Ad Platform Specs
TikTok Ads Specs
TikTok ad specs are close to organic specs on purpose, because ads that look like ads underperform badly here. The main differences are the text fields and the safe zone, which is tighter for ads than for organic posts.
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Aspect ratio | 9:16 strongly preferred, 1:1 and 16:9 accepted |
| Resolution | 1080 x 1920 recommended |
| File type | MP4, MOV, MPEG, AVI |
| Codec | H.264 with AAC audio |
| Recommended length | 9 to 15 seconds |
| Minimum length | 5 seconds |
| Field | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Ad text | Around 100 characters, emoji not permitted in some placements |
| Display name | Around 40 characters for non app ads |
| Call to action | Selected from TikTok's list, not free text |
| Format | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| In-Feed ad | Standard video ad in the For You feed | Direct response and traffic |
| Spark Ad | Paid boost of a real organic post | Credibility and creator content |
| TopView | Premium first impression placement | Launches and mass reach |
| Branded Hashtag Challenge | Sponsored participation format | Large budget awareness |
Notes
Spark Ads are the format I default to. They run against a real organic post, so they carry the comment thread, the follower path and the social proof, and they consistently outperform a clean In-Feed ad built from a studio master. Get creator authorization codes before you build the campaign, not after.
The safe zone for ads is tighter than for organic because the ad adds a display name, ad text and a call to action button at the bottom of the frame. Assume roughly the bottom quarter of a 1920px canvas is occupied and keep it clear of anything essential.
Sound design is not optional on TikTok. A large share of viewing is with audio on, and trending or native sounding audio measurably affects hold rate. A silent, subtitled edit that works on Instagram will underperform here.
TikTok updates ad specs, length recommendations and available formats frequently, and specs differ by market. The TikTok Business Help Center and Creative Center carry the current values, so verify before a production run.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between In-Feed ads and Spark Ads?
An In-Feed ad is created from uploaded assets and posted by the ad account. A Spark Ad promotes an existing organic post from your account or a creator's account, keeping the likes, comments and follow path intact.
How long should a TikTok ad be?
TikTok's own guidance clusters around 9 to 15 seconds for In-Feed. Longer can work when the creative is genuinely native and the story earns the time.
Official sources
Platforms change specifications without notice. Check the primary documentation before a launch that depends on an exact value.
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