Choosing the Right Video Format for Social Media

Each social media platform has its own specifications and audience behaviors. Here's how to optimize your video content for maximum impact.

Instagram

• **Reels**: 9:16 aspect ratio, up to 90 seconds
• **Feed Posts**: 1:1 or 4:5, up to 60 seconds
• **Stories**: 9:16, up to 15 seconds per slide

YouTube

• **Standard**: 16:9 aspect ratio
• **Shorts**: 9:16, up to 60 seconds
• **Resolution**: 1080p minimum, 4K preferred

LinkedIn

• **Feed Videos**: 1:1 or 16:9
• **Native uploads perform better than links
• **Subtitles are essential** – most viewers watch without sound

TikTok

• **Format**: 9:16 vertical
• **Duration**: 15-60 seconds optimal
• **Hook viewers in first 3 seconds**

Key Takeaways

1. Always optimize for mobile-first viewing
2. Add captions for accessibility and silent viewing
3. Create platform-specific versions when possible
4. Test and iterate based on analytics