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Social Media Optimization Guide: Creating Content for Different Platforms

Optimize your content for social media

Written by Runbo (CEO of Magic Hour)

Overview

Each social media platform has unique technical requirements and audience preferences. This guide provides platform-specific specifications for video dimensions, duration, and formats to help you create optimized content in Magic Hour that performs best on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter (X).

Pro tip: Most social platforms favor vertical video formats (9:16 aspect ratio) for maximum mobile engagement. Plan your content dimensions when you generate videos in Magic Hour.


Vertical Video Platforms (Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts)

Instagram Reels

Specification

Requirement

Aspect Ratio

9:16 (vertical)

Resolution

1080 × 1920 pixels

Max Duration

90 seconds

Max File Size

4 GB

Recommended File Format

MP4 (H.264 video, AAC audio)

Instagram Stories: Duration: 60 seconds per segment | Aspect Ratio: 9:16 | Resolution: 1080 × 1920 pixels

Instagram prioritizes engagement metrics like watch time and shares. Vertical videos keep viewers watching longer by filling their entire screen.

TikTok

Specification

Requirement

Aspect Ratio

9:16 (vertical)

Resolution

1080 × 1920 pixels

Max Duration

10 minutes

Recommended Duration

15–60 seconds for best engagement

Max File Size

287.6 MB (iOS) / 72 MB (Android)

Recommended File Format

MP4 (H.264 video, AAC audio)

TikTok enforces stricter file size limits on mobile uploads, especially on Android. Keep videos under 50 MB when uploading via mobile app.

YouTube Shorts

Specification

Requirement

Aspect Ratio

9:16 (vertical)

Resolution

1080 × 1920 pixels (minimum 720 × 1280)

Max Duration

60 seconds

Max File Size

2 GB

Recommended File Format

MP4 (H.264 video, AAC audio)

Frame Rate: 24, 30, or 60 fps (use the frame rate your content was recorded at)


Horizontal Video Platforms

YouTube (Long-Form Videos)

Specification

Requirement

Aspect Ratio

16:9 (landscape)

Resolution

1920 × 1080 (1080p recommended) or 3840 × 2160 (4K)

Max File Size

128 GB

Recommended File Format

MP4 with H.264 video codec

Audio Codec

AAC-LC at 48 kHz

YouTube Bitrate Recommendations:

  • 1080p: 8 Mbps (standard) / 12 Mbps (60 fps)

  • 4K (2160p): 35–45 Mbps (standard) / 53–68 Mbps (60 fps)

  • 720p: 5 Mbps (standard) / 7.5 Mbps (60 fps)

  • Audio: 128 kbps (mono) / 384 kbps (stereo)

YouTube automatically transcodes your video for different devices and connection speeds. Uploading high-quality source material (1080p or higher) ensures better output quality.

Facebook

Format Type

Aspect Ratio

Resolution

Max Duration

News Feed (Landscape)

16:9

1280 × 720 or 1920 × 1080

240 minutes

Stories (Vertical)

9:16

720 × 1280

240 minutes

Square

1:1

1080 × 1080

240 minutes

Facebook Bitrate Recommendations:

  • 720p: 4 Mbps

  • 1080p: 8 Mbps

  • Audio: 128 kbps (AAC) at 44.1 kHz or higher

Recommended Duration: Keep videos under 15 seconds for highest engagement, though longer videos (up to 2–3 minutes) work for storytelling content.

Facebook videos autoplay muted in News Feed. Use captions, clear visuals, or text overlays to convey your message without audio.


Professional and Horizontal Platforms

LinkedIn

Content Type

Aspect Ratio

Resolution

Max File Size

Landscape (Desktop)

16:9

1920 × 1080

5 GB

Square

1:1

1080 × 1080

5 GB

Vertical

9:16 or 4:5

1080 × 1920 or 1080 × 1350

5 GB

LinkedIn Video Specifications:

  • Duration: 3 seconds to 10 minutes for native videos

  • File Format: MP4 or MOV

  • Optimal Duration for Ads: 15–30 seconds

  • Frame Rate: 30 fps or less

  • Audio Codec: AAC or MPEG4

Professional content like case studies and testimonials perform best with high-quality visuals and clear audio.

Twitter (X)

Specification

Requirement

Aspect Ratio

1:1 (Square), 16:9 (Landscape), or 9:16 (Portrait)

Resolution

Up to 1920 × 1200 pixels

Max Duration

2 minutes 20 seconds

Max File Size

512 MB

Recommended File Format

MP4 or MOV (H.264 video, AAC audio)


Magic Hour Recommendations by Platform

For Instagram Reels & Stories

  • Use Text-to-Video or Image-to-Video and request 9:16 aspect ratio in your prompt.

  • Generate videos under 60 seconds for Stories, under 90 seconds for Reels.

  • Use Lip Sync or Face Swap for engaging short-form content with a personal touch.

  • Add captions or text overlays for videos that auto-play muted.

  • Download the MP4 and upload directly — Magic Hour videos are watermark-free on paid plans.

For TikTok

  • Create videos under 60 seconds for maximum reach, though TikTok allows up to 10 minutes.

  • Generate multiple short clips (15–30 seconds each) and test different styles.

  • Use Animation or Video-to-Video with trendy art styles for higher engagement.

  • Keep file size under 50 MB if uploading from mobile devices.

For YouTube (Long-Form & Shorts)

  • Long-Form Videos: Generate content in 16:9 aspect ratio. Use Text-to-Video or Image-to-Video for visual storytelling.

  • YouTube Shorts: Create vertical 9:16 videos under 60 seconds.

  • Always upload the highest resolution available on your plan.

For Facebook

  • Use square (1:1) or vertical (9:16) formats for Stories — they auto-play muted.

  • Generate videos under 15 seconds for feed content to maximize watch-through rate.

  • Ensure your video's first 3 seconds grab attention.

For LinkedIn

  • Create professional content in 1:1 (square) or 16:9 (landscape) formats.

  • Keep videos between 15–60 seconds for optimal engagement.

  • Use Text-to-Video for explainer videos, case studies, or announcements.

  • Add captions or subtitles; LinkedIn users often watch without sound.

For Twitter (X)

  • Square (1:1) format performs well.

  • Keep videos brief — under 30 seconds is optimal for viral potential.

  • Use Text-to-Video or Video-to-Video to create clip-worthy content.


Video Format Best Practices

File Formats & Codecs

All Magic Hour outputs are MP4 videos using H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec. This is compatible with every major social platform and requires no additional conversion.

Resolution and Quality

Always upload the highest resolution available on your Magic Hour plan. Platforms automatically downscale for mobile devices, but starting with high-quality source material ensures the best visual quality across all devices.

Plan

Monthly Price

Max Resolution

Best For

Free (Basic)

Free

576px

Testing and previews

Creator

$15/mo

1024px

Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts

Pro

$39/mo

1472px

Long-form YouTube and professional platforms

Business

$99/mo

4K

YouTube long-form, professional portfolios, and archival

Bitrate and File Size

Magic Hour automatically optimizes bitrate for your output resolution. Videos are compressed for web delivery:

  • 1080p videos typically result in files 50–150 MB (depending on duration and complexity)

  • 4K videos range from 150–500 MB

  • All outputs stay well below platform file size limits

Frame Rate

Magic Hour video outputs vary in frame rate by model — typically 24 or 30 fps depending on the model selected. Both are supported by all major social platforms and offer smooth motion. Check the specific model's settings for its output frame rate.


Aspect Ratio Quick Reference

Platform(s)

Best Aspect Ratio

Dimensions (pixels)

Max Duration

Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Stories

9:16 (Vertical)

1080 × 1920

60–90s

YouTube Long-Form, Landscape Facebook/LinkedIn

16:9 (Landscape)

1920 × 1080

No limit*

Instagram Feed Posts, Facebook Feed, LinkedIn, Twitter

1:1 (Square)

1080 × 1080

Varies**

LinkedIn Vertical Ads, Facebook Vertical Stories

4:5 or 9:16

1080 × 1350 or 1080 × 1920

Varies**

*YouTube long-form: up to 128 GB file size | **Varies by platform; see specifications table above


Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem

Cause

Solution

Video appears with black bars on social platform

Aspect ratio mismatch (e.g., 16:9 uploaded to vertical-only platform)

Regenerate video in the correct aspect ratio for your target platform.

File too large to upload to mobile

Video resolution too high or duration too long for platform limits

Check platform file size limits. For TikTok mobile: keep under 50 MB.

Video quality is blurry or pixelated

Using a lower-resolution plan or platform compressed it heavily

Upgrade Magic Hour plan for higher resolution output. Verify you're downloading the full-quality file, not a preview.

Platform rejected video for unsupported format

File is not MP4 or audio codec is not AAC (rare with Magic Hour)

Magic Hour outputs standard MP4 with H.264/AAC. Re-download and try uploading again.

Video has watermark but I'm on a paid plan

Downloaded preview instead of final output, or plan doesn't include watermark removal

Make sure you're on Creator or higher. Download the full MP4 file, not a preview. Watermark-free output requires a paid subscription.


Optimization Tips for Maximum Engagement

  • Hook viewers in the first 1–3 seconds. Magic Hour's AI-generated visuals can be compelling hooks — use bold colors, movement, and text overlays to stop the scroll.

  • Add captions: 85% of social videos are watched without sound.

  • Use trending music/audio: Generate Lip Sync or Talking Photo videos with trending sounds for maximum viral potential.

  • Test multiple aspect ratios: A 1:1 square video often outperforms 16:9 on feed algorithms.

  • Post at optimal times: Platform algorithms favor consistent posting.

  • Monitor platform trends: Experiment with different Magic Hour style options and track engagement.

  • Reuse content smartly: Generate one video, then crop or resize it for multiple platforms.


Common Platform-Specific Guidelines

Content Rights & Monetization

  • Magic Hour ownership: You own all content you create and have full commercial use rights on paid plans.

  • Platform monetization: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook offer creator monetization programs. Magic Hour content is eligible, but platforms may require you to disclose AI involvement.

  • Copyright & Music: Always use royalty-free or licensed music in Magic Hour Lip Sync or Animation tools to avoid copyright strikes.

Accessibility

  • Add captions (burned-in or platform captions) to assist viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing.

  • Use high-contrast colors and readable fonts in text overlays.

  • Avoid rapid flashing or strobing effects that can trigger photosensitivity.


Getting Help

  • For Magic Hour features: Check the documentation or contact [email protected] with your video file details.

  • For platform-specific issues: Refer to each platform's official help center or community guidelines.

  • For file format conversion: If a platform rejects your MP4, use a free tool like HandBrake or FFmpeg to re-encode while maintaining quality.


Summary

Different social platforms have distinct requirements for video dimensions, duration, and file formats. By following this guide, you'll create optimized content in Magic Hour that displays beautifully and engages audiences across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Start with your target platform's native aspect ratio, generate high-quality content on your plan tier, and monitor engagement to refine your approach.

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