Twitter Video Length Limit: What You Need to Know

Ajay Prem
Published
November 4, 2024

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Short Summary

Twitter used to be all about short, sweet tweets. But now, it's a whole different ball game. You can share images, and videos, and even host voice streams in Spaces! This is a good thing, as the entire microblogging experience feels more alive and colorful with the addition of multimedia. But, of course, there's a limit to how long your videos can be.

So, what's the Twitter video length limit? Well, for most users, it's 2 minutes and 20 seconds. But if you're a subscriber, you might get plenty of extra time.

Want to know more about posting and downloading Twitter videos? Let's talk about that next.

Twitter Videos Length Limit for Premium and Non-Premium Accounts

You need to know the Twitter video time limit whenever you want to share a video on Twitter. Twitter has specific video length limits for subscribers and non-subscribers. In this section, we will discuss the Twitter video limit for both. 

For non-subscribed users

Everyone who uses X (Twitter) without a subscription to X Premium can upload videos of upto 140 seconds (2 minutes and 20 seconds). This Twitter video length limit is imposed regardless of the platform you’re using to upload your video.

Note that the maximum Twitter video size limit is 512MB, and the maximum frame rate is 60fps. If the video exceeds the file size limit, Twitter will prompt you to adjust it. You can trim it on the app or change the original video file.

For X Premium users

Users who have subscribed to X Premium enjoy the freedom to upload much larger and longer video files. 

On the website x.com, and on the iOS app, you can upload videos that are up to 4 hours long (240 minutes) with a 1080p resolution (1920 * 1080). The maximum file size allowed is 16 GB. X Premium subscribers can also upload videos above 2 hours and under 4 hours at 720p with a maximum file size of 16GB

However, on Android, subscribers can upload only videos up to 10 minutes long.

Twitter Ads video requirements

If you plan to use Twitter Ads to promote your product/services, there is a different limit on Twitter ad videos, too. 

Let's break down the essentials.

  • Video length: Aim for 15 seconds or less, but you can go up to 2 minutes and 20 seconds. Some advertisers can even get a 10-minute limit upon request
  • File type and size: Stick to MP4 or MOV, and keep the file size under 1 GB. For best results, try to stay below 30 MB
  • Captions: Add captions or text overlays to make your video accessible to everyone
  • Codecs: Use H264 video codec, AAC-LC audio codec, and a frame rate of 29.97FPS or 30FPS
  • Thumbnail: Choose a PNG or JPEG image that matches your video's aspect ratio and is under 5MB.

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Twitter Video Dimensions and Aspect Ratios

To ensure your videos look great on Twitter, pay attention to the recommended Twitter video dimensions and aspect ratios:

  • Landscape: 1280x720 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio)
  • Portrait: 720x1280 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio)
  • Square: 720 x 720 pixels (1:1 aspect ratio)

The minimum resolution is 32x32 pixels, while the maximum is 1920x1200 for landscape and 1200x1900 for portrait. Stick to the recommended dimensions for the best viewing experience.

Tips for Optimizing Your Twitter Videos

To make sure your videos perform well on Twitter, follow these best practices:

  • Although the Twitter video duration limit allows for longer videos, aim for 20-45 seconds for optimal engagement
  • MP4 is the best video format for Twitter, followed by MOV. Avoid other formats for maximum compatibility
  • Select an eye-catching frame from your video or create a custom thumbnail image to entice viewers to click
  • Many users watch videos without sound, so include captions or text overlays to convey your message effectively
  • Experiment with square, vertical, and horizontal video to see what resonates best with your audience

Twitter Video Best Practices

Posting short videos on Twitter is a great marketing tactic. Here are some of the most effective tips and tricks for optimizing your marketing strategy with Twitter videos.

Grab attention in the first 5 seconds

Your videos should hold your audience’s attention in the first glimpses of playing them. The first few seconds of your video are decisive for grabbing your audience's attention. 

Your video must be visually engaging and quickly communicate the value of your content to keep the viewer from scrolling away. One effective way to do this is by starting your video with a strong hook that captures your audience's interest.

See how EV maker Rivian uses a lighthearted video to show how their rugged vehicles fit into a relaxed, casual lifestyle

rivian twitter video example

Have strong visual components

Videos are already a strong visual element, but you must enhance them to make them stand out. Use high-quality visuals and vibrant characters that are relevant to your content and that help to reinforce your message. Don’t clutter the frame with too much text, it should be easy to read and follow. 

Consider using text overlays or captions to make your video more accessible to viewers who might be watching with the sound off.

This promotional video from Nikon makes excellent use of bold text elements on top of the video

nikon promotional twitter video example

Aim for higher engagement

Engagement is key when it comes to Twitter videos. You want to create content that encourages your audience to like, comment, and share your video.

One effective way to do this is by asking your viewers to engage with your content directly. For example, ask them to share their thoughts in the comments or to retweet your video if they find it valuable.

Optimize aspect ratios

Ensure that your video is optimized for the platform to display correctly on all devices. The ideal aspect ratio for Twitter videos is 16:9, the same as the standard HD video format. Ensure that your video looks great on all devices and that it's easy for your audience to engage with your content.

Optimize Your Videos on Twitter and Take Engagement to New Heights

We hope you’re all set now that you know all about Twitter video length limits. But alas! Twitter doesn't have a built-in download feature, at least for non-subscribers. But worry not. There are some great tools out there to help you.

Highperformr’s X (Twitter) Video Downloader is one such tool. It's a free, easy-to-use AI platform that lets you download high-quality Twitter videos. 

Need more than just video downloads? Highperformr is also a full-featured social media management platform. You can schedule posts, create captions with hashtags, and organize your content calendar.

Ready to try it out? Click here to learn more about Highperformr and all it has to offer.

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