TikTok Ad Specs: Formats, Sizes & Tips for High-Impact Ads

If you’re advertising on TikTok, getting TikTok ad specs right is essential, not just to pass TikTok’s review system, but to make your ads perform better from the start.

Quick Summary: TikTok Ad Specs

• Best video size: 1080 × 1920 px (9:16)
• Max video length: 60 sec (15 sec recommended)
• File size limit: 500 MB
• Supported formats: .mp4, .mov, .mpeg, .3gp, .avi
• In-Feed, Spark, TopView, and Shopping Ads all support vertical video
• Branded Effects icon: PNG, ≤60 KB, 162 × 162 px
• Collection Ads: Up to 8 products with 1080 × 1080 px images
• DPA & Shopping Ads require synced product feeds in .csv, .tsv, or .xml

Why TikTok Ad Specs Matter?

Getting creative on TikTok is important, but getting the specs right is critical. If your ad doesn’t meet TikTok’s requirements for size, length, or file type, you’re not just risking rejection, you’re losing performance.

Here’s why paying attention to TikTok ad specs gives your campaign a clear advantage:

1. Optimized for Every Device and Placement

TikTok is a mobile-first platform, which means the majority of its users engage with content through their phones. Ads that don’t adhere to the correct specifications, such as resolution, aspect ratio, and file size, may appear distorted, cut off, or pixelated, negatively impacting user experience.

Imagine running an ad for a new fashion brand using a 4:3 aspect ratio video. Instead of the full-screen immersive experience TikTok users are accustomed to, your ad appears with large black bars on the top and bottom.

2. Improves Ad Performance

Ads that meet the right specs not only look better, but they also perform better. A well-optimized ad, with the correct video length, resolution, and format, tends to load faster, display properly, and seamlessly integrate into TikTok’s content flow. Ads that are too long or poorly formatted may result in users skipping them, leading to wasted ad spend and lower engagement rates.

3. Higher Engagement Rates

TikTok users expect high-quality, creative, and dynamic content. For example, a travel agency runs an In-Feed Ad showcasing beautiful destinations, but they use a low-resolution video (480p) instead of TikTok’s recommended 1080p. The pixelated visuals fail to capture the beauty of the scenery, and users quickly scroll past.

4. Avoid Technical Issues

Incorrect ad specs can lead to technical problems, such as videos not loading properly, being rejected by the platform, or suffering from long loading times. For instance, a fitness app creates a 700MB video file for their TopView ad campaign, but TikTok’s max file size limit is 500MB. As a result, the platform rejects the ad, delaying the entire TikTok campaign.

TikTok Ad Formats and Specs [2025 Updated]

TikTok offers a range of ad formats to support different marketing goals, but each format comes with its own creative requirements. Below, we break down the TikTok ad specs, sizes, and file guidelines for each format so your ads load fast, look sharp, and pass review without delay.

Ad Format	Video Length	Aspect Ratio	File Size	Best Use Case
In-Feed	5–60 sec	9:16, 1:1	≤500MB	Engagement, installs
TopView	≤60 sec	9:16, 16:9	≤500MB	Brand awareness
Spark	5–60 sec	9:16, 1:1	≤500MB	Boost organic posts
Branded Effects	N/A	Custom	≤60KB PNG	Brand identity, UGC
Collection Ads	Custom	1:1, 9:16	≤500MB	E-commerce showcase
DPA	5–50 sec	1:1, 16:9	≤500MB	Catalog retargeting
Hashtag Chal.	≤60 sec	9:16	≤500MB	UGC virality

All ad formats below include key updates for 2025, including file size limits, supported dimensions, video lengths, and tips for optimal performance.

In-feed Ads

TikTok’s native ad type is In-feed advertisements, which allow you to embed your video commercials to auto-play on the For You Page. With this type of ad, users can like, comment, share, follow, and shoot videos with the same sound on TikTok.

Specs for the ad video:

• Length: 5 to 60 seconds (15 seconds recommended for best results)
• Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical), 1:1 (square), or 16:9 (horizontal)
• Resolution: At least 720 × 1280 px; 1080 × 1920 px recommended
• File Type: .mp4, .mov, .mpeg, .3gp, .avi
• Max File Size: 500 MB
• Bitrate: ≥516 kbps

Specs for the TikTok image ads:

• Aspect Ratio: 1:1
• Recommended Size: 1080 × 1080 px
• File Type: .jpg, .jpeg, .png
• Max File Size: 50 KB

Text elements:

• Ad Description: 12–100 characters (including spaces and punctuation)
• Brand Name: 2–20 English characters (emojis not supported)
• App Name (if applicable): 4–40 English characters

Tips

• Hook your audience within the first 3 seconds with movement or emotion
• Keep text overlays minimal and centered to avoid UI clutter
• Use trending sounds or music to boost discoverability
• Add clear calls to action (e.g., “Shop Now”, “Try the App”, “Watch More”)

Top-view Ads

TikTok TopView is a video-first format that showcases your brand on TikTok’s best and most visible placement, capturing user attention with sight, sound, and narrative.

Video specs:

• Length: Up to 60 seconds
• Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (recommended), 1:1, or 16:9
• Resolution:
  • Minimum: 720 × 1280 px
  • Recommended: 1080 × 1920 px for best clarity
• File Type: .mp4, .mov, .mpeg, .3gp, .avi
• Max File Size: 500 MB
• Bitrate: ≥516 kbps

Audio:

• Sound must be enabled by default
• TikTok recommends using music or voiceover to maximize engagement

Tips

• Lead with bold visuals, and your ad has the user’s full attention for the first few seconds
• Use storytelling to retain interest beyond the 3-second mark
• Keep CTAs short, bold, and in-screen early
• Avoid cluttered layouts; the clearer the message, the better the impact

Spark Ads

Spark Ads allow brands to boost organic content, making them highly effective for engaging with users while maintaining a natural look within the TikTok feed.

Specs for Spark Ads:

Video specs (inherited from original post):

• Length: 5 to 60 seconds (TikTok recommends 9–15 seconds for optimal completion rate)
• Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical) or 1:1 (square)
• Resolution: Minimum 720 × 1280 px; 1080 × 1920 px recommended
• File Type: .mp4, .mov, .mpeg, .3gp, .avi
• Max File Size: 500 MB

Caption specs:

• Length: Up to 150 characters (including hashtags)
• Supports emojis, hashtags, and creator tags

Additional capabilities:

• Duet and Stitch support
• Clickable music and creator handles
• Integration with TikTok Shop (add-to-cart and purchase links)
• Available for Lead Generation and Website Conversion objectives

Tips

• Choose posts that already show signs of high engagement
• Always secure creator authorization before using their content
• Add a CTA overlay or branded frame for consistent identity
• Spark Ads can be run at scale, so use them to test messaging across audience segments

>>> Read more: TikTok Spark Ads – Get authentic with user-generated content

Top Feed

Top Feed ads are a combination of in-feed and Top view ads. It is the first in-feed ad that appears on your For You Page. These ads are designed to look and feel like regular TikTok videos but are labeled as “Sponsored” or “Ad” to distinguish them from organic content.

TikTok advertising specs for Top Feed:

Video specs:

• Length: Up to 60 seconds
• Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical), 1:1 (square), or 16:9 (landscape)
• Resolution:
  • Vertical: 1080 × 1920 px
  • Square: 1080 × 1080 px
  • Landscape: 1920 × 1080 px
• File Type: .mp4 or .mov
• Max File Size: 500 MB
• Sound: Enabled by default (users can turn off)

Captions and overlays:

• Custom text and calls-to-action can be added during ad creation
• Keep text away from edges to avoid TikTok UI overlays

Tips

• Hook viewers in the first 2–3 seconds—this ad gets seen first but can still be skipped
• Add subtle branding in the first frame to build recognition without overwhelming the content
• Use dynamic motion, zooms, or transitions to maintain attention
• Combine with Spark Ads or retargeting to reinforce message after first view

Branded hashtag challenge

This format is divided into three locations within the app. The first type of video ad is a conventional video ad that appears in the In-Feed placement and encourages people to join in the challenge. The second method is to use prominent banners on the Discover Page to bring people to the Hashtag Challenge (the third placement).

For example, hashtags on TikTok open an opportunity for every business to go viral with hashtag challenges like #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt.

TikTok advertising specs for Branded Hashtag Challenge:

Ad creative specs:

• Video Length: Up to 60 seconds
• Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical only)
• Resolution: 1080 × 1920 px recommended
• File Type: .mp4 or .mov
• Max File Size: 500 MB

Hashtag Challenge banner (Discover page):

• Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical) or 16:9 (landscape)
• File Format: .jpg or .png
• Usage: Clicking the banner leads to the challenge page

Challenge page components:

• Featured video(s)
• Hashtag description
• Rules and terms
• UGC showcase section
• Optional product or TikTok Shop links

Tips

• Keep the challenge simple, repeatable, and visual, make it easy for users to join
• Use well-known creators to kick off the trend and set the tone
• Combine with Branded Effects to enhance creativity and brand recall
• Track user participation and re-engage top creators with Spark Ads

Branded Effect

Branded Effects on TikTok are a type of advertising format that allows businesses to create their own custom filters, stickers, and augmented reality (AR) effects that users can apply to their videos.

Effect design specs:

• Effect Icon:
  • Canvas size: 162 × 162 px (PNG)
  • Safe area: 144 × 144 px, with 20 px rounded corners
  • File size: < 60 KB
• Effect Name:
  • Up to 30 English characters
  • No emojis, hashtags, or special symbols
  • 18 characters recommended for optimal display

Brand exposure limits:

• Logo: Display within 150 × 130 px
• Product: Within 150 × 130 px
• Promotion (e.g., slogan): 300 × 130 px
• Spokesperson/IP figure: 480 × 270 px

Hint text:

• Used to instruct users on how to activate the effect
• Max: 48 English characters (no emojis, hashtags, or symbols)
• Must match the effect’s actual trigger or movement

Branded music (if included):

• Cover image: 800 × 800 px (brand elements centered in a 260 px circle)
• File type: .mp3 or .wav
• Track length: 15 seconds to 1 minute (15 seconds recommended)
• Copyright: Requires documentation and signed authorization for TikTok use

Landing page elements:

• Description: No character limit; emojis allowed, but no URLs or certain symbols (&, <, >, quotes)
• Sponsor display: Required in some regions (e.g., US, UK, VN)
  • Format: “Sponsor: [Brand Name]” (up to 30 characters, no emojis)
• External link CTA:
  • Max 30 characters
  • Landing page title: Max 20 characters
  • One link per effect

Optional: Official videos

• Brands can pin 1–6 videos to showcase how the effect is used

Tips

• Design effects that are easy to use and expressive in short-form video
• Test the trigger functionality across multiple devices before launch
• Pair Branded Effects with creator partnerships to kickstart adoption
• Avoid overbranding, focus on creativity first, then brand integration

Collection Ads

TikTok Collection Ads is a type of ad format offered by the TikTok social media platform that allows advertisers to showcase multiple products in a single ad. It’s designed to help e-commerce businesses promote their products and drive sales directly from the TikTok app.

TikTok advertising specs for Collection Ads:

Video creative (main ad):

• Length: Up to 60 seconds
• Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical)
• Resolution: 1080 × 1920 px recommended
• File Type: .mp4 or .mov
• Max File Size: 500 MB
• Sound: Must be enabled by default

Product card gallery:

• Up to 8 products per ad
• Each product includes:
  • Image or video (recommended: 1080 × 1080 px)
  • Title and short description
  • Clickable CTA (e.g., “Shop Now”)

Instant Gallery Page (native landing page):

• Loads instantly inside TikTok
• Fully customizable layout with branding, product highlights, and links
• Products can be dynamically pulled from a product catalog feed

Tips

• Use lifestyle video to tell a story, then anchor it with shoppable items
• Keep product images clean and high-resolution (no text overlays)
• Feature bestsellers or limited-time items early in the gallery
• Combine with TikTok Pixel or Advanced Matching for better retargeting and attribution

Dynamic Showcase Ads (DPA)

Dynamic Showcase Ads are particularly effective for businesses with a large product catalog, as they allow advertisers to showcase a wide range of products in a single ad unit.

Specs for Dynamic Showcase/Product Ads:

Video or image specs:

• Aspect Ratio:
  • 1:1 (Square)
  • 16:9 (Horizontal)
• Resolution:
  • Minimum: 1200 × 1200 px (Square)
  • 1200 × 628 px (Horizontal)
• Video Length: 5 to 50 seconds
• File Type: .mp4, .mov, .mpeg, .3gp, .avi
• Max File Size: 500 MB

Product catalog feed requirements:

• Format: .csv, .tsv, or .xml
• Required fields:
  • Product ID
  • Title (max 100 characters)
  • Description
  • Image URL
  • Product URL
  • Price and availability
• Optional fields: color, size, brand, etc.
• Updates: Feed should be refreshed regularly to reflect the current inventory

Caption:

• Max 100 characters (hashtags and emojis supported)

Tips

• Use high-quality, lifestyle product images or short videos with clean backgrounds
• Segment product sets to show more tailored items per audience (e.g., by gender, category)
• Track performance using TikTok Pixel and optimize based on real-time product interest
• Pair with Spark Ads to retarget engaged viewers with dynamic product offers

TikTok Shopping Ads

TikTok Shopping Ads are a type of ad format that allows e-commerce businesses to showcase their products on TikTok and drive traffic to their online store.

Product feed file:

• Supported formats: .csv, .tsv, .xml
• Key fields:
  • Product ID
  • Product Title (≤100 characters)
  • Description
  • Price
  • Image URL (minimum 1080 × 1080 px)
  • Landing Page URL (TikTok Shop or external site)
• Variants: If applicable (e.g., color, size), each variation needs a unique ID
• Inventory updates: Sync regularly (real-time or scheduled daily updates)

Video/Image specs for shopping creatives:

• Video Length: 5–60 seconds
• Aspect Ratio: 9:16 or 1:1
• Resolution: At least 720 × 1280 px; 1080 × 1920 px recommended
• File Type: .mp4, .mov
• Max File Size: 500 MB

CTA & features:

• Clickable product anchor linked to TikTok Shop
• Add-to-cart or buy-now options within the video interface
• Real-time inventory and pricing display
• “Shop Tab” integration with your TikTok profile

Tips

• Feature one product per video to keep the focus clear
• Use captions or voiceovers to highlight benefits, urgency, or price
• Incorporate social proof (e.g., reviews or unboxings) for trust
• Monitor performance closely and retarget high-intent viewers via Spark Ads or DPA

>>> Read more: 10 TikTok Ad Types you need to know [Update 2023]

FAQ about TikTok Ad Specs & Formats

Final word

Creating the right TikTok ad formats and specs is crucial for success on TikTok, as it ensures that the ad is displayed properly and reaches its intended audience. Therefore, advertisers should keep in mind the importance of engaging content and eye-catching visuals that capture the attention of viewers in the first few seconds. If you wish to know which ad types are more suitable for your brand’s strategy, from branding to performance, check out our ebook right now!