How to Choose the Right Frame Rate for Your Social Media Videos

Picking the right frame rate for your social media videos can help them look smooth and clear on phones. In this blog, we'll explain the best frame rates for Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube. We will also share simple tips you can use right away.

Why Frame Rate Matters

On Social Media

Frame rate means the number of pictures shown each second (fps). A lower frame rate like 24 fps can feel like a movie, while a higher rate like 60 fps makes fast action look smooth. Each social site handles video differently. Knowing how they work helps you get the best results.

Instagram

1. What to Use

   • Reels and Stories need at least 30 fps. They can go up to 60 fps.

   • Regular feed videos will upload between 23 fps and 60 fps. But all Reels play back at 30 fps no matter what you upload.

2. What Really Happens

   • Instagram changes all Reels and Stories to 30 fps. If you upload 24 fps, it adds extra frames and may look jumpy. To avoid this, export your video at 30 fps.

3. Video Shape

   • You can use vertical videos (9:16) or horizontal videos (16:9). Full-screen portrait (9:16) is best for Reels.

   
   

Tip: If you like the movie look, try 24 fps in a feed post. But check it first to make sure it does not look jumpy.

LinkedIn

1. What to Use

   • LinkedIn accepts videos from 10 fps to 60 fps. 30 fps is the usual choice.

2. What Really Happens

   • LinkedIn keeps the frame rate you upload. If you upload 24 fps or 60 fps, it stays at that rate on phones and computers.

3. Video Shape

   • You can use vertical (up to about 9:16), square (1:1) or horizontal (16:9).

   
   

Tip: For business talks, 30 fps feels steady. For creative clips, try 24 fps for a film look.

Facebook

1. What to Use

   • Regular feed videos should be up to 30 fps. Lower rates like 24 fps work fine.

   • Reels and Stories can be 24 fps to 60 fps. Feed videos become 30 fps, and Reels can stay at 60 fps.

2. What Really Happens

   • If you upload more than 30 fps, Facebook lowers it to 30 fps in the feed. Reels can stay at 60 fps.

3. Video Shape

   • You can post horizontal (16:9), vertical (9:16) or 4:5. The 4:5 shape fills more of the screen on phones.

   
   

Tip: Use 60 fps for Stories or Reels to make motion very smooth. But export feed videos at 30 fps to save space.

YouTube

1. What to Use

   • Upload your video in the frame rate you shot it. Common rates are 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, 50 fps and 60 fps.

2. What Really Happens

   • YouTube will re-encode your video at different sizes but keeps your original frame rate. A 24 fps video stays at 24 fps. A 60 fps video stays at 60 fps.

3. Video Shape

   • Regular YouTube videos use 16:9. Shorts use vertical (9:16) or square (1:1).

   
   

Tip: For fast action like gaming or sports, use 60 fps. For storytelling or film style, use 24 fps.

Best Practices Checklist

1. Export at the same frame rate you recorded.

2. Use 30 fps for Instagram Reels, Facebook feed and LinkedIn. Keep your original rate on YouTube.

3. Think about your audience: use 24 fps for a film look, 60 fps for fast action.

4. Pick the right shape: vertical (9:16) for Reels and Shorts, horizontal (16:9) for feed videos.

5. Always test on a phone before you post.

Conclusion

Matching your settings to each platform helps your videos look great on phones. Whether you choose the smooth look of 60 fps or the movie feel of 24 fps, these tips will help you get the best quality.

FAQ's

1. Can I upload a 24 fps video to Instagram feed?

   Yes. Regular feed videos can upload at 24 fps, and Instagram will display them up to 30 fps. Always preview your post to check for any judder before publishing.
   

2. Will higher fps make my file size much larger?

   Generally, yes. A higher frame rate like 60 fps means more frames and a bigger file. Balance smooth playback with file size limits for each platform.
   

3. How do I check my video’s frame rate before exporting?

   Most editing programs show the fps in project settings or the export dialogue. You can also view video properties on your computer or use a free media-info tool to confirm the frame rate.