video ad facebook size: Complete Facebook video ad guide

When people ask about the perfect Facebook video ad size, the truth is there isn't just one. It all comes down to where your ad will appear. For mobile-first spots like the main Feed, a 4:5 aspect ratio at 1080x1350 pixels is your best bet. But for immersive, full-screen placements like Stories and Reels, you absolutely need a 9:16 ratio at 1080x1920 pixels.

Nailing these dimensions is the first, and arguably most important, step to creating an ad that actually stops the scroll.

Your Quick Reference Guide to Facebook Video Ad Sizes

Trying to keep up with Facebook's video ad specs can feel like a full-time job. Every placement seems to have its own set of rules, and finding a straight answer can be frustrating. I've put this guide together to be your single source of truth—no more digging through dense Meta documentation.

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of each placement, let's get the foundational terms straight. If you understand these three concepts, you're halfway there.

• Aspect Ratio: This is simply the shape of your video, expressed as a width-to-height ratio. A 1:1 ratio is a perfect square, common in older feed ads. A 9:16 ratio is the tall, vertical format that dominates mobile viewing today.
• Resolution: This is all about clarity. Measured in pixels, resolution dictates how sharp your video looks. A higher resolution, like 1080x1080, gives you a crisp, professional ad that builds trust.
• File Size: This is the digital weight of your video file, usually measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB). Meta sets a cap on this to make sure videos load quickly and don't drain users' data.

Core Specifications at a Glance

For those who just need the essentials, this infographic lays out the three key specs for most modern, mobile-first video ads: the 4:5 aspect ratio, a crisp 1080p resolution, and the universal 4GB maximum file size.

As you can see, the trend is clear: high-quality, vertically-oriented video is no longer optional—it's the standard for getting results on Facebook.

Here’s a quick summary table with the go-to specs for the most popular placements. It’s a great way to double-check your settings before you export.

Facebook Video Ad Quick Reference Chart

This chart covers the big ones, but keep in mind that other, less common placements have their own unique requirements.

To put it simply, if you want your campaigns to perform, stick to mobile-first aspect ratios like 4:5 and 9:16 for high-traffic spots like the Feed, Stories, and Reels. A minimum resolution of 1080 x 1080 pixels is a must for the Feed, and while MP4 and MOV are the most reliable formats, the 4GB file size limit is pretty much standard everywhere.

Now that you have the quick overview, let's break down the specific requirements for each ad placement in much more detail.

Why Ad Dimensions Directly Impact Campaign Performance

Getting your Facebook video ad dimensions right isn't just a technical box-ticking exercise. It's one of the most fundamental strategic decisions you can make, and it has a direct, measurable impact on your campaign's success and, ultimately, your return on ad spend (ROAS).

Think about it from a user's perspective. When they're scrolling through their feed and an ad fits their screen perfectly—like a 4:5 video on mobile—it feels native. It belongs there. On the flip side, a landscape video shoehorned into a vertical slot leaves ugly black bars or gets awkwardly cropped, slicing off vital parts of your message. That instantly screams "low-effort ad," and users will fly right past it.

Maximizing Engagement and Screen Real Estate

Choosing the right dimensions is all about making the most of the precious screen real estate you're paying for, especially on mobile. When you use the entire canvas available in placements like Stories or Reels (9:16), you pull the viewer into a much more immersive experience. This visual dominance is what keeps their attention.

The data backs this up time and time again. We know video works, but formatted video works even better. For instance, Facebook video ads drive 47% higher engagement than static image ads. And those vertical 9:16 Stories ads? They now make up 21.8% of all ad inventory on the platform and boast a huge 41% completion rate.

The simplest way to give your audience a better experience is to use the right video dimensions. A good experience means less friction, which means people are far more likely to watch, click, and convert.

The Financial Impact of Correct Sizing

At the end of the day, this all comes down to your bottom line. An ad that looks professional and fits its placement naturally is simply more trustworthy, which translates to a higher click-through rate (CTR).

When Meta's algorithm sees strong CTR and engagement, it reads your ad as relevant and valuable. This can directly lead to a lower cost per click (CPC) and better overall ad delivery. It’s a win-win.

Understanding how dimensions shape user experience is key, not just on Facebook but everywhere. For a broader look at how these principles play out across different platforms, it's worth checking out this guide on social media visual content dimensions. Each correctly sized ad you run is another step toward a stronger campaign that turns views into real results.

Getting Your Facebook Feed Video Ads Right

The Facebook Feed is where it all started. It’s that endlessly scrollable river of content where your audience spends most of their time, making it some of the most valuable ad space on the internet. To stand out, your video ad can't feel like an intrusion; it has to blend in seamlessly. Getting the specs right is the first step.

While Meta technically allows a few different formats, the vertical 4:5 aspect ratio is the undisputed king for mobile Feeds. It simply takes up more screen real estate, pulling the viewer in without them needing to tilt their phone. If you're going to optimize for one format for the Feed, make it this one.

That said, the classic square (1:1 aspect ratio) is still a solid, reliable choice that performs well on both desktop and mobile. You might also see the traditional landscape (16:9 ratio) floating around, but it's far less effective on mobile, leaving big, awkward black bars above and below your ad. Stick with what works best.

The Nitty-Gritty: Technical Requirements for Feed Videos

Beyond the shape of your video, you need to nail the technical details. Meta’s guidelines are designed to make sure your video looks crisp and professional while still loading quickly enough to keep someone from scrolling right past it.

Here’s a quick rundown of the essential specs you need to follow:

• Recommended Resolution: For a 4:5 video, you should be exporting at 1080 x 1350 pixels. If you're going with a 1:1 square, aim for at least 1080 x 1080 pixels. High resolution is a must for looking credible.
• File Types: Your safest bets are MP4 and MOV. They are universally supported and give you the best balance between quality and file size.
• Maximum File Size: Keep your final video file under 4GB. This is a pretty generous limit, but it's always smart to compress your video efficiently.
• Video Length: You can upload a video anywhere from 1 second to 241 minutes long. Realistically, though, the sweet spot for grabbing and holding attention is much, much shorter. Get your main point across in the first 15 seconds.

Thinking Strategically About Your Feed Ads

Just hitting the technical marks isn't enough. You have to create something that actually stops the scroll. The first three seconds are everything. You need a powerful visual hook that makes someone pause and pay attention.

A huge mistake I see all the time is brands saving their logo or call-to-action for the very end. You have to assume most people will never get there. Front-load your most important message.

Finally, always think about how you can repurpose your creative. A well-made 4:5 or 1:1 Feed video can easily be adapted for other placements. For example, you can crop a square video into a 9:16 format for your Instagram Stories or Reels ads, which saves a ton of production time while keeping your campaign looking consistent across the platform.

Mastering Ads for Stories and Reels

If you're serious about reaching people, you can't ignore Facebook Stories and Reels. These placements are where you can connect with users through immersive, full-screen video that feels totally native to their scrolling habits. But to make an impact, your creative has to be built for this specific environment.

The number one rule? Your video must be in a 9:16 aspect ratio. This isn't just a best practice; it's a non-negotiable for looking professional. Get it wrong, and you’ll end up with ugly black bars or awkward cropping that screams "this ad doesn't belong here."

The Core Technical Specs

Before you even think about creative, you have to get the technical foundation right. Nail these specs, and you'll ensure your ad looks sharp and runs without a hitch in these visually demanding spots.

• Resolution: Stick to 1080x1920 pixels. Anything less will look fuzzy on modern smartphones.
• File Format: Your best bets are MP4 or MOV. They offer the best balance of quality and compatibility.
• File Size: Meta gives you a generous 4GB maximum file size, which is plenty for the short-form videos that win on these platforms.
• Duration: Stories ads can run up to 2 minutes (though they get split into shorter segments). Reels have no official max length, but remember, you're fighting for split-second attention.

Speaking of attention, it drops off a cliff after just a few seconds. To get your money's worth, make sure your main point or hook lands within the first 5-10 seconds.

Designing for a Vertical World

Getting the video ad facebook size right is just the first step. Creating a video that actually works in a vertical format requires a whole different way of thinking. People fly through these feeds, so your ad needs to be visually interesting from the very first frame.

One of the biggest mistakes I see is ignoring the "safe zone." Both Stories and Reels have interface elements slapped over the top and bottom of your video—think profile icons, the call-to-action button, and captions.

As a rule of thumb, keep all your critical visuals, text, and logos out of the top 14% and bottom 20% of the screen. If you don't, you risk your key message being completely hidden.

Finally, you have to build your ad for viewers with the sound on and off. While sound can add a lot, many people scroll in silence. Use clear, bold captions to tell your story visually. Doing this doesn't just help silent viewers; it's been shown to boost comprehension and increase view time by up to 12%. A great visual story paired with readable text is an ad that performs, no matter how someone is watching.

A Guide to Facebook In-Stream Video Ad Specs

Facebook In-Stream ads give you a powerful way to connect with an audience that's already captive. Think about it: unlike a Feed ad that someone can just scroll past, these ads pop up before, during, or after a video someone chose to watch. They're already leaning in and paying attention.

This context is everything. Your ad needs to feel like a natural part of that viewing experience, not an annoying interruption. The user is just waiting for their main content to continue, so your message has to be quick, clear, and engaging right from the get-go. No slow burns here—it's all about making an instant impact.

Core Aspect Ratios and Dimensions

For In-Stream ads, you'll want to stick with the classic horizontal video format. The 16:9 aspect ratio is your best bet, as it fits perfectly within the landscape videos people are usually watching. While Meta does support a 1:1 square video, the 16:9 format just looks and feels more native to the placement.

To keep your ads looking crisp and professional, stick to these key technical specs:

• Recommended Resolution: Aim for 1920 x 1080 pixels for your 16:9 ads. If you go with a 1:1 format, the minimum is 1080 x 1080 pixels.
• Supported File Types: Your safest bets, as with most placements, are MP4 and MOV.
• Maximum File Size: You have plenty of room to work with, as the cap is 4GB.

Why Duration and Sound Are So Important Here

The biggest rule for In-Stream ads is the time limit. Your video has to be between 5 and 15 seconds long. That’s it. This tight window forces you to be incredibly disciplined with your messaging. Every single second has to count towards getting your point across and encouraging an action.

Now, here’s where things get interesting. For most other Facebook placements, we're told to design for "sound off." But for In-Stream ads, sound is your secret weapon.

The viewer's sound is almost always on because they're already watching another video. This is a golden opportunity to use dialogue, music, and sound effects to immediately grab their attention.

Honestly, skipping out on high-quality audio here is a huge missed opportunity. You need to ensure your ad's sound is clear and helps tell the story you're trying to fit into that tiny 15-second window. The right video ad facebook size combined with great audio is what makes an In-Stream ad truly effective.

Getting Technical with Other Ad Placements

While the Feed and Stories get most of the attention, don't sleep on Facebook's other ad placements. These are the spots where you can catch users in different mindsets—from actively shopping in Marketplace to exploring content across a vast network of apps.

Nailing the specs for these placements is key to making sure your ads don't just show up, but actually look good and perform well wherever they appear. It's about meeting your audience where they are, with a video that feels like it belongs there.

Facebook Marketplace Video Ads

Placing an ad in Facebook Marketplace is a golden opportunity, especially for e-commerce brands. You're getting in front of people who are already primed to buy. Your ad will sit right alongside other product listings, so it needs to look sharp and professional to grab their attention.

• Recommended Aspect Ratio: 1:1. The square format fits perfectly within the Marketplace grid, looking native and clean.
• Resolution: Stick with a minimum of 1080 x 1080 pixels. You want your product to look its best, and high resolution is non-negotiable.
• Maximum File Size: 4GB.
• Duration: You can go up to 241 minutes, but let's be realistic. Short and snappy videos under 30 seconds that get straight to the point work wonders here.

Think of your Marketplace video as a quick, compelling product demo. Show off the best features, demonstrate how it works, and keep your message focused on the benefits.

Facebook Search Results Video Ads

When someone types a search query into Facebook, their intent is crystal clear. Placing a video ad in the search results lets you intercept that high-intent user at the exact moment they're looking for a solution.

The specs for this placement are pretty standard, leaning on the versatile square format that’s common across the platform.

• Recommended Aspect Ratio: 1:1.
• Resolution: A crisp 1080 x 1080 pixels is what you should aim for.
• File Types: You can't go wrong with MP4 or MOV.
• Maximum Video Length: Again, up to 241 minutes is technically allowed.

The real secret to winning in search results is relevance. Your ad needs to feel like the answer to the user's search. If they're looking for "waterproof running shoes," your video better show someone splashing through puddles in your shoes.

Facebook Video Feeds and Audience Network

The Facebook Video Feed is a dedicated space where people go specifically to watch videos. The Audience Network, on the other hand, is a whole different ballgame—it extends your reach to a massive collection of external apps and websites.

Getting the specs right here is crucial, as your ad will be seen in a huge variety of contexts. Below is a quick breakdown of what you need to know for these less-common but highly valuable placements.

Detailed Specs for Niche Facebook Video Ad Placements

This table summarizes the technical details for video ads running in Facebook's Video Feeds and the broader Audience Network. While the requirements can seem similar, the "Key Considerations" are where you'll find the nuances that make a difference.

By tailoring your creative to fit these unique environments, you move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and build a more robust, effective campaign that connects with users no matter where they are.

Best Practices for Every Facebook Video Ad

Nailing the right Facebook video ad size for each placement is a huge first step, but a few universal principles can really take your campaigns to the next level. Think of these as the foundation. Applying them ensures your ads look sharp and are built to grab attention, no matter where they show up on the platform.

First up, let's get the technical details right. You should always export your video using the H.264 codec and save it as an MP4 file. This combo is the industry standard for a reason—it gives you a fantastic balance of high-quality video and a small file size, which means faster loading times for users. For audio, go with stereo AAC compression at 128kbps+ for a clean, crisp sound when people do turn the volume on.

Creative Strategy for Maximum Impact

Your creative is where the magic happens, and it's just as important as the technical stuff. People scroll fast. You realistically have about three seconds to make them stop, so your video needs a powerful visual hook right at the start. Don't wait until the end to show your product or brand; get it in there early to make an immediate impact.

You absolutely have to design for a sound-off experience. Most people will see your ad without audio, making captions a must-have, not a nice-to-have. They make your ad accessible and, according to Meta's own data, can boost average video view time by 12%. For a deeper dive into this, check out our complete guide to mobile-first video ads.

Optimizing Your Call-to-Action and Beyond

When and how you ask for the click makes a massive difference. It might feel natural to save your call-to-action (CTA) for the very end, but data suggests that's a mistake. Placing your CTA somewhere in the middle of the video can actually lead to a much higher conversion rate—some studies show it can be as high as 16.95%.

Your ad is only one piece of the puzzle. A great video ad that leads to a poorly designed, slow-loading landing page will kill your conversion rates and waste your ad spend.

Finally, don't forget what happens after the click. The user's journey doesn't end with your video. A seamless, fast-loading landing page is critical for turning that initial interest into a real conversion. Investing in professional web design ensures the experience after the click is just as compelling as the ad itself, maximizing your return.

Frequently Asked Questions

It's totally normal to have questions when you're digging into the specifics of Facebook video ads. I've been there. To help you out, I've put together some quick, no-nonsense answers to the questions that pop up most often.

What Is the Best Video Ad Size for Facebook Mobile?

Think vertical. For mobile placements, vertical video isn't just a suggestion; it's essential for grabbing attention.

Your best bet for the main Facebook Feed is the 4:5 aspect ratio (1080x1350 pixels). It fills up a good chunk of the screen on a phone without feeling too intrusive.

But when it comes to Stories and Reels, you absolutely need to go with the 9:16 aspect ratio (1080x1920 pixels). This is the full-screen format people are used to in those placements, and anything less just looks out of place and performs poorly.

Can I Use One Video for All Placements?

Technically, yes. Should you? Absolutely not.

Trying to force a single video, like a widescreen 16:9 landscape video, into every placement is a recipe for disaster. It will either get awkwardly cropped, cutting off important visuals, or show up with ugly black bars on vertical spots like Stories.

The smart move is to tailor your video for the main placements you're targeting. At the very least, you should have a 4:5 or 1:1 version for Feeds and a dedicated 9:16 version for Stories and Reels. This creates a much more natural viewing experience, and that's what drives better engagement.

What Happens If My Video Dimensions Are Wrong?

If your video dimensions don't line up with the placement's specs, Facebook's system will try to "fix" it for you by automatically cropping or resizing the file. Trust me, you don't want this.

This automated process often leads to terrible results, like your call-to-action getting chopped off or the main product shot being completely off-center. In some cases, Facebook might just reject the ad altogether during the review.

Always take a moment to double-check your video ad facebook size before you upload. It's a simple step that can save you a lot of headaches. For more on getting your campaigns approved, check out our guide on video ad permissions and best practices.

How Can I Check My Video Aspect Ratio?

It's easier than you think. Pretty much any modern video editing software will display the project's aspect ratio right in the settings or when you go to export.

If you want to do it the old-fashioned way, you can just do some simple math. Divide the pixel width by the pixel height. For example, a video that's 1080 pixels wide and 1920 pixels tall gives you 1080/1920, which simplifies down to 9:16.

Stop wrestling with complex video specs and let AI do the heavy lifting. With quickads.ai, you can generate perfectly sized and high-performing video ads for every Facebook placement in just a few clicks. Create your first ad for free at https://www.quickads.ai.