Video Editing
How to Resize a Video for Instagram, TikTok and YouTube (Sizes Chart)
Resize a video by matching both its aspect ratio and its pixel size to the platform. For Reels, TikTok and Shorts use 1080×1920 (9:16). For a regular YouTube video use 1920×1080 (16:9). For an Instagram feed post use 1080×1350 (4:5) or 1080×1080 (1:1). If the shape does not match, crop or pad first, otherwise the video stretches or gets black bars.
By Tubelexity / Updated
Open the Video ResizerVideo sizes for each platform
These are common, widely supported sizes. Platforms accept other dimensions too, but matching the shape of the viewer's screen avoids automatic cropping and black bars. Platforms change their recommendations, so check the official help pages linked below before an important launch.
| Placement | Aspect ratio | Size in pixels |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube video | 16:9 | 1920×1080 (or 3840×2160 for 4K) |
| YouTube Shorts | 9:16 | 1080×1920 |
| Instagram Reels | 9:16 | 1080×1920 |
| Instagram feed (portrait) | 4:5 | 1080×1350 |
| Instagram feed (square) | 1:1 | 1080×1080 |
| TikTok | 9:16 | 1080×1920 |
Why resized videos look stretched or blurry
Stretching happens when width and height are changed by different amounts. A 16:9 clip forced into 1080×1920 makes people look thin and tall. Keep the aspect ratio locked, and change the shape only with a crop or with padding.
Blurriness usually comes from enlarging a small source. Making a 720p clip 1080p does not add detail; it only spreads the same pixels over more space. Platforms also re-compress uploads, so start from the best export you have and avoid resizing the same file again and again.
Resize, compress or both?
Resizing changes dimensions; compressing changes how many bits each second uses. A smaller frame usually makes a smaller file, but if you only need to get under an upload limit, compression at the same size often looks better than shrinking the picture. If a file is both the wrong shape and too heavy, crop, resize, then compress, and check quality after each step.
Keep the important parts inside the safe zone
Vertical platforms cover the bottom and right side of the video with captions, buttons and the account name. After resizing to 9:16, keep faces, titles and calls to action away from those edges. Check the layout with a safe-zone overlay before posting, so your text is not hidden behind the like button.
Recommended workflow
- Look up the target size in the chart below for the platform and placement.
- If your clip has a different shape, crop it or add padding so the ratio matches.
- Open the Video Resizer, enter the target width and height, and keep the aspect ratio locked.
- Export and compare the file's dimensions with the chart.
- Upload a test copy as private or unlisted before publishing publicly.
Frequently asked questions
What size should an Instagram Reel be?
Use 1080×1920 pixels, a 9:16 vertical ratio. It also works for TikTok and YouTube Shorts.
How do I resize a video without stretching it?
Keep the aspect ratio locked while resizing. If the target shape is different, crop or add padding first, then resize.
Will resizing make my video smaller in file size?
Usually, because fewer pixels are encoded. To hit a strict size limit, use compression as well.
Can I resize a video for free without a watermark?
Yes. The Tubelexity Video Resizer is free, adds no watermark and processes the file in your browser.