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Social media platforms are always changing their video specifications. They add new video formats and update old ones to improve user experience on modern devices. This can make it hard to keep your video posts looking great and engaging for your audience. Facebook, in particular, can be tricky. With over 2.5 billion users, it has many ways to show video content. Even a small mistake in the video format can hurt how well your video performs. So, it's important to get the right specifications for different types of content, like stories, feed videos, Facebook Watch, and Messenger.
Getting the best video format for Facebook is essential for engaging your audience effectively. You might be wondering what the ideal video format is and how to use it correctly. In this post, we will answer those questions and give you tips to help your videos connect with viewers and provide a better watching experience.
What video formats does Facebook use?
Facebook supports a wide range of video formats, making it versatile for users. In fact, you can upload videos in nearly any format you can think of—there are 30 supported formats. Here’s a list of the formats accepted by Facebook:
While Facebook supports all these formats, keep in mind that not all of them will maintain the highest quality. The most reliable formats for quality and loading speed are MP4 and MOV, which are commonly recommended for best results.
In summary, while you can upload a video in many formats, it's best to stick to the MP4 and MOV formats to ensure the best quality and performance on Facebook.
Why Video Format is Important
While video format may seem like a technical detail, it plays a critical role in ensuring the quality of your content. Choosing the wrong format can lead to problems like low resolution, distorted visuals, or poor audio, which can disrupt the viewer’s experience.
By using the correct video format for platforms like Facebook, you ensure that your audience enjoys high-quality visuals and sound. This not only showcases your hard work in the best light but also guarantees a smoother and more enjoyable experience for your viewers.
Recommended Facebook Video Aspect Ratios
With 81% of Facebook users accessing the platform via mobile, a mobile-first approach is essential when uploading videos. Here are the ideal aspect ratios for various types of Facebook videos:
- 1:1 or 4:3 for Facebook feed videos
- 9:16 for Facebook live videos
- 9:16 for Facebook stories
- 16:9 for in-stream ads
- 9:16 for the Facebook Audience Network
Using the right aspect ratio ensures your videos display properly, preventing Facebook from automatically adjusting them, which can lead to black bars and reduced video quality.
Other Formatting Guidelines
In addition to aspect ratios, it's important to follow these Facebook video guidelines:
- Avoid black bars or pillar boxing.
- Video files must be under 4GB.
- Use progressive scan, fixed frame rates, square pixels, H.264 compression, and AAC audio compression of at least 128kbps for the best results.
Best Facebook Video Format (More Details)
Facebook generally recommends using MOV or MP4 formats for videos. However, this is a broad suggestion, and the best format can vary depending on your specific campaign. Different types of Facebook videos may require different specifications, including size and aspect ratio.
Choosing the right format depends on the type of video you’re creating. To ensure you get the best results, here are the specific formats and requirements for different video types supported on Facebook:
1. Instant Experience Video Specifications
For landscape videos, the minimum size is 720x379 pixels, and for square videos, it's 720x720 pixels.
By following these guidelines, you'll ensure that your video looks great and performs well on Facebook.
2. Collection Cover Video
For creating a Collection cover video, you should keep the following specifications in mind:
Although Facebook doesn't specify the minimum size or maximum length, aim to keep the video within a reasonable range. Ideally, the video should last between 20 and 90 seconds to keep your audience engaged, as people typically have short attention spans.
3. Carousel Video Ads
Carousel ads are great for delivering valuable and concise information. For this type of ad, follow these specifications:
By sticking to these specs, you can create visually appealing videos that hold your audience's attention.
4. Facebook Messenger Video Ads
To send video ads through Facebook Messenger, ensure the following specs:
Facebook recommends using high-resolution videos within the specified limits to ensure the best user experience.
5. In-Stream Video Ads
For in-stream ads on Facebook, aim for the highest resolution video possible without letterboxing (black bars). Follow these specs:
Using high resolution ensures a smooth experience for viewers.
6. 360 Video
For 360-degree videos, use the following specs to ensure smooth playback:
Larger files may take longer to process, so try to stick to the recommended sizes.
7. Feed Video
For regular Facebook feed videos, while less demanding, it's still essential to follow general guidelines for optimal results:These specs help ensure your videos display properly on Facebook feeds.
Getting Your Video Format Right
Facebook videos offer a fantastic way to engage your target audience, especially if your content is visually captivating, informative, and keeps viewers interested. To make the most of this opportunity, it’s crucial to use the correct video format.
Choosing the right format ensures that your video plays smoothly, looks high-quality, and delivers the message as intended. Ignoring this aspect could result in poor resolution, audio issues, or a bad user experience. To provide the best viewing experience, take the time to ensure your video meets Facebook’s formatting requirements. It’s an essential step to ensure your hard work pays off with optimal results.
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