The Creator’s Cheat Sheet: Best Video Formats & Codecs for Social Media (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook)

YouTube

🎥 Recommended Format

The best video format for YouTube is MP4 with H.264 video codec and AAC audio — the golden combo for compatibility and quality. YouTube also supports formats like MOV, AVI, and WebM, but MP4 remains the most reliable.

🔧 Resolution & Frame Rate

• Standard HD: 1920×1080 (1080p)
• 4K: 3840×2160 (2160p)
• Frame rates: 24, 30, and 60 fps are all supported.

📊 Bitrate Guidelines

• 1080p at 30fps: 8 Mbps
• 4K at 30fps: 35–45 Mbps
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🧪 Why Re-Encoding Happens

YouTube compresses all videos to match playback devices and bandwidth levels. Uploading a high-quality file minimizes noticeable degradation.

✅ Upload Tips

• Export in MP4 (H.264, AAC)
• Use a high bitrate
• Stick to progressive scan (not interlaced) formats

Match native resolution and frame rate

Instagram (Feed, Stories, Reels)

🎥 Recommended Format

Use MP4 or MOV with H.264 and AAC — this ensures fast uploads and smooth playback across Instagram Feed, Stories, and Reels.

🔲 Aspect Ratios

• Feed: 1:1 or 4:5
• Stories & Reels: 9:16 (full screen)
• Landscape: 16:9 (less common)

📐 Resolution & Dimensions

• Reels & Stories: 1080×1920
• Feed: Minimum 1080 pixels wide

⏱️ Time & File Limits

• Reels: up to 90 seconds
• Stories: 15-second segments
• Max file size: 4GB

✅ Vertical Video Tips

• Shoot vertically whenever possible
• Keep text and subjects centered to avoid cropping

Use templates to speed up production — browse ready-made Instagram Reels templates to stay on brand.

TikTok

🎥 Recommended Format

Stick with MP4 or MOV using H.264 and AAC — optimized for TikTok’s mobile-native interface.

🔲 Aspect Ratio

• Dominant format: 9:16
• Accepts 1:1 and 16:9, but they appear with borders

📐 Resolution

1080×1920 is the standard; 720p minimum

⏱️ Length & File Size

• Max length: up to 10 minutes
• File size: Up to 2GB on mobile, 4GB on desktop uploads

Facebook (Feed, Stories, Ads)

🎥 Recommended Format

Use MP4 or MOV with H.264 and AAC. These work across all formats: feed videos, stories, live broadcasts, and ads.

🔲 Aspect Ratios

• Feed: 1:1 or 4:5
• Stories: 9:16
• Landscape videos: 16:9
• Ads: Square (1:1) often performs best

📐 Resolution & Dimensions

• Minimum: 600×315 (landscape), 600×600 (square)
• Recommended: 1080p for all

⏱️ Length & File Size

• Feed: Up to 240 minutes
• Stories: 20 seconds
• Max file size: 4GB

Having trouble uploading? You’re not alone — many creators ask: “Why won’t my video upload to Facebook?” Often, it’s due to mismatched formats, oversized files, or outdated specs.

General Social Media Tips

✅ Use H.264

It’s the most compatible codec for all social platforms and provides great balance between quality and file size. Combine it with the MP4 container for maximum reliability.

🔍 Check Platform Guidelines

Video upload requirements can change often. Stay updated by bookmarking each platform’s official guidelines — or refer to reliable tools and video templates designed for social use.

🎞️ Export High-Quality Video

Even if the platform compresses it, start with the best possible export settings. Export at high bitrate, proper aspect ratio, and native frame rate.

Looking for shortcuts? Use professionally crafted video templates for social media to make stunning content faster.

Conclusion

This cheat sheet isn’t just for tech nerds — it’s your secret weapon for creating better content, faster. So bookmark this guide, tweak your export settings, and post with confidence.