X Video Upload Specs: Size, Length and Format Guide

You can spend hours editing a video, then lose half its quality in the last step because of the wrong export settings. Knowing the X video upload specs before you export saves time, avoids failed uploads and keeps your clips looking sharp in the timeline.

This guide covers the formats X accepts, the resolution and aspect ratios that work best, length and file size limits, and the export settings we recommend for most creators. X (formerly Twitter) adjusts its limits from time to time, especially for Premium subscribers, so treat the numbers here as a guide and check X's Help Center for the latest official figures.

Supported formats

X accepts the two formats most editors export by default:

• MP4 is the most widely supported and the safest choice.

• MOV works too, especially from Apple devices and apps.

Inside the file, the codecs matter as much as the extension. H.264 video with AAC audio is the combination X handles most reliably. Some newer codecs, such as HEVC (H.265), may be converted on upload or cause problems, so H.264 is the safe default.

Resolution and aspect ratio

X supports a wide range of shapes, from very wide to tall vertical video. Common sizes that work well:

• Landscape 16:9: 1920x1080 or 1280x720.

• Square 1:1: 1080x1080.

• Vertical 9:16: 1080x1920.

On mobile, vertical and square videos take up more of the screen in the timeline, which can help them stand out. Landscape still works well for screen recordings, gameplay and anything filmed widescreen.

Should you upload in 4K?

Uploading a higher resolution than X displays doesn't make the video look better and can make the upload slower. 1080p is the sweet spot for most creators: sharp on phones and desktops, with manageable file sizes.

Safe zones for text and captions

On phones, X overlays buttons, the post text and progress bars on top of videos, especially in full-screen view. Keep important text and faces away from the very top and bottom edges of the frame. A margin of roughly 10 percent on each side is a sensible rule. This matters most for vertical videos, where interface elements cover more of the picture. Previewing your video full screen on a phone before posting is the easiest way to spot anything that gets hidden.

Length, file size and frame rate

X sets limits on how long a video can be and how large the file can be. As commonly documented:

• Standard accounts can post videos of up to about 2 minutes and 20 seconds, with a file size limit in the hundreds of megabytes.

• Premium subscribers can upload much longer videos and larger files, especially from the website.

Because these limits change, check X's Help Center for the current figures before planning a long upload. If your video is too long for your account, consider trimming it into a highlight clip and linking to the full version elsewhere.

Frame rate and bitrate

• Frame rate: use a constant 30 fps for most content, or 60 fps for fast motion like sports and gaming. Avoid variable frame rate exports, which some phones produce by default and which can cause stutter.

• Bitrate: a high-quality 1080p export typically uses a bitrate in the range of several megabits per second. Too low and the video looks blocky; far too high and you hit size limits without visible benefit.

Our guide on compressing a video without losing quality explains bitrate and quality settings in more depth.

Recommended export settings

For most creators, these settings give excellent results:

1. Format: MP4.

2. Video codec: H.264, High profile.

3. Resolution: 1920x1080, 1080x1080 or 1080x1920.

4. Frame rate: 30 fps (or 60 fps for fast motion), constant.

5. Audio: AAC, 128 to 192 kbps, 48 kHz stereo.

6. Length: within your account's limit.

Most editors, including Clipchamp, iMovie, CapCut, Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve, have presets close to these.

Thumbnails and the first frame

X shows a still image before a video plays, often taken from the first frame. A black or blurry opening frame makes your post easy to scroll past. Start your edit on a clear, interesting shot, or add a short title card. A strong first frame also helps when people share your post in chat apps, where the preview image is all they see before tapping.

Captions and subtitles

Many people watch with the sound off. Burned-in captions, added in your editor before export, work everywhere and survive reposting. Keep them large, high-contrast and inside the safe zone described above, so they stay readable after X compresses the video.

Settings inside X that affect quality

Even with a perfect file, a setting in the app can reduce quality. In Settings and privacy, under Accessibility, display and languages and then Data usage, look for options related to high-quality video and image uploads, and make sure they're enabled when you upload on Wi-Fi. Our guide to X video settings walks through each option.

Uploading GIFs

GIFs follow different rules. X accepts animated GIFs up to a modest file size and converts them into short, silent MP4 videos that loop. Keep GIFs short and small for the best results. Our article on why Twitter GIFs are saved as MP4 files explains what happens behind the scenes, and the X GIF downloader saves them back as MP4s.

Checking how your video looks after upload

After posting, watch your video on both a phone and a computer. If it looks softer than expected, try exporting at exactly 1920x1080 at 30 fps with a slightly higher bitrate, and check the app's high-quality upload setting. You can also download your own post with the X video downloader to see exactly what X is serving at each resolution. For more upload tips, read our guide on making your X videos look sharp.

Only download content you own or have permission to use. You can save your own posts from the ClipDrift homepage.

FAQ

What is the best video format for X?

MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio. It is the most widely supported and reliable combination.

What resolution should I upload to X?

1080p is the sweet spot: 1920x1080 for landscape, 1080x1080 for square, or 1080x1920 for vertical.

How long can a video be on X?

Standard accounts have a limit of around 2 minutes and 20 seconds, while Premium accounts can upload much longer videos. Check X's Help Center for current limits.

Why does my video look blurry after uploading to X?

Common causes are a low export bitrate, an unusual resolution, or the high-quality upload setting being turned off. Re-export at standard settings and check the app's data settings.

Can I upload 60 fps video to X?

Yes. Use a constant 60 fps for fast-moving content like sports or gaming.

Should I upload vertical or horizontal video?

Vertical and square videos take up more space on phones. Use landscape for widescreen content like screen recordings or gameplay.