When creating content, knowing platform-specific video formats is crucial for engagement and visibility. This guide covers Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, long-format YouTube videos, and TikTok video formats to help you optimize your videos.
Instagram Reels: Best Video Format Practices
Instagram Reels is designed for short, engaging videos ranging from 15 to 90 seconds. The optimal video format includes:
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio)
- Maximum length: 90 seconds
- File format: MP4 or MOV
YouTube Shorts and Platform-Specific Video Formats
YouTube Shorts follows a similar approach to short-form content, with videos under 60 seconds. The best format includes:
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio)
- Maximum length: 60 seconds
- File formats: MP4, MOV, AVI, FLV
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Long-Format YouTube Videos for In-Depth Content
Unlike Shorts, long-format YouTube videos cater to extended storytelling and detailed content. The recommended specifications are:
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio)
- Recommended length: 10-20 minutes for optimal retention
- File formats: MP4, MOV, AVI, FLV, WMV

TikTok Video Formats: Short vs. Long Content
TikTok supports both short-form and long-form content, making it a versatile platform. The format breakdown is:
- Short videos: 15 to 60 seconds
- Long videos: 3 to 10 minutes
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio)
- File formats: MP4, MOV
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Platform-Specific Video Format
Each social media platform has different video format requirements. Understanding and applying platform-specific video formats ensures better engagement, visibility, and content effectiveness.
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