Understanding the technical specs of AI video ensures your content looks perfect on every platform. Here's everything you need to know about aspect ratios, resolution, and export settings.
Aspect Ratios Explained
Aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between width and height. Different platforms require different ratios.
Common Aspect Ratios
| Ratio | Dimensions | Best For |
|-------|-----------|----------|
| 9:16 | 1080x1920 | TikTok, Reels, Shorts, Stories |
| 1:1 | 1080x1080 | Instagram Feed, Facebook |
| 16:9 | 1920x1080 | YouTube, Websites, TV |
| 4:5 | 1080x1350 | Instagram Feed (optimal) |
| 4:3 | 1440x1080 | Traditional video, some ads |
Platform-Specific Requirements
TikTok
- Preferred: 9:16 (vertical)
- Resolution: 1080x1920
- In prompts: "vertical format, 9:16 aspect ratio, TikTok optimized
Instagram Reels
- Preferred: 9:16 (vertical)
- Resolution: 1080x1920
- In prompts: "vertical composition, Instagram Reels format, mobile-first
Instagram Feed
- Square: 1:1 (1080x1080)
- Portrait: 4:5 (1080x1350) - takes up more screen space
- In prompts: "square format" or "4:5 portrait format
YouTube Shorts
- Preferred: 9:16 (vertical)
- Resolution: 1080x1920
- In prompts: "vertical YouTube Shorts format, 9:16
YouTube (Standard)
- Preferred: 16:9 (horizontal)
- Resolution: 1920x1080 (1080p) or 3840x2160 (4K)
- In prompts: "widescreen format, 16:9 cinematic, horizontal
- Feed: 1:1 or 4:5
- Stories: 9:16
- In prompts: Specify based on placement
Resolution Guide
Resolution affects video quality and file size. Higher isn't always better—match resolution to your use case.
Standard Resolutions
| Name | Pixels | Use Case |
|------|--------|----------|
| 720p (HD) | 1280x720 | Quick previews, low bandwidth |
| 1080p (Full HD) | 1920x1080 | Standard social media, web |
| 1440p (2K) | 2560x1440 | High-quality displays |
| 2160p (4K) | 3840x2160 | Premium content, future-proofing |
Recommended Resolutions by Platform
Social Media (TikTok, Reels, Shorts)
- Minimum: 720p
- Recommended: 1080p
- Overkill: 4K (gets compressed anyway)
Website/Landing Pages
- Background videos: 720p-1080p
- Hero videos: 1080p
- Consider load times
Advertising
- Minimum: 1080p
- Premium placements: 4K
Presentations/Displays
- Standard screens: 1080p
- Large displays/TV: 4K
Prompt Tips for Resolution
- High definition, crisp and sharp
- 4K quality, high detail
- Clean and sharp, high resolution
Frame Rate Basics
Frame rate (fps) affects how smooth motion appears.
Common Frame Rates
| FPS | Feel | Best For |
|-----|------|----------|
| 24 fps | Cinematic, film-like | Artistic content, movie feel |
| 30 fps | Standard, natural | General social media |
| 60 fps | Smooth, fluid | Action, sports, gaming |
Prompt Tips for Frame Rate
- For cinematic: "Cinematic 24fps feel, film-like motion
- For smooth: "Smooth fluid motion, seamless
- For slow-mo: "Slow motion, smooth movement
File Formats Explained
MP4 (H.264)
- Pros: Universal compatibility, good compression
- Cons: Older codec, larger files than H.265
- Use for: Everything—most versatile choice
MP4 (H.265/HEVC)
- Pros: Better compression, smaller files, higher quality
- Cons: Less compatible with older devices
- Use for: Archiving, high-quality masters
MOV
- Pros: High quality, Apple ecosystem
- Cons: Larger files, less universal
- Use for: Apple devices, professional editing
WebM
- Pros: Great for web, small files
- Cons: Limited compatibility
- Use for: Website backgrounds, web-only content
GIF
- Pros: Universal, auto-plays everywhere
- Cons: Large files, limited colors, no audio
- Use for: Short loops, email marketing, reactions
Export Settings Cheat Sheet
For TikTok/Reels/Shorts
```
Format: MP4 (H.264)
Resolution: 1080x1920
Aspect Ratio: 9:16
Frame Rate: 30fps
Bitrate: 8-12 Mbps
```
For Instagram Feed
```
Format: MP4 (H.264)
Resolution: 1080x1080 or 1080x1350
Aspect Ratio: 1:1 or 4:5
Frame Rate: 30fps
Bitrate: 8-12 Mbps
```
For YouTube
```
Format: MP4 (H.264)
Resolution: 1920x1080 or 3840x2160
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Frame Rate: 24-60fps
Bitrate: 12-50 Mbps
```
For Website Background
```
Format: MP4 (H.264) or WebM
Resolution: 1280x720 or 1920x1080
Frame Rate: 24-30fps
Bitrate: 4-8 Mbps (optimize for load time)
```
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Video Looks Blurry After Upload
- Platform compression is aggressive
- Solution: Start with higher resolution and bitrate
Video Has Black Bars
- Aspect ratio mismatch
- Solution: Generate in the correct ratio or crop before uploading
File Too Large to Upload
- Resolution or bitrate too high
- Solution: Compress using HandBrake or similar tool
Video Won't Play
- Incompatible format
- Solution: Convert to MP4 (H.264)
Colors Look Different After Upload
- Color space conversion
- Solution: Use standard color profiles (Rec. 709)
Quick Reference Card
Vertical (Stories/Reels/TikTok): 1080x1920, 9:16, 30fps, MP4
Square (Feed Posts): 1080x1080, 1:1, 30fps, MP4
Horizontal (YouTube/Web): 1920x1080, 16:9, 24-30fps, MP4
When in doubt: 1080p, MP4, 30fps works almost everywhere.