The Complete Guide to TikTok Video Formats: Resolution, Size, and Duration

Choosing the right one TikTok agency to boost its visibility and maximize its commitment can be a real challenge for brands! Utopia helps you succeed on TikTok.

TikTok has not only revolutionized the way we consume social networks, it has redefined the standards of content creation thanks to its innovative and immersive video formats. By establishing itself as a platform focused on short and engaging videos, TikTok has inspired competitors such as YouTube (Shorts) or Instagram (Reels).

With an audience of over 1 billion active users, TikTok is now a strategic channel for creators and brands. But to succeed on this platform, it is essential to master your video formats: whether it's resolution, duration, or even types of content such as photo carousels, the Stories, or the TikTok Live.

In this article, we explore the various TikTok video formats and their specificities in detail to help you optimize your content and maximize your performance.

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The classic video format: at the heart of TikTok

The classic video format is the core pillar of TikTok. These vertical videos, immersive and captivating, define the user experience on the platform.

Creation and characteristics of the classic format

To create a classic video, here are the simple steps:

1. Press the “+” button in the center of the screen.

2. Choose the desired duration: 15 seconds, 60 seconds, or up to 3 minutes directly from the application.

3. Add your effects, filters, texts, and music via TikTok's built-in editor.

4. Hold the red button to save or import a video from your gallery.

Main characteristics:

• 9:16 ratio : Optimized for vertical display.

• Recommended resolution : 1080 x 1920 px to ensure optimal quality.

• Duration : Up to 10 minutes if the video is uploaded.

The classic format is ideal for sharing a variety of content such as tutorials, comedy sketches, product demonstrations, or organic advertising campaigns.

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The photo carousel format: an engaging alternative

Although TikTok is primarily a video platform, the format Photo carousel is gaining popularity. This format makes it possible to present several images in a fluid sequence, accompanied by music or visual effects.

Why use the carousel format?

The photo carousel is particularly useful for:

• Present a product or a collection.

• Tell a visual story in several steps.

• Share strong moments or memories.

This format is similar to Instagram carousels, but it takes full advantage of TikTok's immersive capabilities, thanks to perfect synchronization with music and dynamic effects.

How do I create a photo carousel on TikTok?

Here are the steps to make a carousel:

1. Press the “+” button.

2. Upload multiple photos from your gallery.

3. Arrange them in the order you want.

4. Add a soundtrack, transitions, or filters.

5. Post and let TikTok do the rest.

Tip: Make sure your photos are in high resolution (1080 x 1920 px) to avoid pixelation.

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The story format: ephemeral visibility

Stories, recently introduced on TikTok, work in a similar way to those on Instagram or Snapchat. They allow you to publish videos or photos that are visible during 24 hours, perfect for sharing spontaneous moments or limited offers.

Characteristics of TikTok stories

Stories appear in users' main feed and can also be identified by a blue circle around the user's profile photo. Unlike other platforms, TikTok integrates its stories fluidly with classic videos, offering increased visibility.

B. How do I create a story on TikTok?

1. Press the “+” button.

2. Swipe to the right to select “Story.”

3. Choose between a photo or a video (limited time to 15 seconds).

4. Save or download content from your gallery.

5. Add effects and publish.

TikTok stories are ideal for quick and interactive content, like campaign teasers, promotions, or questions and answers with your audience.‍

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TikTok Live: interacting in real time

The format TikTok Live is a powerful feature for engaging your audience in a direct and authentic way. It allows creators and brands to broadcast content in real time, promoting interaction and proximity.

The conditions for using TikTok Live

To activate TikTok Live, you need to meet certain criteria:

• Have at least 1000 followers.

• Be at least 16 years old to start a live stream, and 18 years old to receive virtual gifts.‍

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The advantages of the Live format

TikTok Live offers several opportunities:

• Direct interaction : Answer questions, get feedback in real time, and engage your community.

• Monetization : Viewers can send virtual gifts that can be converted into cash for creators.

• Increased reach : Lives are often highlighted by the algorithm, thus increasing your visibility.

Tip: Prepare a script or plan before starting your live to maintain a smooth and captivating rhythm.

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Resolutions and technical specifications of TikTok videos

To maximize the impact of your content on TikTok, it is essential to meet the platform's technical requirements for video resolution, size, and weight. These details influence not only the visual quality, but also the visibility of your content to users.

Recommended resolutions for the best quality videos

TikTok favors high resolution videos to ensure a pleasant viewing experience. Here are the ideal resolutions depending on the type of content:

1. For vertical videos (9:16 ratio) :

• Minimum resolution: 720 x 1280 px (HD).

• Recommended resolution: 1080 x 1920 px (Full HD).

• Ideal resolution: 2160 x 3840 px (4K) for high-end content.

2. For horizontal videos (16:9 ratio) :

• Minimum resolution: 960 x 540 px.

• Recommended resolution: 1920 x 1080 px (Full HD).

Although TikTok is testing horizontal formats to compete with YouTube, the vertical format is still the norm and should be prioritized.

Video file size and weight

The size of video files is also an important criterion for ensuring fast downloads and smooth streaming. TikTok imposes specific limits:

• For organic videos : The maximum size is 2 GB, allowing you to upload long videos up to 10 minutes.

• For video ads (TikTok Ads) : The maximum size is limited to 500 MB, in order to ensure fast loading and optimal distribution.

If your files are too big, use compression tools like VideoSmaller or professional software such as Adobe Media Encoder to reduce size without compromising quality.

Supported file formats

TikTok supports multiple video formats, providing flexibility for creators and advertisers. Accepted formats include:

• MP4 : Recommended for its universal compatibility.

• MOV : Especially used for assemblies made on professional tools.

• WEBM : Ideal for lightweight files without major loss of quality.

• AVI, MPEG, and 3GP : Supported but less commonly used.

Advice: To ensure the best possible quality, choose MP4 or MOV formats and respect the recommended dimensions and resolutions.

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Ideal video length on TikTok

The length of videos on TikTok depends on the type of content and your goals, but the limited attention of users makes conciseness crucial.

Organic videos: quickly capture attention

Organic videos can last up to 10 minutes, but the best performing content is often much shorter. On average, the videos of 15 to 30 seconds generate the most engagement, because they correspond to users' rapid scrolling habits.

Recommended durations:

• 15 to 30 seconds : Perfect for short, high-impact content.

• 1 to 3 minutes : Suitable for tutorials, stories or educational content.

• 3 to 10 minutes : Suitable for long stories or in-depth analyses, but requires engaging storytelling.

Video ads: maximizing impact in a short time

TikTok ads, like In-Feed Ads, are limited to 60 seconds. However, it is advisable to stay under the bar of 30 seconds to quickly capture attention and deliver a clear message.

The formats TopView Ads and Spark Ads allow the same duration as organic videos, up to 10 minutes, but successful ads remain short.

Importance of duration in the TikTok algorithm

The TikTok algorithm favors videos with a high retention rate. This means that your video needs to capture attention as soon as First 3 seconds and encourage users to watch it until the end. A powerful introduction and dynamic storytelling are essential to maximize your chances of going viral.

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The impact of specific formats on engagement: Stories, Lives and more

TikTok isn't limited to classic videos. Complementary formats such as Stories And the Lives play a critical role in user engagement, offering increased interaction and visibility options.

TikTok Stories: ephemeral but engaging

Recently introduced, TikTok stories are inspired by the well-known formats of Instagram and Snapchat. They allow users to share temporary content that is visible during 24 hours. This format is ideal for:

• Promote time-limited offers.

• Share spontaneous and authentic content.

• Test ideas or formats with no long-term impact on your profile.

Benefits of TikTok stories:

• Increased visibility : Stories appear in the main feed and are marked with a blue circle around the profile photo.

• Interactivity : Users can respond directly to stories, promoting two-way communication.

How to create a TikTok story:

1. Open the TikTok app and press the “+” button.

2. Swipe to the right to select the “Story” option.

3. Record a video or upload a photo from your gallery.

4. Add effects, text, or filters, then publish.

TikTok Live: real-time interaction

Les TikTok Live offer an immersive live experience, allowing creators and brands to interact with their audience in real time. This format is particularly useful for:

• Announce product launches.

• Respond to questions from the community.

• Organize interactive events such as Q&A or demonstrations.

Criteria for using TikTok Live:

• Have at least 1000 followers.

• Be at least old 16 years to broadcast live.

• Be at least old 18 years to receive virtual gifts.

The advantages of Live TikTok:

1. Direct commitment : Viewers can ask questions, comment, and send virtual gifts.

2. Monetization : Virtual gifts, purchased by users, can be converted into real money for creators.

3. Increased organic reach : Lives are often highlighted by the algorithm, increasing your visibility.

Complementary formats: carousels and long videos

In addition to stories and lives, TikTok offers complementary formats that allow you to explore new ways to captivate your audience:

• The photo carousel format : Perfect for telling a visual story or presenting multiple products.

• Long videos (up to 10 minutes) : Ideal for educational content or more detailed stories, as long as you maintain the audience's attention with careful storytelling.

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Recap

TikTok has established itself as an essential lever for brands and content creators. To succeed on this platform, it is essential to master video formats and adapt your content to technical specificities and user expectations.

Whether you opt for classic videos, photo carousels, stories, or lives, each format offers unique opportunities to captivate your audience and achieve your goals. By respecting the resolution, duration and weight recommendations, you will optimize your chances of success and make TikTok a real growth engine.