TikTok video size and ad specs

What video size should a TikTok ad be?

Make TikTok ads in 9:16. TikTok's In-Feed ads page marks 9:16 as recommended, with a minimum of 540x960, and also accepts 16:9 and 1:1.

The page gives minimums only, not a recommended resolution. In practice, export AI video at a vertical size well above 540x960, such as 1080x1920, which is also the canvas the safe zone checker uses.

Generate in vertical from the start. A 16:9 or 1:1 clip is accepted, but it cannot fill a vertical screen the way a 9:16 clip does. If you only have a wide clip, convert it with the video aspect ratio converter.

How long can a TikTok ad be?

It depends on how you buy. Auction In-Feed ads can be up to 10 minutes. Reach and Frequency In-Feed ads must be 5 to 60 seconds, and TikTok recommends 9 to 15 seconds, per its Reach and Frequency page.

For AI ads, 9 to 15 seconds is three to five generated shots: a hook shot, one or two product shots and a call-to-action shot. Script to that structure first and add length only when the script needs it.

What file and bitrate does TikTok need?

Auction In-Feed files can be up to 500MB in .mp4, .mov, .mpeg, .3gp or .avi, with a bitrate of at least 516 kbps. Reach and Frequency is stricter: at least 2,500 kbps, and .avi is not listed.

Heavily compressed exports can fall under the 2,500 kbps line. Check the bitrate of the final file, not the project settings, before you upload a Reach and Frequency ad.

What are TikTok's caption and text limits?

The auction In-Feed page states no caption character count. It says the caption shows in white in a fixed font, with no clickable links, @ symbols or hashtags. The account name is one line of up to 20 characters (10 for Chinese, Japanese and Korean).

The Reach and Frequency page gives a working number: keep captions within 100 characters (50 for Chinese, Japanese and Korean) to avoid "See more" truncation. Spark Ads use the organic post's caption, and TikTok shows a maximum of 4 lines including emojis.

Because the caption cannot carry a link or hashtag, put the offer in the video as a super. Add it in the edit, not in the AI prompt, so the text is correct and sits where the interface will not cover it.

Where is the TikTok safe zone?

TikTok publishes its In-Feed safe zone only as downloadable template files. The page text gives no figures, and says the zone changes with orientation, caption length and whether anchors are used.

Our TikTok safe zone tool uses an approximation based on Meta's and Google's published margins, and says so. Treat it as a guide, and check against TikTok's template for exact work. A longer caption covers more of the bottom of the frame.

What does TikTok not state officially?

TikTok does not state a recommended resolution for In-Feed ads, a caption character limit for auction In-Feed ads, or safe zone figures in page text. Where a value is missing, the tables say "Not stated".

For Spark Ads, the In-Feed page lists no aspect ratio, resolution or file size, because the ad uses an existing organic post.

How did we handle conflicts between TikTok's pages?

Spark Ads length is the one conflict. The In-Feed ads page says "No restrictions" on Spark Ads length, while the Spark Ads overview says videos can be sparked up to 10 minutes. The table shows the In-Feed page value with this note; plan for 10 minutes as the safe ceiling.

Preview the cut with a caption and button in the ad mockup generator, which uses generic UI. If you make AI ads that already perform, see how Anglr works for creators.