INSIGHT
Reels vs. Shorts vs. TikTok — Format Spec Differences
Short answer: Reels, Shorts and TikTok all default to a vertical 9:16 ratio, but the exact maximum length differs by platform and changes often. Below is what we confirmed directly from each platform's own help pages as of November 2026 — follow the links to check the current rules before you upload.
Official sources
YouTube's 3-minute Shorts limit is confirmed on YouTube's own help page: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/15424877 — Reels and TikTok's aspect ratio (9:16) and resolution (1080x1920) are widely consistent, but we are not asserting a specific maximum length for either here since platform policy changes often. Check Reels at https://help.instagram.com/1038071743007909 and TikTok at https://support.tiktok.com/ before you upload.
| Platform | Aspect ratio | Length (as of Nov 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Reels | 9:16 (vertical), 1080x1920 recommended | Check Instagram's official help page (link below) for the current limit |
| Shorts | Vertical or square | Officially up to 3 minutes |
| TikTok | 9:16 (vertical), 1080x1920 recommended | Check TikTok's official Help Center (link below) for the current limit |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can a horizontal video be converted to vertical?
A. Yes, we can re-cut existing horizontal footage into a vertical edit (short-form editing service).
Q. Do specs change often?
A. Yes, length limits change often by platform policy. Check the official links above for the current rules before uploading.
Q. Can you make versions for all three platforms at once?
A. Yes, the same material can be edited separately per platform.
Related Service: Short-form Editing