Key takeaways
- The best video size for Facebook ads changes by placement. Feed, Stories, Reels, Marketplace, and In-Stream each favour different dimensions.
- A 4:5 (1080 x 1350px) video works best for Feed. A 9:16 (1080 x 1920px) video is required for Stories, Reels, and Messenger Stories.
- Along with aspect ratio there are other factors to consider, including file type, resolution, captions, duration, and file size.
- Correctly sized video ads outperform mismatched or cropped creative on both engagement and conversion.
Before you go out and film videos for your Facebook ads you need to figure out what size the videos should be. The aspect ratio of your video ads is dependent on where they will be placed whether it be on the Facebook feed, stories or reels. This guide will cover all the major Facebook placement options and what sized videos you need for each one.
Facebook video ad sizes
You can view Meta’s own guide for video ads(external link) covering the exact specs for every placement. But below we have condensed all of this information into the best video size for Facebook ads across each one.
Facebook Feed
The Facebook feed is the highest-reach placement, so most advertisers optimise for it first. Use 4:5 (1080 x 1350px). It takes up more vertical space on mobile than a square video. A 1:1 (1080 x 1080px) video also works and reuses well across other placements.
Facebook In-Stream video
In-Stream ads play inside other publishers' videos, so they use 16:9 (1920 x 1080px) to match. Viewers can skip after five seconds so you want your opening hook to be as engaging as possible!
Facebook Marketplace
Marketplace ads sit next to listings, so use 1:1 (1080 x 1080px). A 4:5 video gets letterboxed here and looks less polished.
Facebook Stories
Stories are full-screen and vertical. Use 9:16 (1080 x 1920px). Keep text and logos out of the top and bottom, where the progress bar and call-to-action button sit.
Facebook search results
Search results ads appear when someone is actively searching Facebook or Marketplace. Use the same specs as Feed and Marketplace: 1:1 (1080 x 1080px) is the safest choice.
Facebook Business Explore
Business Explore shows ads to people browsing similar Pages, and it mirrors Feed's specs. A 1:1 or 4:5 video made for Feed carries across without changes.
Facebook Reels
Reels need genuinely vertical creative at 9:16 (1080 x 1920px). Don't repurpose a square or 4:5 Feed video here. It won't fill the screen properly and performs worse than native vertical content.
Messenger Stories
Messenger Stories use the same 9:16 (1080 x 1920px) format as Facebook Stories. Keep the top of the frame clear, since Messenger places account details and the call-to-action there.
Facebook right column
Right column is a desktop-only, older placement. Use 1:1 (1080 x 1080px). This format displays smaller than others, so keep visuals simple and high-contrast.
Facebook Groups Feed
Groups Feed follows the same layout as the main Feed and Marketplace. Use the same 1:1 or 4:5 sizing.
Which Facebook video ad sizes should you use?
Thankfully you don't need a unique video for all ten placements. Build two or three core assets instead:
- A 1:1 (1080 x 1080px) video as your all-purpose format. It works across Feed, Marketplace, search results, Business Explore, and Groups Feed.
- A 4:5 (1080 x 1350px) video for mobile Feed, where the extra vertical space lifts performance.
- A 9:16 (1080 x 1920px) video for Stories, Reels, and Messenger Stories. Nothing else fills these full-screen placements properly.
If your budget allows it, upload multiple aspect ratios and use Meta's Advantage+ placements. Meta then serves the best-fitting version of your video to each spot, instead of stretching one size across everywhere.
Other requirements to keep in mind
There are a number of other key factors to consider when it comes to Facebook videos. Below are some technical requirements to keep in mind when you are planning your video ads.
File type
Use MP4 or MOV. These formats are the most reliably supported and avoid transcoding problems.
Video settings
Use H.264 compression, square pixels, a fixed frame rate, progressive scan, and stereo AAC audio at 128kbps or higher.
Resolution
Use at least 1080px on the shortest side. For sharper results, use 1440 x 1440px for 1:1 videos and 1440 x 1800px for 4:5.
Video captions
Most people scroll with sound off. Add captions to your video so your message still lands on mute.
Video duration and recommended duration
Maximum durations vary by placement, running up to several hours for Feed and far shorter for Stories. In practice, aim for 15 to 30 seconds for Feed, 5 to 15 seconds for In-Stream, and 7 to 30 seconds for Reels and Stories.
Maximum file size
Facebook caps video ads at 4GB across all placements. Compress efficiently to keep the file well under that limit without losing quality.
What are the benefits of using Facebook video ads?
Meta's own guidance on video ads(external link) points to two clear advantages over static image ads.
Better engagement
Video draws the eye faster than a still image, which makes it strong for brand awareness. Motion, sound, and storytelling help your ad stand out in a crowded feed.
Higher conversion rates
Video ads tend to drive more qualified traffic. People who have already watched a product or service in action are closer to a buying decision by the time they click through.
Getting your Facebook video ad sizes right
Hopefully this guide has helped clear up any questions about what size your Facebook video ads should be!
If you do have any more questions, Somar Digital can help you get the technical details right.
