TikTok has become one of the most powerful advertising platforms for reaching younger demographics and driving engagement. But the platform has specific technical requirements that differ from other social networks. This guide covers everything you need to know about TikTok ad sizes and specifications.
Understanding TikTok's Unique Format
TikTok is a vertical-first, video-native platform. Unlike Facebook or Instagram where you might repurpose horizontal content, TikTok demands content specifically created for its full-screen, vertical experience. Getting this right is non-negotiable for success.
TikTok In-Feed Video Ad Specifications
In-Feed ads appear in users' For You Page (FYP), blending with organic content:
Video Dimensions
- Recommended: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio)
- Minimum resolution: 540 x 960 pixels
- Alternative ratios: 1:1 (1080 x 1080) or 16:9 (1920 x 1080) are supported but not recommended
Video Length
- Minimum: 5 seconds
- Maximum: 60 seconds
- Recommended: 9-15 seconds for best completion rates
File Specifications
- File type: MP4 or MOV
- Maximum file size: 500MB
- Bitrate: Minimum 516 kbps
- Frame rate: Minimum 24fps (30fps recommended)
TikTok Safe Zone Guidelines
TikTok's interface overlays UI elements on your video. To ensure critical content isn't hidden, you must respect safe zones:
Top Safe Zone
Keep the top 150 pixels clear. This area can be obscured by profile information and navigation elements.
Bottom Safe Zone
Keep the bottom 440 pixels clear. This area contains the description, music information, and engagement buttons (like, comment, share).
Right Side Safe Zone
Keep the right 150 pixels clear. This area contains the profile photo and action buttons.
Practical Safe Zone
Your actual "safe" content area is roughly 780 x 1330 pixels centered in the frame. Keep all text, logos, and critical visual elements within this zone.
TikTok Spark Ads
Spark Ads allow you to boost organic TikTok posts (yours or creators'). They use the same dimensions as In-Feed ads but leverage existing content:
- Format: Vertical video (9:16)
- Resolution: Matches the original post
- Length: Follows original post length (typically up to 3 minutes)
TopView Ads
TopView ads are premium placements that appear when users first open TikTok:
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Aspect ratio: 9:16
- Length: Up to 60 seconds (3 seconds are unskippable)
- Sound: On by default (important for creative strategy)
Branded Hashtag Challenge
Hashtag Challenge pages feature banner images and videos:
- Banner image: 1125 x 633 pixels
- Video: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16)
TikTok Carousel Ads
Carousel ads allow multiple images in a swipeable format:
- Image size: 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16)
- Number of images: 2-35
- File type: JPG or PNG
TikTok Image Ad Specifications
While TikTok is video-centric, some ad formats support static images:
- Recommended size: 1200 x 628 pixels
- Alternative: 1080 x 1920 for full-screen
- File type: JPG or PNG
- Maximum file size: 100KB
TikTok Ad Creative Best Practices
Hook in the First Second
TikTok users scroll fast. Your first second must capture attention with movement, bold text, or an unexpected visual. The traditional 3-second rule is too slow for TikTok.
Look Native
The best-performing TikTok ads look like organic content. Overly polished, "corporate" creative underperforms. Embrace the authentic, raw aesthetic of the platform.
Use Sound Strategically
Unlike other platforms, most TikTok users watch with sound on. Use trending sounds, voiceovers, or music to enhance your message. But still add captions for accessibility.
Vertical Only
Never letterbox horizontal content. It looks amateur and wastes screen space. Always shoot or create natively in 9:16.
Text Placement
Keep text centered and in the safe zone. TikTok's native text tool places text where users expect it, so mimic this positioning in your ads.
TikTok Ad Size Quick Reference
| Ad Format | Size (pixels) | Aspect Ratio | Max Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Feed Video | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 | 60 sec |
| TopView | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 | 60 sec |
| Spark Ads | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 | 3 min |
| Carousel | 1080 x 1920 | 9:16 | N/A |
| Image Ads | 1200 x 628 | 1.91:1 | N/A |
Create TikTok Ads That Convert
TikTok's unique format and culture require purpose-built creative. Ad Fuse AI generates TikTok-native video ads that respect safe zones, match the platform's aesthetic, and capture attention from the first frame. Create scroll-stopping TikTok ads in minutes with our TikTok Ad Creative Generator. For those interested in exploring more options, check out the Best AI Ad Generators available. Learn more about How to Scale Ad Creatives effectively.