The Complete Guide to TikTok Video Ad Specs

If you've ever tried to run a TikTok ad, you know that getting the technical specs right is half the battle. One wrong move with the aspect ratio or video length, and your perfectly crafted creative gets rejected or, worse, looks terrible in the feed.

This guide is your quick-and-dirty checklist for the most common TikTok ad placements. Think of it as your cheat sheet to make sure every video you export is good to go.

Your Quick Reference for TikTok Ad Specs

TikTok's ad formats aren't one-size-fits-all. Each placement—from the native-feeling In-Feed ads to the unmissable TopView takeover—has its own set of rules designed to fit a specific user experience. Knowing the difference is key to a smooth campaign launch.

Getting these details wrong is a common mistake that leads to frustrating upload errors and wasted time. This breakdown covers the absolute must-know specs for the main ad types, so you can double-check everything before you hit publish.

As you can see, things like video duration and aspect ratio can vary quite a bit depending on where your ad shows up.

TikTok Ad Placement Specs At a Glance

For those times when you just need the numbers—no fluff—this table is your best friend. It puts the core technical requirements for In-Feed, TopView, and Spark Ads side-by-side. Bookmark this page and use it as your go-to checklist.

Getting these specs right from the start saves a ton of headaches down the road. It ensures your ads are compliant, optimized, and ready to perform the moment they go live.

Core Technical Video Requirements Explained

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of each ad placement, let's lock down the universal tiktok video ad specs. These are the foundational rules for any video you run, and TikTok is strict about them for good reason: they make sure every ad looks clean, loads fast, and doesn't disrupt the user's scrolling bliss. Nail these basics, and you'll avoid upload errors, grainy-looking ads, or flat-out rejections.

Think of these specs as the blueprint for your creative. They define the shape, size, and file type of your video, which has a massive impact on how your brand shows up on the "For You" page.

Mastering Aspect Ratios for Maximum Impact

Your video's aspect ratio is simply its shape, and on a vertical-first platform like TikTok, getting this right is non-negotiable. Using the wrong ratio wastes prime screen real estate and instantly screams "I'm an ad that doesn't belong here."

• 9:16 (Vertical): This is the gold standard. It fills the entire phone screen, creating that immersive, native feel you're aiming for. For In-Feed and TopView ads, this is the only ratio you should be using. Seriously.

• 1:1 (Square): You can use this, but it’s usually for ads being repurposed from other platforms like the Instagram grid. Your video will end up with black bars at the top and bottom, which just kills the vibe and visual impact.

• 16:9 (Horizontal): Don't even think about it. This is the traditional widescreen format for TV or YouTube, and on TikTok, it looks terrible. You get a tiny video stuck between massive black bars—a surefire way to get scrolled past.

Bottom line: sticking to 9:16 is the single most important creative decision you can make. It aligns your ad with how people actually use the app. If you need to churn out assets in the right format without a ton of manual work, a good AI video generator for ads can be a lifesaver: https://sovran.ai/blog/ai-video-generator-for-ads.

File Size and Supported Formats

Your ad needs to load instantly and play smoothly. To make that happen, TikTok has clear limits on file size and the types of files you can upload. These aren't suggestions; they're technical guardrails to keep the feed moving at lightning speed.

TikTok is built for mobile, which is why the ad specs demand a maximum file size of 500MB. Anything bigger is just too slow for a mobile-first experience.

As for file types, keep it simple and you won't have any problems:

• .mp4: This is the one. It's universally compatible and what TikTok recommends.

• .mov: Also a great option, especially if your creative team works on Apple devices.

• .mpeg, .3gp, .avi: These are technically supported, but you'll rarely see them used for ad uploads. Stick to .mp4 or .mov.

Getting these core specs right is step one. It's also smart to keep an eye on platform updates, like any potential video file support expansion, to make sure your ads stay compliant and perform at their best.

Detailed Specs for In-Feed Video Ads

In-feed ads are the absolute bread and butter of TikTok advertising. They show up right in a user's "For You" feed, blending in with organic content. This is a huge advantage, but it also means getting the specs perfect is non-negotiable for performance. This is your chance to connect with users without being disruptive, so every little detail counts.

These core specs are all about creating a smooth, native vertical viewing experience. Nailing these requirements makes sure your content looks professional and gives it the best shot with the TikTok algorithm.

Video Duration and File Requirements

TikTok technically lets In-Feed ads run for up to 60 seconds, but let's be real—the sweet spot for actually grabbing and holding someone's attention is way shorter. The data we see time and time again points to the most effective ads being between 9 and 15 seconds long. That's just enough time to land a compelling message before they swipe away.

On the technical side, your video file has to hit these marks, or you'll run into upload errors:

• Maximum File Size: 500 MB

• Supported File Types: .mp4, .mov, .mpeg, .3gp, .avi

My advice? Aim to keep your file size well under that 500 MB cap. It helps your ad get processed faster and ensures it loads quickly, even for people on a spotty connection.

In-Feed Ad Creative Component Limits

Beyond the video itself, the text elements of your ad do a lot of heavy lifting to drive action. TikTok is pretty strict about character limits here, so you need to be punchy and direct with your messaging. If you ignore these limits, your copy will get awkwardly cut off, gutting the power of your call to action.

Before we get to the numbers, here's a quick rundown of the text fields you'll be working with and how to make the most of them.

That ad description is prime real estate. Including a couple of trending or niche-specific hashtags can give your ad's discoverability a serious boost and help it find the right audience.

Navigating Ad Creative Safe Zones

One of the most critical—and most often overlooked—TikTok video ad specs is the "safe zone." These are the parts of the screen where you can be 100% certain your important visuals, like logos, text overlays, and key product shots, won't be covered up by the TikTok UI.

The app overlays a bunch of elements right on top of your video, including:

• The profile icon and follow button on the right.

• The account name, ad description, and audio track at the bottom.

• The Like, Comment, and Share icons on the lower-right side.

If you place your logo or a critical CTA in those areas, it's going to be completely hidden. Always design your creative with these zones in mind. Keep all your essential information centered and pulled away from the edges of the screen to make sure your message lands loud and clear.

Understanding Spark Ads for Authentic Engagement

Spark Ads are a native ad format that’s a game-changer for brands wanting to feel more authentic. Instead of creating an ad from scratch, you get to boost existing organic content—either from your own account or, with permission, from other creators. This approach neatly sidesteps the "ad" feeling by promoting content that's already a proven hit with the TikTok community.

Because you’re using an actual TikTok post, you don't have to worry about a separate set of TikTok video ad specs. The ad simply inherits all the technical properties of the original organic video. No new resolutions, aspect ratios, or durations to juggle. It just works.

The real magic here is in the native feel, which translates to much higher engagement. In fact, data shows Spark Ads boast a 157% increase in 6-second view-through rates compared to standard In-Feed ads. It’s solid proof that authentic, creator-driven content is what really captures attention. You can dig deeper into native ad format performance with this analysis from the digital advertising experts at basis.com.

Key Differences and Authorization

The main thing that sets Spark Ads apart is how they function. While a typical ad sends users to an external landing page, a Spark Ad has a few different interactive paths.

• CTA Button: When a user taps the call-to-action button, they'll be sent to your chosen landing page, just like a regular ad.

• Profile Engagement: Tapping the creator's profile picture, nickname, or swiping left on the video will take the user to the original creator's profile page.

• Music Engagement: If someone clicks the music or sound title at the bottom, they're taken to that audio's main page inside TikTok.

Important Note: You can't just grab any creator's video and run with it. You need their explicit permission. The process involves the creator generating a unique video code within their TikTok app settings, which they then share with you. You'll enter this code in TikTok Ads Manager to officially link their post to your campaign.

This authorization step is crucial. It keeps collaborations transparent, ensures creators get proper credit, and maintains the integrity of their work. It also allows your brand to tap directly into their established audience, making Spark Ads the go-to format for influencer marketing and amplifying user-generated content (UGC). It’s the perfect blend of a paid strategy with genuine social proof.

Essential Guidelines for Ad Policy and Content

Nailing every technical requirement in the TikTok video ad specs is just the first hurdle. The final, and arguably most important, step is getting past the platform's content review. This is where your creative gets scrutinized to make sure it follows all of TikTok's advertising policies.

A rejection at this stage can throw your entire campaign schedule off track, so it's critical to know the rules before you even think about hitting 'record'.

Every single ad you submit goes through an automated review, and sometimes a manual one too. This system checks for violations in the video itself, the text, and even the landing page you’re sending traffic to. Honestly, getting this part wrong is one of the most common reasons a perfectly good-looking ad never sees the light of day.

Common Reasons for Ad Rejection

To save yourself a headache, get familiar with the most frequent policy slip-ups. TikTok is incredibly protective of its user experience, so any ad that feels deceptive, spammy, or unsafe gets flagged almost immediately.

Here are the key restricted categories you really need to watch out for:

• Misleading Claims: Your ad can't make over-the-top or unproven promises about what a product can do. This includes unrealistic "before and after" shots or any claims that guarantee specific results. If it sounds too good to be true, TikTok will probably think so too.

• Copyright Infringement: This is a big one. Using popular music, clips from movies, or brand logos without a proper commercial license is one of the quickest ways to get your ad rejected. Always stick to commercially licensed audio and original visuals.

• Sensitive Content: Ads need to steer clear of anything shocking, disrespectful, or overly sensational. This rule also covers the promotion of prohibited industries like tobacco, weapons, or any illegal products and services.

• Poor Landing Page Experience: The review doesn't stop once the video ends. Your landing page has to be fully functional, load quickly, and be directly relevant to what you showed in the ad. A broken or slow page is a red flag.

Ensuring a Smooth Approval Process

Being proactive is your best strategy here. Before you even think about submitting your campaign, do a quick quality check on your ad creative and its destination URL. It’s also smart to stay aware of the broader regulatory rules, like the FTC Guidelines for Influencers, which are especially important if you're collaborating with creators.

Pro Tip: Don't forget that your ad description and on-screen text are also part of the review. Make sure your copy is clear, honest, and doesn't have a bunch of grammatical errors or excessive capitalization—that can come across as spammy. A polished, professional ad signals trustworthiness and can help speed things along.

At the end of the day, a successful ad is one that respects the user and plays by the rules. If you design your creative with these policies in mind from the very beginning, you'll set yourself up for a campaign that launches smoothly and actually performs.

Optimizing Creative Beyond Technical Specs

Nailing every single technical requirement on the TikTok video ad specs checklist is table stakes. It gets you in the game, but it doesn't guarantee you'll win. The ads that actually perform and scale go way beyond the numbers, focusing on creative that feels completely native to TikTok’s fast-paced, trend-heavy culture. This is where you move from just meeting the specs to actually executing great creative.

A high-performing TikTok ad lives or dies in the first three seconds. That’s your one shot to land a visual hook powerful enough to stop the scroll. If you don't grab their attention immediately, even the most polished video gets swiped away before your message ever has a chance.

Capture Attention with Native Content

Let's be real: the best ads on TikTok don't feel like ads at all. They blend right into the "For You" page because they adopt that authentic, lo-fi aesthetic. Think less polished TV commercial, more like something straight off a creator's camera roll.

To get that native feel down, try these proven strategies:

• Jump on Trends: Get involved in relevant trends, challenges, and use popular audio. It’s a clear signal that your brand actually gets the platform's culture.

• Work with Real Creators: Partner up with creators who genuinely fit your brand. Their endorsement adds a layer of trust and social proof that’s almost impossible to create yourself.

• Use a Clear Call-to-Action (CTA): Even native-style content needs to tell people what to do next. End your video with a simple, direct instruction, whether it's "Shop Now," "Learn More," or "Download." For a much deeper dive on this, check out our complete guide on TikTok creative best practices: https://sovran.ai/blog/tiktok-creative-best-practices

Craft a Compelling Visual and Audio Experience

TikTok is a sound-on world where dynamic visuals are king. It's exactly why video ads work so well here.

Video ads on TikTok achieve a 15% higher engagement rate compared to static ads, reflecting the platform's emphasis on dynamic, visually appealing content. The average cost-per-click (CPC) is approximately $0.22, making it a cost-effective option for brands targeting global audiences. You can explore more detailed TikTok marketing statistics on Teleprompter.com.

Your ad has to be visually interesting from the first frame to the last. Use quick cuts, engaging text overlays, and trending audio to keep viewers locked in. The goal is to create something that people don't just watch but are actually entertained by. That's what makes them remember your brand and take action, turning a compliant ad into a profitable one.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ad Specs

Running into issues with TikTok video ad specs can be frustrating. You can have the perfect creative ready to go, but one tiny technical detail can get it rejected or, worse, kill its performance. Let's clear up some of the most common questions and points of confusion that trip up advertisers.

Getting these details right from the start saves a ton of headaches and helps your campaigns launch smoothly, giving every ad its best shot at success.

What Is the Best Video Length for a TikTok Ad?

Even though In-Feed ads can technically be up to 60 seconds long, you almost never want to go that long. The sweet spot is much, much shorter. We consistently see the best performance from videos that are 9 to 15 seconds long.

This length is the perfect balance for getting your message across clearly without losing your audience's notoriously short attention span.

• Under 10 seconds: Perfect for quick, punchy brand awareness ads or a single, powerful hook.

• 15-30 seconds: Gives you a bit more room for product demos or a quick story.

Why Was My Ad Rejected If It Met All Video Specs?

This happens all the time. Your video file is perfect, but the ad still gets rejected. Why? Because meeting the technical specs is only half the battle. Your ad also has to play by TikTok's content rules.

More often than not, a rejection has nothing to do with the video file itself. Check for other common culprits: a broken landing page URL, using popular music you don't have a commercial license for, or making wild, unsubstantiated claims in your ad copy. Always double-check everything—the creative, text, and destination URL—against TikTok’s ad policies.

Our guide on how to make TikTok ads walks through the whole creation and approval process if you want to dig deeper: https://sovran.ai/blog/how-to-make-tiktok-ads.

Can I Use a Horizontal Video for My TikTok Ad?

Technically, yes, you can upload a horizontal (16:9) video. But you really, really shouldn't. TikTok is a vertical-first world, and your horizontal video will show up squished between massive black bars.

It’s a jarring experience for users and immediately flags your content as an ad that doesn't belong. This almost always leads to terrible engagement and sky-high skip rates. Always stick to the native 9:16 vertical format to give your ad a fighting chance.

What Are Safe Zones and Why Do They Matter?

Safe zones are the areas in the middle of the screen where you should place all your important stuff—logos, text, key product shots. Why? Because TikTok slaps its own interface elements right on top of your video.

The username, caption, and all the engagement buttons will cover up parts of your ad. If you place critical info too close to the edges or the bottom, people won't see it. You'll waste your ad spend because your message is literally hidden from view.

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