TikTok Ads Specs & Safe Zones

You make a beautiful video. You upload it to Ads Manager. And then the "Shop Now" button covers your headline. Or the "Like" button covers your logo. Welcome to Safe Zones.

The Vertical Challenge

TikTok is 9:16 (1080x1920). But you don't actually get all that space. The UI (User Interface) eats up about 20% of the screen.

• Right Side: Profile pic, Like, Comment, Share buttons.
• Bottom: Description, Music ticker, Shop Now button.
• Top: "Following/For You" tabs.

The Design Rule: "Center is King"

Keep all critical text and logos in the Central Block. Do not put anything important:

• In the bottom 15% of the screen.
• In the right 10% of the screen.
• In the top 10% of the screen.

Technical Specs Checklist

• Aspect Ratio: 9:16 is best. (1:1 is allowed but performs worse).
• Resolution: 720p minimum. 1080p recommended.
• Length: 5s to 60s. (Sweet spot: 21-34 seconds).
• File Type: .mp4 or .mov.

The "Preview Tool"

TikTok Ads Manager has a built-in "Preview Tool." Use it. Before you launch, check your ad on:

1. iPhone X (Notch).
2. Android (Standard).
3. Samsung (Curved edge). If your text gets cut off on any of these, fix it.

Summary

Amateurs design for the full canvas. Pros design for the Safe Zone. If users can't read your CTA because the "Share" button is on top of it, they won't convert.