When you put your heart and soul into editing a video, the last thing you need is formatting issues. The frustrating reality is that sometimes a clean, polished edit ends up looking blurry, compressed, or cropped after you upload it. More often than not, using the wrong video file format is to blame.
The good news is that it doesn’t take much to keep each upload looking sharp. Most of the time, it just comes down to using the right file type, resolution and aspect ratio for the platform you’re uploading to. That one step will make sure your video shows up exactly how you intended.
In this guide, you’ll learn what each video format does and which ones work best for YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. Even if you’ve run into problems before, you’ll come away with a clear, reliable way to get your videos looking their best every time you share them.
- What are video formats?
- The most common video formats explained
- Get to know video format terms
- YouTube video format and size settings
- YouTube Shorts format and size settings
- TikTok video format and size settings
- Instagram video format and size settings
- 5 tips for exporting videos in the right format
What are video formats? (And why they matter)
In simple terms, a video format is how your video file is saved. It’s similar to how you’d choose to save a document as a PDF or a Word file. Different formats have different strengths, and the one you pick can affect how your video looks, how big the file is, and whether it plays properly once it’s uploaded.
Most video formats are made up of two parts:
- The container (like MP4 or MOV), which holds everything together – your visuals, sound, and any extra info
- The codec (like H.264 or HEVC), which shrinks the file down so it’s easier to store or upload, without losing too much quality
You don’t need to get into the technical details to make the right choice. Just know that some formats are better for editing, while others are ideal for uploading and sharing. Pick the right one and your video will play smoothly without issues when it hits YouTube, TikTok or anywhere else.
The most common video file formats for creators
Not all video files are created equal. Some formats are perfect for posting to socials, while others are designed more for editing or archiving. Knowing the difference can help you avoid uploading issues, speed up your workflow, and keep your content looking its best:
MP4 (.mp4)
This is the go-to format for most creators and for good reason. MP4 files strike the perfect balance between quality and file size, and they’re supported by every major platform including YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Shorts. You’ll also find them easy to work with in almost any editing software.
If you’re exporting a video to upload online, MP4 is nearly always the safest choice. It uses the H.264 codec, which keeps your video looking sharp while keeping the file size small enough for fast uploads.
Best for: Uploading to any social platform, quick exports, general use.
MOV (.mov)
If you’re working on a Mac or using software like Final Cut Pro, you’ll likely come across MOV files. MOV is Apple’s version of MP4, and it’s commonly used for high-quality video files, especially in editing workflows. MOV files tend to be larger in size because they’re less compressed, which helps preserve quality during editing.
That said, MOV files don’t always play nicely with every platform or editor – especially on Windows. You might need to convert them before uploading.
Best for: Editing high-quality video on Mac, exporting master files.
AVI (.avi)
AVI is an older video format that isn’t used much by creators anymore. While it can store high-quality footage, the file sizes are usually massive, and it lacks support for newer compression methods. AVI files aren’t ideal for uploading to social platforms or for editing on the go. Unless you’re working with legacy footage or using software that specifically asks for AVI, it’s best to avoid it.
Best for: Legacy workflows or specific editing environments.
WebM (.webm)
WebM is a newer, open-source format – meaning it’s free to use and widely supported – and it’s designed for web use. It’s lightweight, loads quickly, and works well for embedded video – like background videos on websites or animations in a browser. The problem is, most editing software doesn’t support WebM by default, and it’s not ideal for full-length content or uploads to social platforms.
Best for: Web performance, browser-based playback.
Understand what different video format specs mean
There’s a ton of jargon around video formats. If you're not familiar with terms like codec or bitrate, here's a quick explainer to help make sense of the settings you’ll need, whatever platform you’re uploading to.
- Format: The type of video file you’re exporting – e.g. MP4, MOV, or WebM. This determines how your video is packaged and shared.
- Video codec: A tool that compresses your video so it’s smaller and easier to upload, without losing too much quality. H.264 is the most common and widely supported codec.
- Audio codec: Similar to the video codec, but for your audio track. AAC is the most common one across social platforms.
- Resolution: The size of your video, measured in pixels. 1920x1080 is standard HD, while 1080x1920 is a vertical version for mobile.
- Aspect ratio: The shape of your video frame. 16:9 is landscape, 9:16 is vertical, and 1:1 is square.
- Frame rate (fps): How many frames appear per second. 30 fps is standard, while 60 fps is smoother for fast motion.
- Bitrate: How much data is used per second of video. Higher bitrate usually means better quality but also larger file sizes.
You don’t need to memorise any of this – just bookmark and refer back to this section if you’re ever unsure what a term means.
Best YouTube video format and size settings
Format: MP4
Video codec: H.264
Audio codec: AAC
Resolution: 1920x1080 (Full HD)
Aspect ratio: 16:9
Frame rate: 24, 30, or 60 fps (match your footage)
Bitrate: 8–12 Mbps for 1080p
Max file size: 256 GB
Best YouTube Shorts format and size settings
Format: MP4
Video codec: H.264
Audio codec: AAC
Resolution: 1080x1920 (vertical)
Aspect ratio: 9:16
Frame rate: 30 or 60 fps
Length: Up to 60 seconds
Best TikTok video format and size settings
Format: MP4 or MOV
Video codec: H.264
Audio codec: AAC
Resolution: 1080x1920
Aspect ratio: 9:16
Frame rate: 30 fps
Max file size: 2 GB (mobile), 10 GB (desktop)
Length: Up to 10 minutes (but short and snappy still wins)
Best Instagram Video Format and Size Settings
Format: MP4
Video codec: H.264
Audio codec: AAC
Resolution: 1080x1920
Aspect ratio:
- Feed: 1:1 or 4:5
- Stories/Reels: 9:16
Frame rate: 30 fps
Max file size: 4 GB
Length:
- Stories: 15–60 seconds (split into segments)
- Reels: up to 90 seconds (longer for select accounts)
5 tips to export your videos in the right format
You don’t need to dive into complex settings or download new software to get your video format right – a few simple habits can help you avoid common issues and keep your content looking polished across every platform.
- Export in MP4 using the H.264 codec
This is the most widely supported format and works across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and more. Stick with MP4 unless you have a specific reason to use something else.
- Check your export settings before uploading
Most editing software like Premiere Pro, Final Cut, CapCut or DaVinci Resolve will let you set the format, resolution, and frame rate when you export. Look for preset options like “YouTube 1080p” or “H.264 MP4” to keep things simple.
- Convert files if needed, using free tools
If your footage is in the wrong format, free tools like HandBrake, VLC Media Player or QuickTime make it easy to convert files to MP4 without losing quality. Just make sure to keep a copy of your original high-quality version.
- Use vertical resolution for vertical platforms
Platforms like YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and TikTok all prefer vertical video (1080x1920 with a 9:16 aspect ratio). Shooting and exporting in the right orientation saves you from awkward cropping or black bars.
- Keep your original files organized
Store your master exports in high-quality formats like MOV or ProRes, especially if you want to repurpose content later. Use clear naming conventions like travel-vlog-ep1-final.mp4 so you can find what you need quickly.
Make every upload look as good as your edit
Once you know which video formats work best for each platform, the rest gets a whole lot easier. No more re-exports, blurry uploads or frustrating error messages – just clean, professional-looking videos that show up exactly how you intended.
From there, it’s all about making your content stand out – the right finishing touches make all the difference. Whether you need upbeat background music, punchy sound effects, or motion graphics that grab attention, Uppbeat has everything you need to level up your edits without worrying about copyright issues.
