Cheat Sheet: Video Advertising Specs for Every Social Media Channel

Navigating the ever-changing landscape of social media can be challenging, especially when it comes to creating and optimizing video ads. But fear not, because this is your ultimate guide, providing you with all the essential video advertising specifications for platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and many more.
Cheat Sheet: Video Advertising Specs for Every Social Media Channel
Author
Isaiah Shelton
Updated on
October 13, 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Trying to keep up with the constantly changing trends across social media can be dizzying – especially when video is involved! Every social channel has their own unique specifications when it comes to uploading content, so we wanted to create a fun, easy-to-use guide for your reference.

Check it out below – go directly to the platform you’re exploring and get to know every type of video ad unit they offer, along with specifications, content tips, and more.

Source: Typeform

Facebook Video Specs

Whether you’re launching a video organically or running paid ads, Facebook is the biggest social network for brands and people alike. Although waning in popularity, Facebook is still the most used social media network of all, with more than one billion active users. That’s a huge audience – and armed with the proper Facebook ad specs, your video is sure to be a major success.

Source: Adweek

Check out some of the most common Facebook video dimensions below.

Feed Video


Size: 1280 x 720 px
Minimum Width: 600 px
Supported Aspect Ratios: 16:9 (full landscape), 1:1 (square), 4:5 (vertical), 2:3 (vertical), 9:16 (full portrait)
Specs: MP4 or MOV format, maximum length 240 minutes, maximum file size 4 GB
Placement: Natively on Facebook Feed

In-Stream Video Ads


Size: 1280 x 720 px
Minimum Sizes: 600 x 315 px (1.9:1 landscape) or 600 x 600 px (1:1 square)
Supported Aspect Ratios: 16:9 (full landscape), 1:1 (square), 4:5 (vertical), 2:3 (vertical), 9:16 (full portrait)
Specs: MP4 or MOV format, maximum length 15 seconds, maximum file size 4 GB
Placement: Mid-roll during a video

Carousel Video Ads


Size: 1080 x 1080 px
Minimum Size: 600 x 600 px
Supported Aspect Ratios: 1:1 (square)
Specs: MP4 or MOV format, maximum length 240 minutes, maximum file size 4 GB, between 2 and 10 videos
Placement: Natively on Facebook Feed, Marketplace, or Instant Articles

Messenger Ads


Size: 1280 x 720 px
Supported Aspect Ratios: 16:9 (horizontal) to 1.91:1 (horizontal)
Specs: MP4 or MOV format, maximum length 240 minutes, maximum file size 4 GB
Placement: Natively on Facebook Messenger through Home or Sponsored Messages

Length

Though video length maximums are much higher, we recommend keeping your Facebook videos between 15 and 90 seconds long. This gives you enough time to communicate your brand message succinctly and memorably.

Content

Facebook video content should be fun, relatable, and goal-specific.

Do’s:

  • Use close-ups of happy faces.
  • Use animation.
  • Use brand colors and logos.
  • Use music and/or subtitles where appropriate.

Don’ts:

  • Tell long, complicated stories.
  • Use visuals unrelated to your brand, product, or service.
  • Be vulgar, controversial, or otherwise go against Facebook guidelines.
  • Overwhelm the video with written copy.

Instagram Video Specs

Great for highly visual brands, Instagram is a must for any company hoping to reach younger, more engaged audiences. Owned by Facebook, Instagram shares a large portion of the same audience, though their browsing behavior indicates a greater openness to brand advertising. Use these Instagram ad specs to knock your next insta-post out of the park and gain some new followers while you’re at it.

Source: Eyebridge

Check out some of the most common Instagram video dimensions below.

In-Feed Video and Video Ads


Size: 600 x 600 px (square), 600 x 315 px (horizontal), and 600 x 750 px (vertical)
Supported Aspect Ratios: 1:1 (square), 1.9:1 (horizontal), 4:5 (vertical)
Specs: MP4 or MOV format, maximum length 60 seconds, maximum file size 4 GB
Placement: Natively on Instagram Feed

Carousel Video Ads


Size: 1080 x 1080 px
Minimum Size: 600 x 600 px
Supported Aspect Ratios: 1:1 (square)
Specs: MP4 or MOV format, maximum length 60 seconds
Placement: Natively on Instagram Feed

Stories Video Ads


Size: 1080 x 1920 px
Minimum Size: 600 x 1067 px
Supported Aspect Ratios: 16:9 to 4:5 and 9:16
Specs: MP4 or MOV format, maximum length 60 seconds, maximum file size 4 GB
Placement: Between user Instagram Stories

Length

Anywhere between 15 and 60 seconds is optimal for video ads on Instagram, giving you the opportunity to tell a short story creatively, or use impactful imagery in montage for ultimate effect.

Content

Instagram video content should be fun, aesthetically pleasing, and impactful.

Do’s:

  • Use animation.
  • Use music.
  • Use brand colors and logos.
  • Use bright, attention-grabbing visuals.
  • Include a CTA.

Don’ts:

  • Use voiceover – Instagram does not caption their videos.
  • Use static video.
  • Use wide shots.
  • Align text to close to the edges.

LinkedIn Video Specs

Want to reach other business professionals? LinkedIn is the place to be! Use LinkedIn for B2B outreach and brand awareness. Thanks to narrow targeting options and a work-ready mindset, the LinkedIn audience is one of the best when you’re trying to reach decision-makers or executives with buying power.

With the right ad strategy in place, these LinkedIn ad specs are sure to make a difference in your next major video campaign.

Source: LinkedIn

Check out some of the most common LinkedIn video dimensions below.

In-Feed Video


Minimum Size: 256 x 144 px
Maximum Size: 4096 x 2304 px
Supported Aspect Ratios: 1:2.4 to 2.4:1
Specs: ASF, AVI, FLV, MPEG-1, MPEG-4, MKV, QuickTime, WebM, H264/AVC, MP4, VP8, VP9, WMV2, and WMV3 formats, maximum length 10 minutes, maximum file size 5 GB
Placement: Natively on LinkedIn Feed

Video Ads


Maximum Size: 1920 x 1080 px
Minimum Size: 480 x 360 px
Supported Aspect Ratios: 4:3 (horizontal), 16:9 (horizontal), 1:1 (square)
Specs: MP4, maximum length 30 minutes, maximum file size 200 MB
Placement: Natively on LinkedIn Feed

Length

The videos that perform the best on LinkedIn are typically under 15 seconds. We recommend keeping your video ads under 30 seconds, but organic Feed video should be anywhere from 15 to 90 seconds, giving your more time to develop your brand message.

Content

LinkedIn video can tell your brand’s story, highlight a great interview, or show off your industry knowledge.

Do’s:

  • Use close-ups of happy faces.
  • Pack the first 10 seconds of your video with the most important details.
  • Use bright, impactful visuals.
  • Use music and/or subtitles where appropriate.

Don’ts:

  • Be overly promotional.
  • Expect users to know your brand.
  • Be boring, stiff, or impersonal.
  • Make your video longer than it needs to be.

Twitter Video Specs

Twitter is the perfect platform for entertaining your viewers, sharing industry tips and tricks, communicating special promotions, and more! Most organic content on Twitter has a short lifespan, which makes video ads on the platform all the more powerful. Once you get started, you’re likely to find the low cost and high return a major benefit.

Use these Twitter ad specs to start experimenting today!

Source: B&T

Check out some of the most common Twitter video dimensions below.

Promoted Video

Size: 1280 x 720 px (horizontal), 720 x 1280 px (vertical), 720 x 720 px (square)
Minimum Size: 32 x 32 px
Maximum Size: 1920 x 1200 px
Supported Aspect Ratios: 1:2.39 to 2.39:1 (inclusive)
Specs: MP4 or MOV format, maximum length 140 seconds, maximum file size 512 MB, must use progressive scan, must have 1:1 pixel ratio, audio should be mono or stereo, not 5.1 or greater
Placement: Natively on Twitter Feed or as premium video content pre-roll

Length

The maximum length for any video on Twitter is two minutes and 20 seconds – meaning shorter is better! We recommend keeping Twitter videos between 15 and 30 seconds, and using short, succinct copy to give any pertinent details.

Content

Twitter content has a short lifespan, so it’s important to make your video as attention-grabbing as possible.

Do’s:

  • Include a CTA.
  • Be mobile-friendly.
  • Use bright, impactful imagery.
  • Hook your viewer in the first few seconds.
  • Use music and captions where appropriate.

Don’ts:

  • Make your video longer than it needs to be.
  • Focus on too many different things.
  • Be overly formal or serious.
  • Be afraid of using user-generated content.

Pinterest Video Specs

Help users discover your brand with the perfect Pinterest video! Super engaging and highly visual, it’s one of the most popular platforms for young, creative people across the world. The best part? Pinterest ad specs are clear and easy to understand, and the interface is user-friendly, making uploading your first video ad a breeze.

Source: Pinterest

Check out some of the most common Pinterest video dimensions below.

Promoted Video


Size: 600 x 600 px (square), 600 x 900 px (vertical)
Minimum Resolution: 240 ppi
Supported Aspect Ratios: 1:1 (square), 9:16 (vertical)
Specs: MP4 or MOV format, maximum length 30 minutes, maximum file size 2 GB
Placement: Natively on Pinterest Feed, one or two columns wide

Length

Keep your Pinterest video short and to the point – we recommend keeping it under 15 seconds. This gives you a great opportunity to highlight your product or service, and its best features.

Content

Because Pinterest is so visual, short, clear videos perform best.

Do’s:

  • Keep your visuals bright, but simple.
  • Focus on the product you’re featuring.
  • Use close-ups of happy faces.
  • Use brand colors and logos.
  • Use how-to, product, and DIY videos.

Don’ts:

  • Rely on voiceover or audio to communicate your message.
  • Use interviews, industry, or thought leadership videos.
  • Make your video longer than 30 seconds.
  • Don’t forget: videos autoplay silently when they’re 50 percent in view.

Amazon Video Specs

The first stop for anyone looking to make a purchase, adding video to your Amazon listing or running Amazon ads could be what takes your online marketplace to the next level. And since so few companies are taking full advantage of Amazon’s video capabilities, these Amazon ad specs are sure to come in handy, helping your company stand out from the competition.

Source: Amazon

Check out some of the most common Amazon video dimensions below.

Product Video


Size: 1920 x 1080 px
Minimum Size: 1280 x 720 px
Supported Aspect Ratios: 16:9 (horizontal)
Specs: 3GP, AVI, AAC, MP4, FLV, MOV, or MPEG-2 format
Placement: Specific Amazon product pages through Seller Central

Amazon Video Ad


Size: 1920 x 1080 px
Supported Aspect Ratios: 16:9 (horizontal)
Specs: H.264, MPEG-2, or MP4 format, maximum video length 3 minutes, maximum file size 500 MB
Placement: Amazon websites and mobile apps

DSP (Demand-Side Platform) Video Ad


Size: 1920 x 1080 px (630 x 360 px for third-party served)
Supported Aspect Ratios: 16:9 (horizontal)
Specs: MP4, WebM, or FLV format, maximum length 120 seconds
Placement: Across the web

Length

Keep your Amazon video to 30 seconds or less, focusing primarily on your product.

Content

Don’t tell a story – use this video to highlight the benefits and features of your product only. That means focusing on close-ups of your product, showing off the product label or packaging, and possibly a quick how-to or demonstration.

Do’s:

  • Keep your video short and focused.
  • Keep your background simple.
  • Vary your product angles – include close-ups, in-action shots, and wider shots.
  • Include product name and relevant dimensions.

Don’ts:

  • Forget to update the video’s title and description.
  • Try to do too much in one single video.
  • Dress this video up too much – keep things standard and answer only the most practical questions.
  • Forget mobile – make your video mobile friendly.

YouTube Video Specs

YouTube is undoubtedly the king of online video. If you want to embed a video on your website, promote it on any social media platform, or share it with virtually anyone, YouTube is the place to start.

Even if you don’t run ads on YouTube, using it as a hosting option is likely a solid bet. With tons of upload sizing options, you can use these YouTube ad specs as a gauge to measure your video’s overall effectiveness and online compatibility.

Source: AdAge

Check out some of the most common YouTube video dimensions below.

YouTube Player


Sizes: 426 x 240 px (240p), 640 x 360 px (360p), 854 x 480 px (480p), 1280 x 720 px (720p), 1920 x 1080 px (1080p), 2560 x 1440 px (1440p), and 3840 x 2160 px (2160p)
Minimum Size: 426 x 240 px
Maximum Size: 3840 x 2160 px
Supported Aspect Ratios: 16:9 and 4:3
Specs: MOV, MPEG4, MP4, AVI, WMV, MPEGPS, FLV, 3GPP, or WebM format, maximum length 12 hours, maximum file size 128 GB

YouTube Video Ads

Same as above, except:

Skippable Video Ads: Maximum length 12 hours, skippable after 5 seconds
Unskippable Video Ads: Maximum length of 15, 20, or 30 seconds (depending on region)
Mid-Roll Video Ads: Minimum length 30 seconds
Bumper Video Ads: Maximum length 6 seconds

Length

Videos on YouTube can be almost any length. Keep your brand videos and commercials under 3 minutes, webinars and long-form video content under 1 hour, and social media content under 30 seconds.

Content

Here, almost anything goes! Because YouTube is just the hosting platform, the content you upload can vary as much as you’d like. Use it for everything from brand videos to behind-the-scenes content and more.

Do’s:

  • Remember the audience you’re targeting.
  • Keep an eye on success metrics.
  • Include an attractive thumbnail.
  • Embed and share your YouTube video links everywhere you can.
  • Publish consistently.

Don’ts:

  • Focus on going “viral.”
  • Forget to include metadata on every video you publish.
  • Upload low quality videos.
  • Make YouTube your video’s final destination.

Are You Ready?

The opportunities for using video content are honestly endless – as social media platforms continue to expand their offerings and the popularity of video continues to grow, video is taking on a larger and larger role as a major driver of ROI.

If you aren’t using video on your social platforms yet, now is definitely the time to start!

See how video can help you attract more customers and make more sales. Download this guide and keep this information at your fingertips. And when you’re ready to make your next social media video, give us a call!