one chart
This is the current reference for how to export video for every major platform in 2026: the recommended resolution, aspect ratio, frame rate, bitrate and codec. The short-form platforms have converged on one standard, so a single export usually covers most of them — the per-platform catches are in the notes.
| Platform | Resolution | Aspect | FPS | Bitrate | Codec / format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TikTok | 1080×1920 | 9:16 | 30 (60 ok) | 10–15 Mbps | H.264 MP4, AAC audio |
| Instagram Reels | 1080×1920 | 9:16 | 30 (60 ok) | 8–10 Mbps | H.264 MP4, AAC audio |
| Instagram Feed video | 1080×1350 | 4:5 | 30 | 8–10 Mbps | H.264 MP4 |
| YouTube Shorts | 1080×1920 (up to 4K) | 9:16 | 30–60 | 10–20 Mbps | H.264 / VP9, MP4 |
| YouTube (standard) | 1920×1080 (up to 4K/8K) | 16:9 | 24–60 | 8–45 Mbps (res-dependent) | H.264 / HEVC / VP9, MP4 |
| Facebook Reels / feed | 1080×1920 | 9:16 | 30 | 8–12 Mbps | H.264 MP4, AAC audio |
| X / Twitter | 1920×1080 or 1080×1920 | 16:9 / 9:16 | 30–60 | 6–10 Mbps | H.264 MP4 (max 512 MB / 2h20 Premium) |
| 1080×1920 or 1920×1080 | 9:16 / 16:9 / 1:1 | 30 | 5–10 Mbps | H.264 MP4 (max 5 GB) | |
| 1080×1920 | 9:16 (2:3, 1:1 ok) | 24–30 | 6–10 Mbps | H.264 / HEVC, MP4 / MOV | |
| Snapchat Spotlight | 1080×1920 | 9:16 | 30 | 8–12 Mbps | H.264 MP4, AAC audio |
The one export that works almost everywhere
For short-form vertical video, one file covers TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Facebook Reels and X: 1080×1920 (9:16), 30 fps, H.264 in an MP4, 8–12 Mbps, AAC audio at 256 kbps (48 kHz). Export once at these settings and you avoid re-compression artefacts on upload. Only step outside it when a platform needs 16:9 (YouTube standard, some X and LinkedIn posts) or 4:5 feed video on Instagram.
Why bitrate matters more than resolution
Every platform re-compresses on upload, so pushing a clean, high-bitrate source gives the compressor more to work with and your final video looks sharper. Under-shooting bitrate is the most common cause of blocky motion — stay at the top of each platform's recommended range rather than the minimum.
FAQ
What is the best video resolution for social media in 2026?
1080×1920 (9:16) is the standard for short-form on TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Facebook Reels and X. For landscape YouTube use 1920×1080 (16:9); both can go up to 4K where supported.
What bitrate should I use for Reels, Shorts and TikTok?
Aim for 8–12 Mbps H.264 for 1080p vertical video. TikTok recommends 10–15 Mbps and YouTube Shorts up to 10–20 Mbps; staying near the top of the range survives re-compression better.
Can one exported file be used on every platform?
Yes for short-form: 1080×1920, 9:16, 30 fps, H.264 MP4, 8–12 Mbps, AAC audio works on TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Facebook Reels and X. Use 16:9 only for landscape YouTube/LinkedIn.
What video format do social platforms prefer?
MP4 with the H.264 codec and AAC audio is universally supported and keeps file sizes manageable. HEVC/VP9 are accepted by YouTube and Pinterest but H.264 avoids compatibility issues.
What frame rate is best for social video?
30 fps is the standard; 60 fps is optional for smoother motion and fast action. Match your source frame rate rather than converting, which can introduce stutter.