Correct TikTok video dimensions, aspect ratios, and image sizes for maximum quality and reach on the platform.
TikTok is built around vertical full-screen video. Using the correct dimensions ensures your content fills the screen without black bars or cropping.
| Asset | Dimensions | Aspect Ratio | Notes | Copy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Video — Vertical Recommended | 1080 × 1920 px | 9:16 | Full screen, best performance | |
| Video — Horizontal | 1920 × 1080 px | 16:9 | Letterboxed on mobile | |
| Video — Square | 1080 × 1080 px | 1:1 | Pillarboxed on mobile | |
| Profile Picture | 200 × 200 px | 1:1 | Displayed as circle | |
| Cover Image | 1080 × 1920 px | 9:16 | Thumbnail shown in profile grid |
TikTok is designed as a mobile-first, full-screen vertical experience. Vertical 9:16 videos (1080×1920 px) fill the entire phone screen without any black bars. The algorithm strongly favors videos that use the full screen — horizontal videos shown with letterbox bars typically see lower completion rates and reduced algorithmic distribution. Always shoot and edit in 9:16 for TikTok content.
TikTok's UI overlays important areas of your video. The bottom ~300 pixels shows the username, video description, hashtags, and music information. The right side shows the like, comment, share, and follow buttons. Design with a central safe zone of approximately 1080×1420 px. Avoid placing important text or faces in the bottom 25% or right 15% of the frame.
The cover image is the frame shown in your profile video grid. You can select any frame from your video as the cover, or upload a custom image. Custom covers (1080×1920 px at 9:16) let you create a cohesive profile aesthetic. Many creators align cover images to form grid patterns or color themes on their profile page.
TikTok profile pictures display at 200×200 px. Upload a square image that looks clear at small sizes. The image appears as a circle on your profile page and as a small ring on your videos when they appear in the For You feed. Use a high-contrast image — a simple face or bold logo works better than complex photography at 200px.
Record in the highest resolution your device supports. Film in good lighting — TikTok's compression algorithm preserves well-lit content better than dark or grainy footage. Export at H.264 with a high bitrate before uploading. TikTok re-encodes all uploads, so starting from a high-quality source produces the best final result on the platform.