Ideal TikTok video length and size in 2023 - The Ultimate Guide

TikTok has taken the world by storm, becoming one of the most popular social media platforms with over 1.7 billion active users worldwide. Its short-form video format, diverse content, and engaging features have made it a hub for creativity, entertainment, and self-expression. Whether you are a business looking to reach a younger audience or an individual trying to build a personal brand, TikTok offers endless opportunities to connect with others and showcase your talents.
 

However, creating TikTok videos that stand out from the crowd can be a challenge. With so much content being posted every day, it's important to understand the platform's unique format, best practices, and latest trends if you want to maximize your reach and engagement. That's why we've put together this Ultimate Guide to Creating TikTok Videos, designed to provide you with all the information you need to create compelling, high-quality content that resonates with your audience.

In this guide, we will cover everything from the optimal TikTok video length and size to the best editing tools and techniques. Let's get started!

Best length for TikTok videos

How long are TikTok videos nowadays? While TikTok previously limited video length to just 15 or 60 seconds, the platform has since extended this limit to 10 minutes. However, despite this increase in video length, it's still recommended that creators aim for shorter videos to maximize engagement. 
 

In 2023, the ideal TikTok video length is still considered to be between 15 and 60 seconds. This short-form format allows for quick and easy consumption, which is more likely to capture and retain viewers' attention.

There are several reasons why shorter videos tend to perform better on TikTok:

• Algorithmic prioritization: TikTok's algorithm is designed to prioritize shorter videos that are more likely to be watched and shared by users. This is because shorter videos are easier to consume and can quickly capture the viewer's attention.
• Increased engagement: Shorter videos are more likely to hold viewers' attention and encourage them to watch the entire video. This leads to increased engagement, as viewers are more likely to like, comment, and share the video.
• High replay value: TikTok's emphasis on "snackable" content that is easy to consume and share quickly means that shorter videos often have higher replay value. This means that viewers are more likely to watch the video multiple times, increasing the video's overall engagement.
• Greater shareability: Shorter videos are also more shareable, as viewers are more likely to share videos that they can quickly watch and enjoy. This can lead to the video being shared across multiple platforms, increasing its reach and engagement.

Don’t forget about YouTube shorts! 

It’s worth noting that while TikTok seems to be moving more and more towards long-form video content, YouTube has introduced Shorts. These are vertical videos with a maximum length of 60 seconds and the YouTube algorithm seems to be pushing and promoting them pretty hard. 

So if you follow our recommendations and make TikToks that last less than 60 seconds, you should consider creating a YouTube channel and uploading them as shorts in order to ensure that your content reaches as many people as possible.

Is there a TikTok minimum length?

While much of the focus on TikTok video length tends to revolve around the platform's maximum video length, it's important not to overlook the minimum length requirements as well. For those interested in creating really short videos, it's worth noting that TikTok has a minimum video length of 3 seconds. In other words, you won't be able to upload any videos shorter than this threshold.
 

While this might seem like a minor detail, it's worth considering the implications for video creators. Videos that are too short may not have enough time to capture viewers' attention or convey a meaningful message, so it's important to strike a balance between brevity and substance when crafting TikTok content.

Understanding the TikTok Video Size

Have you ever pondered about the maximum video file size that can be uploaded to TikTok? The answers to this question may surprise you. TikTok can be accessed on both iOS and Android devices, but there is a difference in the maximum file size allowed.
 

When uploading a video from an Android device to TikTok, the maximum file size that can be uploaded is 72 MB. However, if you're using an Apple iPhone, you can upload a file that is more than four times larger. iOS users can upload up to 287.6 MB.
 

When it comes to video size on TikTok, the optimal dimensions are 1080 x 1920 pixels, also known as a 9:16 aspect ratio. This size ensures that the video fills the screen without being cropped or stretched.
 

To improve loading times on TikTok, it's important to compress videos while maintaining high quality. This can be done by adjusting the video bitrate, which controls the amount of data in the video file. Lowering the bitrate can reduce the file size, but may also decrease the quality of the video. Other techniques for reducing video size include using efficient codecs, adjusting the frame rate, and minimizing unnecessary audio and visual effects.
 

If you need some help getting your videos down to the right size or converting TikToks to MP4, you can use Flixier to do it quickly and easily right in your web browser. 

How to Craft Videos Perfect in Size and Length for TikTok with Flixier

Flixier is a powerful video editing platform that offers a wide range of tools and features to help you create TikTok videos that are optimized for the platform. One of the key features of Flixier is its ability to compress videos, which is essential for ensuring that your videos load quickly and don't take up too much storage space.
 

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use Flixier to compress your TikTok videos:
 

1. Upload Your Video

Start by opening up Flixier's video compressor tool in your favorite web browser. 

Click the Upload Video button or drag  your favorite video over. 

2. Compress the Video

After your video is uploaded, you'll notice that there are different options you can tweak. We recommend leaving the Bitrate box checked and using the slider to bring the bitrate down to the ‘Normal’ level. 
 

If your video is recorded at 60 FPS, you should also consider limiting the FPS to 29. 

If you shot your video in 4K, bringing the resolution down is the best way to reduce file size and the difference won't be noticeable on a mobile phone screen anyway. You can use the drop-down list to choose between 1080 x 1920 or 720 x 980, but the former is recommended. 

Click the Compress Video button when you're done tweaking the settings. 

3. Download the Video

Once you are done, your video will be processed in a few seconds and then you'll be able to download the compressed version to your computer or continue editing it using Flixier.

By using Flixier to compress your TikTok videos, you can ensure that your content is optimized for the platform and provides the best possible viewing experience for your audience.

Time to Start: Editing Your Own TikTok Videos!

If you want to start making your own TikToks but don't know where to start, we figured we'd point you towards some of the best places to start. Obviously, the most accessible option is the TikTok app itself. TikTok has a built-in editor which you can use to edit your clips. It's quite limited, but it can be a good way to start out and learn the basics of video editing before moving on to something a little more professional. 

If you're looking for something a little more feature-rich but still easy to use, you can try Flixier. Our video editor runs in your web browser and is pretty intuitive and easy to figure out, allowing you to create engaging TikToks in just a few minutes. To make the most of Flixier when creating TikTok videos, users should ensure that they are using the correct aspect ratio and resolution, and make use of the safe zones offered by the platform. 

You should also keep in mind the optimal video length for TikTok, which is under 60 seconds. Additionally, users should use the video trimming and Auto-Edit features to create shorter, more engaging videos that are more likely to perform well on the platform.

Of course, if you'd rather not bother with trying to edit your own videos, you can always choose to hire a company that offers professional video editing services. This way, you just send them your footage and then can do all the editing for you! 
 

Crafting TikTok Videos Like a Pro: Final Thoughts

Creating high-quality TikTok videos requires careful consideration of both video length and size. While shorter videos tend to perform better on the platform, it's important to strike a balance between content duration and engagement. Additionally, optimizing video size for different devices and compressing videos can help improve loading times and enhance the viewer experience.
 

Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your TikTok content to the next level, there are a variety of tools available to help you create engaging and perfectly sized videos. From the TikTok app itself to more feature-rich options like Flixier, there are plenty of ways to get started.
 

So what are you waiting for? Start experimenting with different video lengths and sizes to see what works best for your content and audience. With the right tools and a little bit of creativity, you can create TikTok videos that stand out from the crowd and capture the attention of millions.