Why Video Format Matters More Than You Think
Every social media platform re-encodes your video after upload using their own compression algorithm. If your source file is poorly formatted before upload, the platform's compression will amplify those quality issues significantly. Getting your export specs right is the single easiest technical improvement most creators can make.
Universal Best Practices (All Platforms)
- Container format: MP4 (.mp4) — universally accepted by every platform
- Video codec: H.264 (AVC) — maximum compatibility. H.265/HEVC is supported by most platforms but H.264 is safer.
- Audio codec: AAC at 192kbps stereo or higher
- Frame rate: Match your source frame rate (typically 24fps, 30fps, or 60fps). Do not change the frame rate unnecessarily.
- Bitrate: 8–15 Mbps for 1080p content gives a clean source file without excessive file size
TikTok Recommended Specs
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 (9:16 vertical)
- Maximum file size: 287.6 MB
- Maximum duration: 10 minutes (short-form sweet spot: 21–60 seconds)
- Recommended bitrate: 6–8 Mbps
- Safe zone: Keep text and graphics 14% away from all edges to avoid overlap with TikTok UI elements
Instagram Reels Recommended Specs
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 (9:16 vertical)
- Maximum file size: 4 GB
- Maximum duration: 90 seconds for Reels (optimal: 7–30 seconds)
- Frame rate: 23–60 fps
- Safe zone: Keep key elements in the center 80% of the frame — Instagram overlays cover the bottom and top edges
YouTube Shorts Recommended Specs
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 minimum (2160 x 3840 supported)
- Maximum file size: 256 GB or 12 hours
- Maximum duration: Under 60 seconds for Shorts Feed inclusion
- Optimal bitrate: 8 Mbps for 1080p
- Important: If your Short exceeds 60 seconds, it will not appear in the Shorts Feed — it becomes a regular vertical video
What Snipr AI Exports
Snipr AI generates clips using FFmpeg's direct stream copy mode, which preserves the original codec and quality of your source video without re-encoding. This means the output file quality is identical to your source — making it important to start with a high-quality source file before uploading. The output format is MP4 with the original video and audio streams intact, ready for direct upload to any platform.
Conclusion
Export at 1080x1920, use H.264 encoding, keep your bitrate at 8+ Mbps, and always use MP4 format. These settings work across every major platform and will prevent quality degradation during platform re-encoding. Start with a clean source file in Snipr AI and your clips will look sharp on every platform.