Introduction
Video content is an extremely effective way to engage audiences on Twitter. With the right video specs and strategy, you can create viral tweets that captivate viewers. This guide will provide everything you need to know about Twitter's video requirements, dimensions, formats, and best practices to maximize your video's potential in 2024.
Note: Twitter has been rebranded as X since 2023.
Twitter Video Specifications and Requirements
To successfully upload and share videos on Twitter, you must follow their technical requirements. Here are the key Twitter video specs and upload requirements to know:
Twitter Video File Size Limits
- If you're a Premium subscriber on X, you are able to upload videos at 1080p with a maximum file size of 16GB.
- As Premium subscriber, you are also able to upload videos at 720p with a maximum file size of 16GB.
- If you aren't a Premium subscriber, you can still upload videos with a maximum file size of 512MB.
Keeping your Twitter video size below the limits will ensure a smooth upload. Larger files may fail or take a long time to process. Larger files may fail or take a long time to process. It's important to consider the twitter video format size when preparing your content.
Video Resolution Range
- Minimum: 32 x 32 pixels
- Maximum: 1920 x 1200 pixels
Resolution determines the quality and clarity of your video. Aim for the highest resolution possible within the size limit.
Accepted Twitter Video Aspect Ratio
- 1:2.39 – 2.39:1
Aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between width and height. Twitter supports a wide range from vertical to horizontal formats, so feel comfortable to choose Twitter video aspect ratio that suits your needs.
Max Frame Rate
- 40 fps (frames per second)
Higher frame rates create smoother motion but require larger files. Balance quality and size.
Video Format Options
- MOV, MP4
- H264 codec
- AAC audio
For reliable playback across devices, encode videos as MP4 with H264 video and AAC audio.
Following these technical specifications will ensure your videos work as intended on Twitter. Optimizing resolution and compression without sacrificing quality is key.
Ideal Twitter Video Dimensions
While Twitter supports a range of sizes, certain Twitter video dimensions are recommended for an optimal viewing experience.
Horizontal Video
- 1280 x 720p (HD)
- 1920 x 1080p (Full HD)
Horizontal 16:9 videos are ideal for landscape footage. The 1280 x 720 size strikes a nice balance of quality and file size.
Vertical Video
- 1080 x 1920p (Full HD)
Vertical 9:16 videos are best for portrait-oriented shots from phones. Use the taller 1080 x 1920 dimensions.
Square Video
- 1:1 ratio like 1080 x 1080p
For standalone square videos, a 1:1 aspect ratio like 1080p square works well. Can also be used creatively with horizontal/vertical videos.
Consider the content and context for choosing landscape, portrait, or square orientations. Pick dimensions that maximize quality without large file sizes.
Twitter Video Length Limit in 2024
Twitter (X) has flexible video length limits up to 4 hours. If you're a Premium subscriber on X, you are able to upload videos up to 4 hours at 1080p and from 2 hours up to 4 hours at 720p. Without premium subscription you can still upload videos up to 140 seconds long.
It's worth mentioning, shorter videos tend to perform better.
- Minimum: 0.5 seconds
- Maximum: 140 seconds (2 minutes 20 seconds)
- Ideal: 15-30 seconds
Shorter videos are more likely to be watched to completion. Condense your message and value into 15-30 seconds. Longer videos can work for live streams or special content.
Twitter Video Thumbnail Tips
Your video's thumbnail image plays a big role in click-through rate. Follow these tips for eye-catching thumbnails:
- Choose an interesting frame that represents the video
- Use high-contrast colors that pop
- Include text like titles to indicate content
- Focus on main subject/action clearly
- Pick landscape thumbnail for landscape videos
- Add branding like logo discreetly
Spend time selecting and designing a compelling thumbnail that captures attention. It's the first thing viewers see and interacts with.
Video Optimization Steps
To meet specifications and achieve high quality:
- Shoot highest resolution possible
- Set frame rate cap at 40 fps
- Use optimal codec settings (H264 1080p)
- Export at desired dimensions
- Compress reasonably to reduce size
- Confirm specs match Twitter requirements
With the right optimization settings, you can create great looking videos adapted for Twitter in any editing program.
Twitter Video Ad Specifications
Twitter also has requirements for their different video ad offerings:
Standalone Video Ads
- Aspect Ratio: 1200 x 1200 pixels is recommended for 1:1 aspect ratio, 1920 x 1080 is recommended for 16:9 (9:16 vertical works too)
- Length: Within 2 minutes 20 seconds (15 seconds optimal)
- File Size: Under 30 MB recommended
Short square or vertical ads can be very effective.
Video Ads with Conversation Buttons
- Aspect Ratio: 800 x 450 is recommended for 16:9 horizontal
- Length: 6-15 seconds ideal
- File Size: Under 1 GB
Include call-to-action buttons overlaid on landscape footage.
Video Ads with Polls
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (800 x 450 pixels is recommended) or 1:1 (800 x 800 pixels is recommended)
- Resolution: 1280 x 720 landscape or 720 x 720 square
- Looping: Auto-enabled if the video length is under 60 seconds
Poll ads blend interactive questions with engaging video.
Promoted Video Ads
- Aspect Ratios: 16:9, 9:16, 1:1
- Length: Within 2 minutes 20 seconds
- File Size: Under 1 GB
Promoted videos appear in users' timelines like organic content.
Carefully produce videos tailored to the specific ad objective and placement.
Uploading Videos to Twitter
When ready to add your video to Twitter, there are a couple options:
Via Twitter Media Studio
Twitter's Media Studio is the easiest way to directly upload a video to Twitter. Just drag and drop your video file, preview it, enter captions, and tweet.
Through Tweet Composer
In the tweet composer, tap the media icon and select “Upload media” to choose a video file from your device to add to your tweet.
The Media Studio provides more controls and options. But the tweet composer works fine as well.
Best Practices for Engaging Twitter Videos
Beyond technical requirements, follow these tips for engaging videos that viewers want to watch, like, and share:
Valuable, Entertaining Content
Focus on creating genuinely interesting, useful, or entertaining video content that provides value to your audience. Inform, educate, inspire, or amuse.
Clear, Concise Messaging
Communicate your key message clearly and concisely in the first few seconds. Get to the point quickly before losing viewer attention.
Strong Visuals
Use well-composed shots and quality visuals that contribute to the message and attention-grabbing impact.
Mobile-First Thinking
Consider vertical framing and sizing for mobile. Use graphics, text, logos, and elements that translate clearly on small screens.
Clear Audio
Ensure clear, audible audio so viewers don't miss your narration, product sounds, or other details.
Captions
Include captions not only for accessibility but so viewers can understand your video with the sound off.
Staying on top of the latest Twitter video specifications and best practices will allow you to connect with audiences in a fun, visually engaging way through video content tailored for the platform.
Produce Twitter Videos Faster with Screen Story
Screen Story is a game-changing Mac screen recording and editing program built to help you quickly create eye-catching videos for Twitter and social media.
Here are some of the key features that make Screen Story the top choice for producing engaging Twitter videos:
Speedy Video Creation Workflow
Screen Story is designed for fast video turnaround so you can be first to cover trends and news on Twitter. Easily record, customize, and export videos in minutes.
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Automatic Animations
Bring energy to tutorials, demos, and more with automatically generated cursor movements and zoom animations. No manual motion graphics work needed.
Flexible Export Options
Export to square, vertical, and horizontal formats perfect for Twitter in up to 4K resolution. Get videos that pop on all devices and timelines.
Built-in Recording Options
Record your screen, webcam, voiceover, system audio, and more for compelling video content. Switch between angles with smooth transitions.
Custom Motion Graphics
Make your Twitter videos stand out by adding animated titles, callouts, overlays, filters, and unique branding elements.
Direct Social Media Export
Publish your videos right to Twitter and other platforms instantly. Streamline sharing to maximize views and engagement.
Free Version Available
Test out Screen Story and make 3 free videos to try its amazing automation and editing powers at no cost.
For one-of-a-kind Twitter videos made easy, download Screen Story today and level up your video marketing game.
