Facebook has specific video ratio requirements for videos uploaded to the platform. The aspect ratio refers to the proportional relationship between the width and height of a video. Most commonly, Facebook videos should have an aspect ratio of 16:9, which is considered widescreen or landscape format. However, Facebook also supports some other aspect ratios like 1:1, 4:5, and 9:16 for vertical videos.
What are the standard video ratios on Facebook?
Here are the standard video aspect ratios supported on Facebook currently:
- 16:9 – This is the most commonly used widescreen format. Videos with a 16:9 ratio have a width that is 1.78 times the height.
- 1:1 – This is used for square videos. The width and height are equal.
- 4:5 – This vertical video format has a width that is 0.8 times the height.
- 9:16 – Another vertical format where the width is 0.56 times the height.
Out of these, 16:9 is the primary landscape format used across Facebook for horizontal videos. 1:1 and 9:16 are commonly used for vertical videos.
Why does video ratio matter?
The aspect ratio of the video is important for a few reasons:
- It ensures the video fills the space properly and utilizes the maximum area when played in the Facebook feed or ads.
- Videos with unsupported ratios may get cropped or have black bars when played back.
- Certain formats like vertical are better suited for mobile consumption which is important as most Facebook video views come from mobile.
- Different placements on Facebook like feed, stories, ads may need videos in specific ratios to fit seamlessly.
What is the ideal video ratio for Facebook feed?
For videos that will be used in the Facebook feed or page posts, 16:9 widescreen is the recommended ratio. This landscape format allows the video to use the full width of the content column in desktop and mobile feeds. Other ratios like 1:1 or 9:16 vertical videos may have black bars or padding when used in the feed.
Can I upload vertical videos?
Yes, Facebook supports uploading and viewing vertical videos in 1:1 and 9:16 ratios. These work well for mobile viewers. Vertical videos can be used in Facebook stories, ads, IGTV, Reels and other placements optimized for portrait orientation. Make sure vertical videos meet the 1:1 or 9:16 ratio requirement.
What if my video is not in a standard Facebook ratio?
If your source video is in another ratio, you have a couple of options:
- Crop the video to fit 16:9 or other supported ratios.
- Add letterbox or pillarbox padding to fit a standard ratio.
- Export the video in a different aspect ratio.
Cropping or adding black bars helps avoid distortion or stretching. Exporting in a different ratio will also retain quality. But some part of the original frame may be lost.
Can I upload horizontal and vertical videos?
Yes, you can upload both landscape 16:9 videos and portrait 9:16 or 1:1 videos to Facebook. The playback will switch to the appropriate orientation. For example, a 16:9 video will use full width on desktop feed, but switch to vertical when viewed on mobile. Similarly, a 9:16 video will playback vertically across devices and orientations.
What are Facebook’s upload specifications?
In addition to aspect ratio, Facebook videos also need to meet these requirements:
- File format: MP4 or MOV
- Resolution: Up to 4K
- Minimum resolution for feed: 600 x 315 (16:9)
- Maximum file size: 4GB for videos under 20 minutes
- Maximum length: 240 minutes
- Frame rate: 30 FPS
These specs allow high quality video uploads with the flexibility of different ratios. The minimum resolution ensures your videos are played back smoothly.
How do I know which ratio to use?
Choosing the right aspect ratio depends on:
- Video content – Is it shot horizontally or vertically?
- Where it will be viewed – Feed, stories, ads etc.
- Viewer consumption – Desktop or mobile.
For example, an interview video shot horizontally in 16:9 would be ideal for desktop/mobile feed. But a vertical product video may be better suited for mobile stories in 9:16 format.
Can I change ratio after uploading?
The video ratio cannot be changed after uploading to Facebook. The playback will always retain the original aspect ratio. You will need to edit or export the source video in a different ratio and re-upload if you want to change it.
Do live videos also have ratio requirements?
Yes, live streaming videos have the same aspect ratio requirements. Horizontal livestreams need to be 16:9 while vertical live videos should use the 9:16 portrait format. This ensures live viewers get the maximum area without black bars or cropping.
Conclusion
To summarize, Facebook’s standard video ratios are:
- 16:9 for horizontal videos
- 1:1 and 9:16 for vertical videos
A 16:9 ratio is recommended for videos optimized for mobile and desktop feeds. But vertical formats can also be used for stories, ads and other placements. Checking the ratio before uploading and adjusting the video ensures proper playback and maximum visibility of your content.