When creating video content for meta ads, choosing the right video dimensions is crucial for optimizing your ads and driving results. The ideal video size will depend on the specific ad placement and platform you are advertising on. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the recommended video sizes for Meta ads across Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger.
Facebook Video Ads
Facebook offers several different ad placements that support video content. Each placement has its own recommended video dimensions for optimal delivery and performance.
In-Stream Video Ads
In-stream video ads play before, during or after other videos on Facebook. They are a great way to reach a broad audience in a video-forward format. The recommended video specs for in-stream Facebook video ads are:
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Resolution: At least 720p
- Orientation: Landscape
- File Size: Up to 4GB
- Length: 15 to 45 seconds
720p resolution equates to 1280 x 720 pixels. So those are the minimum dimensions your in-stream video ads should be. Higher resolutions like 1080p or 4K can also be used.
Image Video Ads
Image video ads play without sound and are ideal for auto-play video placements. The recommended image video dimensions for Facebook ads are:
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Resolution: At least 720p
- Orientation: Landscape
- File Size: Up to 4GB
- Length: Up to 90 seconds
Again, 720p or 1280 x 720 pixels is the minimum resolution. 1080p and 4K image videos will also deliver great visual quality.
Square Video Ads
As the name suggests, square videos are perfectly sized for mobile feeds on Facebook. The ideal dimensions for square Facebook video ads are:
- Aspect Ratio: 1:1
- Resolution: At least 600 x 600 pixels
- Orientation: Square
- File Size: Up to 4GB
- Length: Up to 120 seconds
600 x 600 pixels is the minimum, but you can go up to 1080 x 1080 pixels if you want higher resolution square videos.
Vertical Video Ads
Vertical videos take advantage of mobile’s portrait orientation. The recommended specs for vertical Facebook video ads are:
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Resolution: At least 600 x 1067 pixels
- Orientation: Portrait
- File Size: Up to 4GB
- Length: Up to 120 seconds
600 x 1067 is the minimum resolution, but 720p (1280 x 720 pixels) or higher vertical videos can be used as well.
360-Degree Video Ads
360-degree video ads create an immersive experience by allowing viewers to pan around during playback. The ideal dimensions for 360 Facebook video ads are:
- Aspect Ratio: 2:1
- Resolution: At least 4096 x 2048 pixels
- Orientation: Landscape
- File Size: Up to 4GB
- Length: Up to 120 seconds
4096 x 2048 pixels provides an optimal balance of high resolution while keeping file sizes reasonable for streaming 360 video content.
Instagram Video Ads
Like Facebook, Instagram also offers several video ad formats. The right dimensions differ slightly across each format.
Image/Carousel Video Ads
Image and carousel video ads appear in Instagram feeds. The recommended specifications are:
- Aspect Ratio: 1:1
- Resolution: 600 x 600 pixels minimum
- Orientation: Square
- File Size: 4GB max
- Length: 60 seconds max
Square 600 x 600 pixel videos ensure your content takes up maximum screen space in Instagram feeds.
Stories Video Ads
For vertical Instagram Stories ads, the ideal video dimensions are:
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16
- Resolution: At least 600 x 1067 pixels
- Orientation: Portrait
- File Size: 4GB max
- Length: 15 seconds max
The 9:16 vertical orientation matches the look and feel of Instagram Stories content.
IGTV Video Ads
IGTV is Instagram’s long-form video hub. Videos up to 60 minutes long are supported. The recommended specs for IGTV ads are:
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Resolution: 720p minimum
- Orientation: Landscape
- File Size: 650MB recommended
- Length: 60 seconds to 10 minutes recommended
For the one-hour max IGTV video length, file sizes up to 3.6GB are supported.
Reels Video Ads
Instagram Reels are short-form vertical videos. For Reels video ads, the ideal dimensions are:
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Orientation: Portrait
- File Size: 30MB max
- Length: 30 seconds max
1080 x 1920 pixel resolution ensures maximum visual quality for these mobile-first Reels videos.
Messenger Video Ads
Messenger allows square 1:1 video ads in the messenger conversations feed. The recommended dimensions for Messenger video ads are:
- Aspect Ratio: 1:1
- Resolution: 600 x 600 pixels minimum
- Orientation: Square
- File Size: 16MB max recommended
- Length: 15 seconds max
The square orientation and smaller 16MB file size limit cater to efficient video delivery through chat apps.
Ideal Length for Meta Video Ads
In addition to video dimensions, length is also an important consideration. Here are some recommended Meta video ad lengths to aim for:
- Facebook In-Stream: 15 to 45 seconds
- Facebook Image/Carousel: Up to 90 seconds
- Facebook Stories: Up to 120 seconds
- Instagram Image/Carousel: Up to 60 seconds
- Instagram Stories: 15 seconds max
- IGTV: 60 seconds to 10 minutes
- Reels: 30 seconds max
- Messenger: 15 seconds max
In general, concise 15 to 30 second video ads tend to see higher view-through rates compared to longer videos. But the ideal length can vary based on your specific ad goals and audience.
Tips for Creating Meta Video Ads
When designing your video ads, keep these tips in mind:
- Work within the recommended resolutions and aspect ratios. This prevents cropping or letterboxing.
- Film horizontally for landscape and vertically for portrait videos.
- Add subtitles and captions for sound-off environments.
- Include a strong call-to-action overlay.
- Optimize video compressions for smaller file sizes.
- Leverage Meta’s free video editing tools like Adobe Premiere Rush.
Properly sizing and optimizing your video ads improves their delivery and visibility across Meta’s platforms. This helps maximize your ad results and return on investment.
Conclusion
When creating Meta video ads, follow the recommended specifications for each placement you are advertising on. This ensures your videos are delivered and displayed properly across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and Meta’s other platforms. The ideal video size can vary based on the specific ad format and orientation. But in general, aim for 16:9 landscape or 1:1 square orientations, 720p minimum resolution, compressed file sizes between 16MB to 4GB, and 15 to 90 second lengths for optimal Facebook and Instagram video ad performance.