Specs vary by placement. Reels, feed and stories all have different frames, even on the same platform.
Instagram Reels
Vertical 9:16
Key Delivery Specs
Frame & Safe Zones
9:16
Caption, Text & Safe-Zone Rules
Full Platform Comparison
Placement
Resolution
Aspect
Max length
Max file size
FPS
Codec
Caption limit
Quick Facts
Export Recipe
Best Practice
Shoot wider, deliver tighter. Frame with the safe zone in mind so UI overlays never cover your key message.
H.264, AAC, MP4. This combination plays everywhere. Only reach for HEVC when you need 10-bit or HDR.
Burn in captions. Most feeds autoplay muted. On-screen text lifts watch time materially.
Upload the master. Send the highest quality file allowed; the platform re-compresses anyway, so do not pre-crush it.
?
XO3D Labs
About Social Video Format Spec Guide
Social Video Format Spec Guide is a free, browser-based tool from XO3D Labs. Select platform and content type - exact specs: resolution, aspect ratio, max file size, safe zones, caption limits. It is built for brand, marketing and product teams, runs entirely in your browser with no signup or install, and is one of 70 free tools in the Labs suite.
What it does
The Social Video Format Spec Guide is a quick reference for delivering video to the major platforms. Pick a platform and a placement and it shows the recommended resolution, aspect ratio, maximum duration and file size, frame rate, codec and container, bitrate guidance, minimum resolution, safe zones and caption limits. It is a free reference that runs in your browser with no signup; there is nothing to upload.
How to use it
Choose a platform (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn, X / Twitter or Facebook) then the specific placement, such as Reels, feed, story or Shorts. The guide updates the key specs, an illustrative frame-and-safe-zone preview, and notes on where on-screen UI will cover your content. A full comparison table lists every placement side by side, and you can copy a plain-text spec summary to paste into a brief or export settings.
Practical export tips
Specs differ by placement even on the same platform, so reels, feed and stories are not interchangeable. As a safe default, H.264 video with AAC audio in an MP4 container plays everywhere; reach for HEVC only when you genuinely need 10-bit or HDR. Keep key text and logos inside the dashed safe zone so platform overlays do not cover them, burn in captions because most feeds autoplay muted, and upload the highest-quality master allowed since the platform re-compresses anyway. Values reflect current platform guidance and should be sense-checked against the platform's own help pages before a critical delivery.
Frequently asked questions
What does Social Video Format Spec Guide do?
Select platform and content type - exact specs: resolution, aspect ratio, max file size, safe zones, caption limits.
Can I rely on this guidance?
It reflects current, real-world practice from XO3D's CGI team. Always sense-check against your specific render engine, pipeline and project requirements.
Is Social Video Format Spec Guide free to use?
Yes. Social Video Format Spec Guide is completely free, with no account, login, trial or paywall. It is one of 70 free tools published by XO3D Labs.
Do I need to install anything or sign up?
No. The tool runs entirely in your web browser on desktop and mobile - there is nothing to download, install or sign up for.
Who created this tool?
XO3D is a UK-based product CGI studio headquartered in Stevenage, working with brands across the UK and internationally. XO3D Labs is its free tool suite for the CGI and product-marketing community.