Getting your creative assets ready for a campaign? Use this guide to find the recommended formats, dimensions, file sizes, and video lengths for the most common ad placements across Meta, Google, YouTube, TikTok, and other major platforms.
Our recommendation: When possible, provide both vertical and square creative, plus landscape video for YouTube. Keep videos engaging, lead with your strongest hook, and make sure your message comes across quickly.
Quick Creative Guidelines
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Vertical video: 1080 × 1920 (9:16). Best for Stories, Reels, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube Shorts.
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Square creative: 1080 × 1080 (1:1). A versatile option for feeds across Meta and other platforms.
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Landscape video: 1920 × 1080 (16:9). Standard for YouTube and in stream placements.
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Video length: Shorter is often better. Aim for 15 to 30 seconds for most social campaigns, with the hook or key message in the first five seconds.
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File formats: MP4 is a reliable default for video, while JPG and PNG work well for static images.
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Safe zones: Keep important text, logos, and calls to action away from the edges, especially in vertical placements.
Meta: Facebook and Instagram
| Placement | Recommended Specs | Video Length | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facebook Feed | 1080 × 1080 (1:1) or 1080 × 1350 (4:5) | Flexible | Use captions and make the message clear without sound. |
| Instagram Feed | 1080 × 1080 (1:1) or 1080 × 1350 (4:5) | Flexible | Vertical 4:5 creative uses more feed space. |
| Facebook Stories | 1080 × 1920 (9:16) | Flexible | Full screen vertical. Leave space at the top and bottom for interface elements. |
| Instagram Stories | 1080 × 1920 (9:16) | Flexible | Use full screen vertical creative and keep text within safe zones. |
| Facebook Reels | 1080 × 1920 (9:16) | Flexible | Use native feeling, sound on creative with a strong opening. |
| Instagram Reels | 1080 × 1920 (9:16) | Flexible | Make the first few seconds count and use engaging audio. |
| Facebook In Stream | 1920 × 1080 (16:9) | Flexible | Build the message around video viewing and sound. |
File types: JPG, PNG, MP4, MOV.
Google Display Ads
| Placement | Recommended Specs | File Size | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Responsive Display Ads | Landscape 1.91:1 and square 1:1 images | Up to 5 MB per image asset | Supply multiple images, logos, headlines, and descriptions so Google can test combinations. |
| Uploaded Image Ads | Common sizes include 300 × 250, 336 × 280, 728 × 90, 300 × 600, and 320 × 100 | Typically up to 150 KB | Keep branding clear and include a direct call to action. |
File types: JPG, PNG, GIF. Video assets may be available through certain campaign types and formats.
YouTube
| Placement | Recommended Specs | Video Length | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skippable In Stream | 1920 × 1080 (16:9) | Flexible | Viewers can skip after five seconds, so lead with the hook immediately. |
| Non Skippable In Stream | 1920 × 1080 (16:9) | Usually 15 to 30 seconds, depending on format and market | Deliver the core message clearly and quickly. |
| YouTube Shorts | 1080 × 1920 (9:16) | Up to 60 seconds for standard Shorts ads | Use full screen vertical video with fast pacing. |
| Bumper Ads | 1920 × 1080 (16:9) | 6 seconds | Focus on one memorable message or call to action. |
File type: MP4 recommended.
TikTok
| Placement | Recommended Specs | Video Length | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Feed Ads | 1080 × 1920 (9:16) | Typically 5 to 60 seconds | Use sound on creative, a strong hook, and a native TikTok feel. |
| TopView | 1080 × 1920 (9:16) | Format dependent | Make an immediate impact with engaging opening visuals and audio. |
File types: MP4, MOV, AVI. Vertical 9:16 is recommended.
X (Twitter)
| Placement | Recommended Specs | Video Length | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Promoted Video | 1200 × 1200 (1:1) or 1920 × 1080 (16:9) | Up to 140 seconds, depending on format | Put the core message in the first few seconds and optimize for mobile viewing. |
File types: MP4, MOV.
Snapchat
| Placement | Recommended Specs | Video Length | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Video Ads | 1080 × 1920 (9:16) | Format dependent | Use full screen vertical video with a clear message and sound. |
| Commercials | 1080 × 1920 (9:16) | Format dependent | Front load the message because these placements may be non skippable. |
File types: MP4, MOV.
Before You Submit Your Creative
- Export at the recommended resolution and aspect ratio.
- Use MP4 for video whenever possible.
- Keep the key message and branding visible within safe zones.
- Make the first five seconds count.
- Include captions when the message relies on spoken audio.
- Provide multiple aspect ratios when available so campaigns can run across more placements.
Need help? If you have questions about creative specs or want recommendations for a specific campaign, reach out to the b00st team. We’re happy to help you get your assets ready to launch.
Note: Specifications and limits vary by placement, campaign objective, and platform updates. Treat these as a practical starting point and confirm the current requirements in the relevant ad platform before exporting final assets.