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Facebook Video Specs

Understanding facebook video specs

Creating effective video content for Facebook requires understanding the ideal formats, dimensions, and best practices for each type of video. Below, we provide updated information on Facebook video specs, the latest best practices, and do's and don'ts to help you produce engaging video content that maximizes your reach.

Facebook Video Types and Specifications

Video Posts

  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (landscape) or 1:1 (square).
  • Recommended Size: 1280 x 720 pixels for landscape or 1080 x 1080 pixels for square.
  • Format: MP4 is recommended for compatibility.
  • Duration: Videos can be up to 240 minutes long, but shorter videos (under 2 minutes) perform best for user engagement.
  • File Size: Maximum 4GB.
  • Resolution: Maximum 1080 pixels wide.

Story Videos

  • Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical).
  • Recommended Size: 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  • Format: MP4.
  • Duration: Each frame can be up to 15 seconds long. Longer videos can be cut into multiple frames.
  • File Size: Maximum 4GB.
  • Resolution: Maximum 1080 pixels wide.

In-Stream Ad Videos

  • Aspect Ratio: Same as regular Facebook videos (16:9).
  • Duration: The most effective in-stream ads are between 5-15 seconds long.
  • Best Practices: Capture attention immediately with engaging visuals and messaging to keep audiences watching.

Best Practices for Facebook Videos

Grab Attention Quickly

  • Front-Load Your Content: Ensure the most engaging content appears within the first 3-5 seconds of your video. Many users decide quickly whether they want to continue watching, so capturing interest early is crucial. 

Use Captions

  • Add Captions for Sound-Off Viewing: Many viewers watch videos on mute, so adding captions helps ensure your message is conveyed regardless of sound.
  • Auto-Captions: Utilize Facebook's auto-caption feature and make necessary edits for accuracy.

Keep Videos Short and Impactful

  • Ideal Duration: Videos under 2 minutes tend to get the most engagement. For in-stream ads, 5-15 seconds is ideal, while Stories should be no longer than 15 seconds per frame.

Optimize for Mobile Viewing

  • Vertical and Square Formats: Most users are on mobile, so ensure you optimize videos for vertical (9:16) or square (1:1) formats to maximize screen space.
  • High-Quality Resolution: Ensure videos are 1080 pixels wide for the best clarity on mobile devices.

Include a Strong Call-to-Action (CTA)

  • Always include a CTA at the end of the video or in the caption to encourage the next step, such as “Learn More,” “Shop Now,” or “Swipe Up” for Story videos.

Test Different Formats

  • Experiment: Test different video formats like square vs. landscape and silent autoplay vs. sound-on to see what resonates most with your audience.
Do's and Don'ts for Facebook Videos

Do's

  • Do use high-quality visuals and bright, eye-catching thumbnails to draw attention.
  • Do add captions or text overlays to increase engagement for viewers watching on mute.
  • Do keep the most important content at the beginning of the video to engage viewers quickly.
  • Do optimize video content for mobile, using vertical or square formats when appropriate.
  • Do test different video lengths to see which drives the most engagement with your target audience.

Don'ts

  • Don't make videos too long—try to keep standard posts under 2 minutes and Stories to 15 seconds per frame.
  • Don't ignore video metrics. Use Facebook Insights to track how viewers engage with your content and adjust accordingly.
  • Don't rely solely on audio—use visuals that convey your message effectively even if muted.
  • Don't overcomplicate the message—keep your content clear, concise, and focused on a specific action or value.
  • Don't forget to add an eye-catching thumbnail—this can significantly impact your video’s click-through rate.
Optimizing Facebook Videos for Different Goals

Brand Awareness

  • Objective: Increase visibility and make a strong first impression.
  • Best Practice: Use bold visuals and simple messaging to convey your brand’s value clearly within the first few seconds.

Engagement

  • Objective: Drive likes, shares, comments, and other forms of engagement.
  • Best Practice: Create relatable content that invites discussion, such as asking questions or using polls in Stories.

Conversion

  • Objective: Encourage viewers to take a specific action, like purchasing a product or signing up for a service.
  • Best Practice: Include a clear CTA and feature the product prominently throughout the video.