TikTok Ad Specs & Safe Zones for 2026

Great creative still flops if the caption sits under the "Follow" button. Here's what to ship and where to keep your message clear.

The core specs

• Aspect ratio: 9:16 vertical. It's the default in AdVideoLab's settings.
• Resolution: 1080p is the sweet spot for feed ads; go higher for product close-ups.
• Duration: short wins — most in-feed ads land between 8 and 15 seconds.
• Sound on: design for audio; most viewers watch with sound.

Safe zones (the part people miss)

TikTok's interface overlays your video, so keep text and key product moments away from:

• Right rail — the like / comment / share / profile stack.
• Bottom — the caption, handle, music title and CTA area.
• Top — occasional status and label elements.

Rule of thumb: keep essential text and your product's hero moment in the centre of the frame, away from the edges.

Design the first frame for the feed

Your thumbnail is frame one. Make it legible and intriguing at a glance — it's your real hook. Test a few openings with Generate 3 angles, then pick the frame that reads instantly.

Generate to spec

Set 9:16 and 1080p in the generator and you're already inside the safe defaults. For pacing and language tips see Writing prompts that work.