TikTok is built around mobile viewing. A practical starting point is a full-screen 9:16 vertical canvas. TikTok for Business recommends vertical 9:16 creative and, for sharper output, exporting at 1080 × 1920 pixels or higher.
A practical working canvas
For most editing workflows, 1080 × 1920 gives you a familiar Full HD vertical canvas. Keep the important subject near the center and avoid placing critical labels at the very edges, where interface controls or device cropping may compete with your design.
Keep text readable
- Use short on-screen sentences instead of dense paragraphs.
- Keep important text away from the bottom and right-side interface areas.
- Check the final video on an actual phone before publishing.
- Use strong contrast between text and the background.
Build the opening for mobile
The opening should communicate the subject quickly. Avoid spending the first few seconds on a long logo animation. Show the action, result, question, or visual change early so viewers understand why they should keep watching.
Export checklist
- Vertical 9:16 composition.
- 1080 × 1920 as a practical high-quality working resolution.
- Readable captions and titles inside safe margins.
- Audio checked with both headphones and a phone speaker.
- Previewed on mobile before upload.
Platform recommendations can change. Review TikTok’s current official creator or business guidance before publishing campaigns with strict specifications.