Social media video specs for 2026
Maximum length, the length that actually performs, and the aspect ratio to export for every major short-form platform. Updated .
| Platform | Maximum length | Length that performs | Aspect ratio | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube Shorts | 3 minutes | 20–60 seconds | 9:16 (vertical) or 1:1 | Raised from 60 seconds in late 2024. Must be vertical or square to count as a Short. |
| TikTok | 60 minutes (upload) | 20–60 seconds | 9:16 | In-app recording has a shorter limit than uploads. |
| Instagram Reels | 3 minutes (longer for some accounts) | 15–60 seconds | 9:16 | Instagram says very long Reels may not be recommended to non-followers. |
| Facebook Reels | Similar to Instagram Reels | 15–60 seconds | 9:16 | Regular (non-Reel) Facebook videos can be much longer. |
| 15 min desktop · 10 min mobile | 30–90 seconds | 1:2.4 to 2.4:1 (1:1, 4:5, 9:16 all work) | 3-second minimum, files up to 5 GB, resolution up to 4096×2304. | |
| X (Twitter) | About 2 min 20 s (standard accounts) | 30–90 seconds | 16:9, 1:1 or 9:16 | Paid tiers allow much longer uploads. |
| Threads | 5 minutes | 15–60 seconds | 9:16 or 4:5 | |
| Bluesky | 3 minutes (raised during 2025; check the app) | 15–60 seconds | 9:16, 1:1 or 16:9 | |
| Twitch clips | 60 seconds | 15–45 seconds | 16:9 (source) | Clips run 5 to 60 seconds. Reframe to 9:16 before posting to short-form apps. |
Platforms change limits often and roll them out gradually. Confirm in each app before planning a long format.
The safe default for one clip, many platforms
Export a 1080×1920 (9:16) version for TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram and Facebook Reels and Threads, plus a 1:1 or 4:5 version for LinkedIn and X. Keep the clip under 60 seconds, put the hook in the first two seconds, and burn in captions — most feed video is watched with the sound off.
Length limits are ceilings, not targets. Platforms reward completion and rewatches, so a 25-second clip people finish usually beats a 2-minute clip they abandon. More on that in why completion rate beats video length and ideal short-form length by platform.
LinkedIn video specs in detail
LinkedIn accepts native video from 3 seconds to 15 minutes when uploaded from desktop (10 minutes from the mobile app), files from 75 KB to 5 GB, and aspect ratios anywhere between 1:2.4 and 2.4:1, at up to 4096×2304. MP4 is the safest format. For B2B clips cut from webinars and podcasts, 30 to 90 seconds with captions is the range most viewers finish — see best clip length for LinkedIn video.
Video specs FAQ
What is the recommended video length for LinkedIn?
30 to 90 seconds for feed clips. LinkedIn accepts videos from 3 seconds up to 15 minutes on desktop (10 minutes from the mobile app), but short, captioned clips are what most people finish.
How long can a YouTube Short be?
Up to 3 minutes, as long as the video is vertical or square.
What aspect ratio should short-form video be?
9:16 vertical (1080×1920) works on TikTok, Reels, Shorts, Threads and Facebook Reels. Use 1:1 or 4:5 when the same clip also goes to LinkedIn or X feeds.
What is the best length for a TikTok or Reel?
Whatever length people watch to the end. For clips cut from podcasts and streams, 20 to 60 seconds is a reliable starting point.
How do I make one clip fit every platform?
Cut it to 60 seconds or less, export 9:16 for short-form apps plus 1:1 or 4:5 for feeds, and burn in captions. OptimaClip exports 9:16, 1:1, 16:9 and 4:5 from the same clip.
Make every size from one long video
OptimaClip finds the best moments in a podcast, stream or webinar, captions them, and exports 9:16, 1:1, 16:9 and 4:5 versions. On the Creator plan and up it also schedules them to the eight platforms above (all but Twitch).
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