Short answer: export TikTok videos as vertical 9:16 MP4 (H.264) at 1080×1920. TikTok's developer documentation accepts MP4, WebM or MOV up to 4 GB and 10 minutes through its posting API, at 23–60 fps, and says some creators can post longer videos in the app. Coverage reports in-app uploads of up to 60 minutes for some users. TikTok's help center pages were not retrievable for us, so in-app limits here come from coverage.
The specs
| Spec | Figure | Source (as of September 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Formats | MP4 (recommended), WebM, MOV | TikTok for Developers |
| Codecs | H.264 (recommended), H.265, VP8, VP9 | Same |
| Frame rate | 23–60 fps | Same |
| Resolution | 360 px minimum, 4,096 px maximum per side | Same |
| File size | Up to 4 GB | Same |
| Length via API | Up to 10 minutes; some creators get longer in the app | Same |
| Length recorded in app | Up to 10 minutes | Sociality.io, Mar 2026 (third-party) |
| Length uploaded in app | Up to 60 minutes | Same (third-party); TikTok confirmed testing 60-minute uploads in May 2024 |
| Aspect ratio | 9:16 vertical recommended | Sociality.io (third-party) |
| Caption | 2,200 via API; 4,000 in app per third-party guides | See caption limits |
Some third-party pages still quote old per-device file size caps in the hundreds of megabytes. If a large file fails in the app, compress it rather than assume a hard limit.
Safe export settings
These are sensible defaults, not TikTok requirements:
- 1080×1920 (9:16), H.264, 30 fps, AAC audio.
- A bitrate that keeps quality without huge files, for example around 8–12 Mbps for 1080p (assumption).
- Burned-in text inside safe zones: away from the bottom caption area and the right-side buttons.
- No watermark from another app. TikTok's For You feed standards (as of September 2026) make unoriginal content with watermarks ineligible for recommendation. See cross-posting without watermarks.
Length: a limit, not a goal
TikTok's standards also list extremely short clips as ineligible for the For You feed, so very short loops are a risk at the other end. Pick a length that fits the idea. Compare with the other platforms in TikTok vs Reels vs Shorts.
Before you upload
Play the exported file on a phone before posting. Check that text is readable at phone size, that nothing important sits under where the caption and buttons will be, and that the audio is yours or licensed. If the app rejects a file, re-export at 1080×1920 in H.264 before trying anything else; unusual codecs and very high bitrates are the usual suspects.
Photo posts
Slideshows have their own specs; see TikTok photo mode.
Getting files onto the phone with Farmero
Farmero moves each clip to the iPhone over the USB cable (about 11 seconds measured) or, without a cable, through a signed cloud link (about 25 seconds), posts it in the TikTok app, and removes it from the camera roll once the post is confirmed on the profile. It posts the file as you exported it; it does not edit or "uniquify" videos. See Clip delivery. Use only videos you own or have permission to post. Automating these apps may breach their terms, and nobody can promise an account will never be restricted.
FAQ
What is the best video size for TikTok?
1080×1920 pixels, 9:16 vertical, in MP4 with H.264, is the safe default.
What is the maximum TikTok video length?
TikTok's developer docs allow 10 minutes through the API and say some creators get more in the app; coverage reports uploads of up to 60 minutes.
What is TikTok's maximum file size?
TikTok's developer documentation allows up to 4 GB per video through its API, as of September 2026.
Can I upload horizontal videos to TikTok?
The API accepts a range of sizes, but vertical 9:16 fills the screen and is the recommended shape.