TikTok Content Specs & Formats

In this lesson you will learn:

• What is an aspect ratio?

• Content specifications recommended for TikTok videos

• TikTok Spark Ads vs Ads

• Music licensing for branded content

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What is "aspect ratio" anyways?

Aspect ratio describes the ratio between the width and height of an image or screen.

A 1:1 aspect ratio, for example, is a square.

The first number always refers to the width, and the second number refers to the height.

Recommended specs and formats for TikTok posts

• File Type: MP4

• Video settings: H.264

• Aspect Ratio: 16:9 or 1:1

• Video Captions: 150 characters max. We suggest ≤100 characters

• Video Sound: Branded content videos must only contain music from the Commercial Music library.

• Video duration: No limitation. We suggest short videos of 5-60s.

• Maximum File Size: ≤500 MB

TikTok Spark Ads vs Ads

Considered the in-between or organic content and advertising Spark Ads use the creator's native content to achieve more authentic ad experiences. For Spark Ads, there are no content specifications or limitations, since it uses the creator's original video. More information about Spark Ads can be found here.

For TikTok Ads, there are specific content specifications as well as character and video duration limitations. You can find more information about video ad specifications here.

Music licensing for branded content

Branded content must only contain music from the Commercial Music Library. If the creator or your brand/advertising partner have obtained the necessary music license right to use music that is not available in the Commercial Music Library then the creator must upload their Branded content video via the normal TikTok upload flow (not through the TikTok Creator Marketplace) and confirm they have obtained the necessary rights to use that music. It is a best practice that you use music from the Commercial Music Library when partnering with creators on content unless you have confirmation from TikTok on the necessary rights to that music.

More info on TikTok's branded content can be found here.