What Is the Optimal TikTok Video Size Ratio?
Discover the perfect TikTok video size ratio for your content with our comprehensive guide.
TikTok has rapidly become one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. Its uniquely creative format has attracted millions of users worldwide. If you're a TikTok user or content creator, you're probably aware that video is the driving force behind its popularity. So, when it comes to creating and posting TikTok videos, the size and aspect ratio are crucial factors. In this article, we'll explore the optimal TikTok video size ratio, why it's important, and how you can ensure your videos meet the recommended dimensions.
If you're creating for TikTok, it's probably worth noting you can (and should!) be doing more with your TikTok videos. You can make any video you create for TikTok interactive with Ghost's free interactive video solution. Simply upload your TikTok video, tag products or links using the interactive video tool, and add to your website content that gets way more evergreen playtime than you'll see on TikTok. But first, let's get those dimensions sorted.
Understanding TikTok Video Dimensions
TikTok's video dimensions refer to the size of the video and its aspect ratio, which is the relationship between the width and the height of the video. The aspect ratio is expressed in the form of a numerical ratio, such as 16:9 or 9:16. On TikTok, videos can be created in either horizontal or vertical formats.
The Importance of Video Size and Ratio
Video size and ratio are crucial factors that can impact user engagement and the overall viewing experience of your TikTok content. TikTok videos that don't meet the recommended dimensions may appear blurry or pixelated. They may also be cut off on some devices, making it harder for users to engage with them. Additionally, videos that don't comply with the recommended size ratios may be more challenging to frame and edit, making it harder to create visually appealing content.
TikTok's Recommended Video Dimensions
The ideal video dimensions for TikTok videos are 1080 x 1920 pixels, with an aspect ratio of 9:16. This aspect ratio is specifically designed for vertical videos and is optimised for viewing on mobile devices. However, if you want to create horizontal videos, the recommended dimensions are 1920 x 1080 pixels, with an aspect ratio of 16:9. TikTok videos that meet these recommended dimensions are more likely to be viewed and shared than those that don't.
It's important to note that TikTok's recommended video dimensions are not just arbitrary numbers. They are based on the platform's algorithms and user behaviour. TikTok is a mobile-first platform, meaning that the majority of its users access the app on their smartphones. Therefore, videos that are optimised for mobile viewing are more likely to perform well on the platform.
In addition to video size and ratio, there are other factors that can impact the success of your TikTok content. For example, the content of your video, the use of hashtags, and the timing of your post can all impact how many views and engagement your video receives.
When creating TikTok content, it's important to keep in mind that the platform is constantly evolving. As TikTok's algorithms and user behaviour change, so too may the recommended video dimensions and best practices for creating content. Therefore, it's important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices to ensure that your TikTok content is as successful as possible.
Creating the Perfect TikTok Video
Choosing the Right Aspect Ratio
As mentioned, TikTok supports both vertical and horizontal videos. However, when creating content for the platform, it's essential to consider your target audience and the type of content you're creating. For instance, if you're creating a tutorial or a step-by-step process, a vertical video may be more suitable. On the other hand, if you're showcasing a landscape or a view, a horizontal video might be the better choice.
Tips for Framing Your Content
In addition to choosing the right aspect ratio, framing your content correctly is crucial. Ideally, the most important content should be positioned in the middle of the frame, as this is where user's eyes are naturally drawn. Additionally, if you're creating a video that includes text or captions, ensure that they're positioned at the top or bottom of the frame, where they won't interferes with the central content.
Editing Your TikTok Videos
Popular Video Editing Apps
Once you've created your TikTok video, the next step is to edit it to make it as engaging and visually appealing as possible. Luckily, there are a variety of video editing apps available that can help you do this. Some popular options include InShot, Adobe Premiere Rush, and iMovie. Remember you can also transform your TikTok video into an interactive video that lives on your site using a free tool like Ghost's interactive video.
Resizing and Cropping Your Videos
Before uploading your video, ensure that it meets TikTok's recommended dimensions by resizing and cropping. If your video is too big, resizing it can preserve its quality while reducing its size. On the other hand, if it's too small, you can add borders to pad out the edges and meet the recommended dimensions.
Optimizing Your TikTok Content for Engagement
The Role of Video Size in User Experience
Video size plays a significant role in user experience on TikTok. Videos that are too large or too small can be challenging to view, leading to user frustration and disengagement. Meeting the recommended video dimensions improves the user experience and can help increase engagement on your content.
How Video Dimensions Affect Engagement Metrics
Accurately meeting the recommended video dimensions can impact your engagement metrics. When users find your videos easy to view and interact with, they're more likely to share them with others. Additionally, videos that meet recommended dimensions are likely to achieve higher view counts, likes, and followers, which can ultimately help grow your profile or brand on TikTok.
Common TikTok Video Size Issues and Solutions
Troubleshooting Video Upload Errors
If you encounter issues uploading videos to TikTok, such as a "video upload failed" error message, it may be because your video doesn't meet the recommended dimensions. Check that your video meets the 1080 x 1920 or 1920 x 1080 pixel dimensions with the correct aspect ratio, cropping and resizing where necessary.
Tips for Avoiding Video Quality Loss
If you're having issues with video quality, try exporting your video in the highest resolution possible and check the compression settings. Make sure you're not sacrificing quality for a smaller file size. To reduce file size without quality loss, try exporting your video in a compressed file format like H.264.
Conclusion
Ensuring that your TikTok videos meet the recommended dimensions is crucial for achieving optimal engagement on the platform. By understanding the importance of video size and aspect ratios, you can create visually appealing, engaging content that resonates with your followers. Remember to choose the right aspect ratio, frame your content correctly, use popular editing apps to optimize your videos, and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. By doing so, you can increase engagement, grow your profile, and achieve your TikTok goals.
Remember: TikTok success doesn't always equal business results...until now. You can take your top TikTok content and transform it into evergreen, interactive video content that lives on your website. Use Ghost's free shoppable interactive video tool now.
