Video Ad Formats: Sizes, Specs & Best Practices
Video ad formats define the dimensions, aspect ratio, and duration of video ads across platforms. The three main formats are 9:16 vertical (TikTok, Reels, Shorts), 1:1 square (Facebook Feed), and 16:9 landscape (YouTube, Display).
9:16 Vertical (1080x1920)
The dominant format for mobile-first platforms. Used by TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Facebook Stories, and Snapchat. Takes up the full phone screen, maximizing attention. Best for UGC-style, selfie-format content. Recommended duration: 15-60 seconds.
1:1 Square (1080x1080)
The classic social media format. Works well in Facebook and Instagram feeds. Takes up more screen real estate than landscape while being versatile across placements. Good for product showcases and testimonials. Recommended duration: 15-30 seconds.
16:9 Landscape (1920x1080)
The traditional video format. Best for YouTube pre-roll ads, display advertising, and website embeds. Less effective on mobile-first platforms where vertical content dominates. Recommended duration: 15-30 seconds for pre-roll, up to 2 minutes for in-stream.
Which format should you use?
Start with 9:16 vertical — it works on the most platforms and gets the best engagement. If you're running Facebook Feed ads, add 1:1 square. Only use 16:9 landscape if you're specifically targeting YouTube pre-roll or desktop display.