TikTok Video Size Guide 2026: Best Dimensions, Ratios & How to Resize Videos

If you’ve ever uploaded a video to TikTok and noticed it looked cropped, zoomed in, or blurry, you’re not alone. Getting the right TikTok video size is one of the most overlooked details, and one of the most important.

In 2026, TikTok is fully vertical, mobile-first, and extremely visual. Videos that don’t fit TikTok’s recommended size can lose quality. They might get cropped oddly or perform poorly in the feed. This guide covers everything you need to know about TikTok video dimensions, aspect ratios, and how to resize videos properly.

1. Why TikTok Video Size Matters in 2026

TikTok has evolved far beyond a trend-based app. It’s now one of the most powerful discovery platforms for creators, brands, and businesses.

But here’s the problem: Even a great video can underperform if the TikTok video size is wrong.

Uploading a horizontal or square video often leads to:

• Black bars on the screen
• Zoomed-in crops
• Cut-off captions or faces
• Lower watch time

TikTok’s algorithm favors content that looks native. Videos that fill the screen feel intentional, immersive, and easier to watch.

Here’s why getting the TikTok video sizes right matters:

• Better engagement: Full-screen videos keep users watching longer
• No awkward cropping: Faces, text, and products stay visible
• Professional appearance: Your content looks intentional, not repurposed
• Algorithm-friendly: Properly sized videos perform better in the For You feed

In short: Correct TikTok video size = better retention, cleaner visuals, stronger results.

Video size is only one part of performance. Posting at the right time also matters, which we break down in our Best Time to Post on TikTok in 2026 guide.

2. Understanding TikTok Video Size, Aspect Ratio & Resolution

Before jumping into exact dimensions, let’s clear up two key terms that confuse many creators.

Aspect Ratio

Aspect ratio shows the shape of your video. It is the relationship between width and height.

Common TikTok-related ratios:

• 9:16 – Full-screen vertical (TikTok’s native format)
• 1:1 – Square (not recommended in 2026)
• 16:9 – Horizontal (often cropped or letterboxed)

When people ask about TikTok video size, they often mean 9:16. This format fills the whole phone screen.

Resolution (Pixels)

Resolution is measured in pixels and defines how sharp your video looks.

For TikTok:

• 1080 × 1920 pixels is the gold standard
• Lower resolutions risk blur and compression
• Higher resolutions are scaled down anyway

Rule of thumb: Always upload vertical videos that are at least 1080 pixels wide.

3. Quick Reference Sheet: TikTok Video Size Guide

Here’s the recommended TikTok video size you should use in 2026:

Format	Recommended Size	Aspect Ratio
Standard TikTok Video	1080 × 1920 px	9:16
TikTok Ads	1080 × 1920 px	9:16
TikTok Profile Video	1080 × 1920 px	9:16
Carousel Images (if used)	1080 × 1920 px	9:16

Best overall choice: 1080 × 1920 pixels (9:16)

This fills the screen perfectly on all modern smartphones.

Technical Specifications

In addition to dimensions, keep these TikTok upload limits in mind:

• Maximum video duration: 10 minutes
• Maximum file size: 500MB
• Supported formats: MP4, WebM, MOV
• Photo carousel: Up to 35 images per post

4. TikTok Video Size Ratio Explained (9:16 vs Other Formats)

The most important TikTok video size ratio is 9:16. Why 9:16 works best:

• It fills the entire phone screen
• No black bars
• No forced cropping
• Feels native to TikTok

Other ratios (like 1:1 or 16:9) still upload, but:

• TikTok adds padding or crops automatically
• Key elements can get cut off
• Videos feel repurposed instead of designed for TikTok

If you want your content to look native, 9:16 is non-negotiable in 2026.

5. TikTok Video Size in Inches (What It Really Means)

Some creators search for TikTok video size in inches, but here’s the truth:

TikTok doesn’t use inches, it uses pixels and aspect ratio. Inches depend on the physical screen size of the phone:

• A 6.1-inch phone
• A 6.7-inch phone
• A tablet

Your video stays 1080 × 1920 pixels, and TikTok scales it automatically to fit each screen. So instead of worrying about inches:

• Focus on 9:16 aspect ratio
• Use 1080 × 1920 px resolution

That guarantees perfect display across all devices.

6. Best Practices for Perfect TikTok Videos

When your TikTok video size is correct, follow these tips to boost performance, engage viewers, and enhance visual quality. Small adjustments in layout and quality can make a big difference in how long people watch your videos and whether they engage.

Stick to Vertical (9:16)

TikTok is built for full-screen, vertical viewing. Using the 9:16 TikTok video size makes sure your content fills the whole screen. This way, you avoid black bars and awkward cropping.

Square or horizontal videos often feel repurposed and can reduce immersion. Unless you have a specific creative reason, always design your videos vertically from the start. Native-looking videos perform better and feel more natural in the For You feed.

Keep Resolution High

Always start with high-quality footage. TikTok compresses every video during upload, so low-resolution videos can end up looking soft or blurry.

For best results:

• Export at 1080 × 1920 pixels
• Use clear, well-lit footage
• Avoid re-exporting the same video multiple times

Providing TikTok with clear, high-res images keeps them sharp after compression. This makes your content look more professional.

Respect Safe Zones

TikTok overlays interface elements on top of your video, including captions, profile info, and action buttons. If text or faces sit too close to the edges, they can be covered.

Avoid placing important elements near:

• Bottom (caption and description area)
• Right side (like, comment, and share icons)
• Top (profile name and follow button)

Keep key visuals and text centered in the middle portion of the frame. This ensures your message stays visible on all devices and screen sizes.

Design for Sound-Off & Sound-On Viewing

While TikTok is an audio-driven platform, many users scroll with the sound off at first. If your message only works with audio, you may lose viewers quickly.

Best practice:

• Use clear visuals that communicate meaning without sound
• Add short on-screen text or captions
• Pair visuals with audio, not the other way around

This approach makes your videos easy to access. It boosts watch time and grabs viewers right away, no matter if the sound is on or off.

7. Save Time with Viraly: Resize & Schedule TikTok Videos the Right Way

Getting the correct TikTok video size shouldn’t slow down your content workflow. Resizing videos for each platform can be frustrating and take a lot of time.

Viraly makes this process simple. You don’t need to export multiple video versions. Just upload your content once and adjust it to the TikTok size (9:16) right on the platform.

With Viraly, you can:

• Set the exact TikTok video size ratio (9:16) so your videos display full-screen without black bars or unwanted cropping
• Preview how your video will look on TikTok before publishing, including safe zones for captions and icons
• Reframe horizontal or square videos by choosing the best crop instead of letting TikTok auto-crop them
• Schedule TikTok videos in advance, so you don’t have to post manually every day

This means you don’t need separate tools just to change video format to TikTok size. Viraly handles the resizing and scheduling in one workflow, saving time while keeping your videos optimized.

How to Resize a Video for TikTok Using Viraly

Step 1 – Upload your video to the Viraly post composer and select TikTok as the destination. If the video isn’t in the correct TikTok video size, Viraly will notify you.

Step 2 – Open the built-in video editor and choose the 9:16 aspect ratio, which is optimized for TikTok. You can reposition the frame so faces, text, and key elements stay centered and visible.

Step 3 – Preview your resized video and schedule it. Viraly ensures your video is exported in the correct TikTok video size (1080 × 1920), ready to publish without quality loss.

The Viraly TikTok post scheduler simplifies your workflow by managing video resizing, previews, and scheduling all in one place. This way, you can concentrate on creating content without stressing over dimensions.

Once your video is resized correctly, the next step is publishing it consistently. If you’re unsure how that works, see our How to Schedule TikTok Posts (Step-by-Step Guide for 2026) for a complete walkthrough.

8. Common TikTok Video Size Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Uploading horizontal videos without resizing
❌ Letting TikTok auto-crop important content
❌ Placing text too close to UI elements
❌ Exporting low-resolution clips
❌ Using square videos in 2026

Avoid these, and your content instantly looks more professional.

9. Why Your TikTok Videos Look Blurry (And How to Fix It)

One of the most common complaints creators have is blurry TikTok videos after uploading. Here’s why it happens and how to prevent it.

Why TikTok Videos Get Blurry

• Low source resolution: If your original video is under 1080p, TikTok’s compression makes it worse
• TikTok’s compression: Every video gets compressed during upload, regardless of quality
• Wrong aspect ratio: Videos not in 9:16 get zoomed or cropped, reducing sharpness
• Poor lighting: Dark or poorly lit footage compresses badly
• Multiple re-exports: Each time you export a video, quality degrades

How to Upload High Quality Videos to TikTok

1. Record in 1080p or higher – Give TikTok the best source material possible
2. Export at 1080 × 1920 pixels – Match TikTok’s native resolution exactly
3. Use good lighting – Well-lit footage compresses much better
4. Export with high bitrate – Use 10-15 Mbps for optimal quality
5. Avoid re-exporting – Edit from your original footage, not a previously exported file
6. Enable “Upload HD” in TikTok settings – Go to Settings → Data Saver → Turn off to allow HD uploads

Pro tip: TikTok compresses all videos, so uploading in 4K won’t give you better quality than 1080p. Stick to 1080 × 1920 to save storage and upload time.

10. How to Convert Horizontal Videos to TikTok Format (16:9 to 9:16)

Have a horizontal 16:9 video you want to post on TikTok? Here’s how to convert it to the vertical 9:16 TikTok video size without losing quality or important content.

Option 1: Crop and Reframe

The most common approach is to crop your horizontal video to fit 9:16. This works best when your subject is centered.

• Open your video in an editor (CapCut, Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve)
• Change the project aspect ratio to 9:16
• Reposition the video frame to keep faces and key elements visible
• Export at 1080 × 1920 pixels

Option 2: Add Blur Background

If cropping cuts off too much content, add a blurred version of your video as the background:

• Create a 9:16 canvas
• Place your original 16:9 video in the center
• Duplicate it, scale it up, and apply a heavy blur effect behind
• This fills the vertical space without losing any content

Option 3: Split Screen or Add Graphics

Use the extra vertical space creatively by adding text overlays, captions, or complementary graphics above or below your horizontal footage.

How to Turn 16:9 Video to TikTok Format in CapCut

1. Open CapCut and start a new project
2. Tap “Format” or “Ratio” and select 9:16
3. Import your horizontal video
4. Pinch to resize and drag to reposition the frame
5. Export at 1080p quality

How to Convert Video to 9:16 in Canva

1. Create a new design with “TikTok Video” dimensions (1080 × 1920)
2. Upload and drag your video onto the canvas
3. Resize and position the video to fit the vertical frame
4. Add background effects or colors if needed
5. Download as MP4

11. TikTok Export Settings for Popular Editing Software

Here are the optimal export settings for TikTok across the most popular video editing tools.

Adobe Premiere Pro TikTok Export Settings

• Format: H.264
• Resolution: 1080 × 1920 (set sequence to 9:16 first)
• Frame rate: 30fps or 60fps
• Bitrate: VBR 2-pass, Target 10 Mbps, Max 15 Mbps
• Audio: AAC, 48kHz, 320kbps

To set up a TikTok sequence: File → New → Sequence → Settings → Frame Size: 1080 × 1920

DaVinci Resolve TikTok Export Settings

• Format: MP4
• Codec: H.264
• Resolution: 1080 × 1920 (create vertical timeline first)
• Frame rate: 30fps
• Quality: Restrict to 15,000 Kb/s or use “Best” quality

To create vertical timeline: Project Settings → Master Settings → Timeline Resolution: 1080 × 1920

CapCut TikTok Export Settings

• Resolution: 1080p
• Frame rate: 30fps
• Format: 9:16 (select before editing)

CapCut automatically optimizes for TikTok when you select the 9:16 format.

iPhone/iMovie TikTok Settings

• Record video holding your phone vertically
• In iMovie, create a new project and add your vertical clip
• Export at 1080p quality
• For better control, use CapCut or InShot on iPhone

Quick Export Settings Reference Table

Setting	Recommended Value
Resolution	1080 × 1920 px
Aspect Ratio	9:16
Format	MP4 (H.264)
Frame Rate	30fps or 60fps
Bitrate	10-15 Mbps
Audio	AAC, 48kHz
Max File Size	500MB
Max Duration	10 minutes

12. Wrapping Up: Focus on Content, Not Cropping

Your audience cares about your message, but presentation matters. Using the right TikTok video size keeps your creativity intact. It prevents issues like bad cropping, black bars, and blurry exports.

Once sizing is handled properly, you can focus on:

• Storytelling
• Trends
• Hooks
• Consistency

Get the technical side right once, and TikTok becomes much easier.

13. FAQs

Q: What is the best TikTok video size in 2026?
A: 1080 × 1920 pixels with a 9:16 aspect ratio.

Q: What is the TikTok video size ratio?
A: TikTok’s native video size ratio is 9:16.

Q: How do I change video format to TikTok size 9:16?
A: TikTok officially uses 9:16. Set your canvas to 9:16 (1080 × 1920) and reposition your content.

Q: How do I change video to TikTok size in CapCut?
A: Use CapCut’s 9:16 format preset, adjust framing, and export at 1080 × 1920.

Q: Does TikTok use inches for video size?
A: No. TikTok uses pixels and aspect ratios. Inches vary by device.

Q: Can I upload horizontal videos to TikTok?
A: You can, but they won’t perform as well. Vertical 9:16 videos are strongly recommended.

Q: How long can TikTok videos be in 2026?
A: TikTok videos can be up to 10 minutes long. However, shorter videos (15-60 seconds) typically perform better for engagement and reach.

Q: Does TikTok support 4K video?
A: TikTok compresses all uploads, so 4K won’t give you better quality than 1080p. Upload at 1080 × 1920 pixels to save storage and upload time while maintaining optimal quality.

Q: Why are my TikTok videos blurry after uploading?
A: Blurry videos typically result from: low-resolution source footage, TikTok’s compression, incorrect aspect ratio causing zoom/crop, or poor lighting. Always upload at 1080 × 1920 pixels in 9:16 ratio with good lighting.

Q: Why does TikTok zoom in on my video?
A: TikTok zooms or crops videos that aren’t in 9:16 aspect ratio to fill the screen. Upload vertical 9:16 videos (1080 × 1920 px) to prevent unwanted zooming and cropping.

Q: How do I convert a 16:9 horizontal video to 9:16 for TikTok?
A: Use video editing tools like CapCut, Canva, Premiere Pro, or DaVinci Resolve. Change the aspect ratio to 9:16, then crop/reposition your content or add blur backgrounds to fit vertically.

Q: What is the maximum file size for TikTok videos?
A: The maximum file size is 500MB. Supported formats are MP4, WebM, and MOV.

Q: How do I remove black bars from my TikTok video?
A: Black bars appear when your video isn’t 9:16 aspect ratio. Re-export your video at 1080 × 1920 pixels (9:16) using a video editor, ensuring content fills the entire frame.

Q: What export settings should I use for TikTok in Premiere Pro?
A: Export as H.264 MP4, 1080 × 1920 resolution, 9:16 aspect ratio, 30fps (or 60fps), with a bitrate of 10-15 Mbps for optimal quality.

Q: Should I record in 4K or 1080p for TikTok?
A: 1080p is sufficient since TikTok compresses all videos anyway. Recording in 4K uses more storage and upload time without providing a quality benefit on the platform.

Q: How do I make my TikTok videos not blurry?
A: Record in good lighting, export at 1080 × 1920 pixels, use 9:16 aspect ratio, set bitrate to 10-15 Mbps, and avoid re-exporting videos multiple times. Also enable HD uploads in TikTok’s settings.

Q: What resolution does TikTok use?
A: TikTok displays videos at approximately 1080 × 1920 pixels (1080p). This is considered the optimal upload resolution for the platform.

Q: How many pixels is a TikTok video?
A: The recommended TikTok video size is 1080 pixels wide by 1920 pixels tall (1080 × 1920), which equals approximately 2 million pixels per frame.

Q: How do I make a horizontal video vertical for TikTok on iPhone?
A: Use CapCut, InShot, or the Photos app to crop your video to 9:16 aspect ratio. You can also add blurred backgrounds to fill the vertical space while keeping your original footage centered.