Social Media Video Specs & Aspect Ratios (2026)
Updated June 2026
Every platform has its own sweet spot for video. Post a clip in the wrong aspect ratio and it gets cropped, letterboxed, or downranked. This is a quick reference for the dimensions, lengths, and file formats that look best on each major network in 2026.
Quick reference table
| Platform | Best ratio | Resolution | Max length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instagram Reels | 9:16 | 1080×1920 | 3 min |
| Instagram feed | 4:5 | 1080×1350 | 60 min |
| X (Twitter) | 16:9 or 1:1 | 1920×1080 | 2:20 (longer for verified) |
| 16:9 or 1:1 | 1920×1080 | 10 min | |
| Facebook feed | 4:5 | 1080×1350 | 240 min |
| Facebook Reels | 9:16 | 1080×1920 | 90 sec |
| Snapchat Spotlight | 9:16 | 1080×1920 | 60 sec |
| 2:3 or 9:16 | 1080×1920 | 15 min |
Aspect ratios, explained
Aspect ratio is the shape of the frame, not its size. 9:16 is full-screen vertical — the standard for Reels, Spotlight, and Facebook Reels. 16:9 is widescreen landscape, still the norm for talking-head and screen-share content on X and LinkedIn. 4:5 is a tall portrait that fills more of a phone feed without going full vertical, which is why it performs well in the Instagram and Facebook feeds.
File format and size
- Container: MP4 (H.264 video + AAC audio) is accepted everywhere and stays small.
- Frame rate: 30fps is safe; 60fps helps for motion-heavy clips.
- Bitrate: 8–12 Mbps for 1080p is plenty; higher just inflates the file.
Why a saved video may differ
When you download a clip, you get the version the platform actually serves — which is often re-encoded and capped below the uploader's original. A vertical Reel might come back at 640px on the short side because that is the highest copy the platform exposes with audio. That is normal: tools save what is published, not the creator's master file. If you want to learn more about saving clips responsibly, see our guide on whether downloading is legal.