The first decision when creating a TikTok video is where to publish the content. Organic sharing, use of an existing post in advertising and separate advertising production may not have the same delivery conditions. Clarify the publication type and current platform requirement before starting visual design. Don't accept an old year's video limits as valid for all accounts.
What does the 9:16 ratio mean?
9:16 is the relationship between the width and height of the image. For example, a workspace of 1080 × 1920 pixels carries this ratio. This measure may be a practical manufacturing choice; It is not the only mandatory measure of all TikTok formats. TikTok's auctioned streaming ad document states that the recommended ratio for Non-Spark vertical video is 9:16, and the minimum resolution is 540 × 960 pixels. Check in the document which ad type you are preparing.
Minimum resolution is not a design goal
The smallest acceptable file is not the same as a legible delivery. When you enlarge the small source image, the detail does not come back. Prepare the working file with sufficient source quality and watch the final compressed output on the phone. Text, subtitles and small icons on the product should be especially checked.
Test the safe area on the layout
Account, description, and interaction elements above the screen may block part of the design. Leave space inside for the main title and product; Use the relevant layout preview of the platform. Check in the actual preview rather than assuming a single fixed pixel strip for all devices and ad types. Make sure that the caption and the title on the image do not overlap.
Vertical adaptation is more than just cropping
Cutting the edges of landscape video may cause an important object or movement to be lost. Reselect the focus of the scene; Show the title at another time if necessary. The basic message should be understood even when watched with the sound off. On the other hand, putting every sentence on the screen at the same time makes it difficult to read.
On delivery, write the release type, rate, resolution, and version in the file name or delivery note. Please confirm the duration, file format and size limit separately in the current advertising document. Social media visual formats guide and short video preparation guide help you adapt the same idea to different media.
Frequently asked questions
Is cropping horizontal video to vertical enough for TikTok?
Not always. Speaker, product and on-screen text can be clipped; interface elements can cover the message. Rearrange the layout for vertical framing and check in actual broadcast view.
Should I put the subtitles right at the bottom edge of a vertical video?
The bottom edge may overlap the platform interface. Keep the subtitle in the safe zone and try it on the relevant broadcast screen before uploading; Do not consider a single fixed space sufficient for every placement.
