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.
Format Type | Aspect Ratio | Resolution | Max Duration |
News Feed (Landscape) | 16:9 | 1280 × 720 (720p) or 1920 × 1080 (1080p) | 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
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
LinkedIn audiences engage well with vertical and square formats on mobile.
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 (e.g., "Create a vertical video in 9:16 format").
Generate videos under 60 seconds for Stories, under 90 seconds for Reels.
Use Lip Sync or Face Swap for engaging short-form content with 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.
Use Text-to-Video with prompts like "Create a trending TikTok video, vertical format" for platform-appropriate content.
Generate multiple short clips (15–30 seconds each) and test different styles to find what resonates.
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 for scripted content or Image-to-Video for visual storytelling.
YouTube Shorts: Create vertical 9:16 videos under 60 seconds using Text-to-Video with "vertical Shorts" in your prompt.
Always upload the highest resolution available (1080p minimum).
For Facebook
Use square (1:1) or vertical (9:16) formats for Story ads—they auto-play muted.
Generate videos under 15 seconds for feed content to maximize watch-through rate.
Use Video-to-Video to add captions or effects if needed.
Ensure your video's first 3 seconds grab attention; Facebook users decide within the first frame whether to watch.
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 is most common and 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.
Free Plan: 480p–720p max. Suitable for social media preview content.
Creator Plan ($10/mo): Up to 1080p. Recommended for Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts.
Pro Plan ($49/mo): Up to 1080p. Recommended for long-form YouTube and professional platforms.
Business Plan ($249/mo): Up to 4K. Ideal for 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, so:
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 outputs video at 30 fps (frames per second) by default, which is optimal for social media. This frame rate is supported by all platforms and offers smooth motion without excessive file size.
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
If your video appears with black bars after uploading to a platform, it's likely due to an aspect ratio mismatch. Always generate in the target platform's native aspect ratio.
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 correct aspect ratio. Include "vertical" or "9:16" in your Text-to-Video prompt. |
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. Use lower Magic Hour plan if needed. |
Video quality is blurry or pixelated | Using low-resolution Magic Hour plan or platform compressed it heavily | Upgrade Magic Hour plan to Creator or Pro for 1080p 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. If error persists, re-download and try uploading again. |
Video has watermark but I'm on paid plan | Downloaded preview instead of final output, or plan doesn't include watermark removal | Make sure you're on Creator plan or higher. Download the full "MP4" file, not "Preview." Watermark-free output requires paid subscription. |
Optimization Tips for Maximum Engagement
Pro tip: Hook viewers in the first 1–3 seconds. On all social platforms, users scroll quickly. 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 on-screen text to convey your message.
Use trending music/audio: Generate Lip Sync or Talking Photo videos with trending sounds for maximum viral potential.
Test multiple aspect ratios: Some platforms support multiple formats. A 1:1 square video often outperforms 16:9 on feed algorithms.
Post at optimal times: Platform algorithms favor consistent posting. Schedule videos when your audience is most active.
Monitor platform trends: Different AI art styles perform better on different platforms. Experiment with Magic Hour's style options (Realistic, Animated, Oil Painting, etc.) and track engagement.
Reuse content smartly: Generate one video, then crop or resize it for multiple platforms. A 1080 × 1920 vertical video can be cropped to 1080 × 1080 for feed posts.
Common Platform-Specific Guidelines
Content Rights & Monetization
Magic Hour ownership: You own all content you create with Magic Hour 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 that AI was used in creation.
Copyright & Music: Always use royalty-free or licensed music in Magic Hour Lip Sync or Animation tools to avoid copyright strikes on social platforms.
Accessibility
Best practices for all platforms:
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
If you encounter video upload errors or have questions about platform specifications:
For Magic Hour features: Check the documentation or contact Magic Hour support 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.