Choosing the Best Frame Rate for Your Social Media Videos - A Comprehensive Guide
- Cowley33
- Jun 14
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 29
Picking the right frame rate for your social media videos can make a huge difference. It can help them look smooth and clear on phones. In this blog, we'll explore the best frame rates for various platforms, including Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube. We will also share practical tips you can use right away.
Why Frame Rate Matters
Frame rate refers to the number of images displayed each second (fps). Lower frame rates, like 24 fps, give a cinematic feel. In contrast, higher rates, such as 60 fps, make fast action appear smooth and seamless. Each social platform handles video differently. Knowing the specifics can help you achieve the best results for your content.
Understanding Frame Rate on Social Media
Different social media platforms require different frame rates for optimal video quality. This section will outline what works best for each major platform: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.
Instagram Reels and Stories need a minimum frame rate of 30 fps but can go up to 60 fps.
Regular feed videos should be between 23 fps and 60 fps. However, all Reels automatically play back at 30 fps, regardless of the frame rate you upload.
Instagram converts all Reels and Stories to 30 fps. If you upload at 24 fps, it adds additional frames, which may result in a jumpy appearance. To avoid this, always export your video at 30 fps before uploading.
You have the option to use vertical videos (9:16) or horizontal videos (16:9). For Reels, full-screen portrait (9:16) is recommended.
Quick Tip:
If you enjoy the cinematic look of movies, consider using 24 fps for feed posts. However, make sure to preview the video to ensure it doesn't appear jumpy.
LinkedIn accepts videos with frame rates ranging from 10 fps to 60 fps. The standard choice is 30 fps, which provides a stable experience.
One unique feature of LinkedIn is that it retains the frame rate you upload. If you choose to upload at 24 fps or 60 fps, that rate remains unchanged on both phones and computers.
You can upload videos in various formats: vertical (up to about 9:16), square (1:1), or horizontal (16:9).
Quick Tip:
For business-related talks, 30 fps offers a steady feel. For creative clips, try 24 fps for a more artistic look.
For regular feed videos, aim for a frame rate of up to 30 fps. Lower rates, such as 24 fps, also work well.
Facebook allows Reels and Stories to range from 24 fps to 60 fps. However, if feed videos exceed 30 fps, Facebook will automatically reduce them to 30 fps. Reels can maintain a frame rate of 60 fps.
You can post videos in different formats: horizontal (16:9), vertical (9:16), or 4:5. The 4:5 format fills more of the screen on mobile devices.
Quick Tip:
Using 60 fps for Stories or Reels enhances motion quality and smoothness. However, export feed videos at 30 fps to optimize file size.
YouTube
When uploading to YouTube, use the same frame rate that you recorded. Common frame rates include 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, 50 fps, and 60 fps.
YouTube will re-encode your video in various sizes while keeping your original frame rate intact. For instance, a video shot at 24 fps will remain 24 fps, and one shot at 60 fps will stay at 60 fps.
Regular YouTube videos are typically in the 16:9 format. Shorts can be in vertical (9:16) or square (1:1).
Quick Tip:
For fast-paced action, such as gaming or sports, use 60 fps. For storytelling or a filmic style, opt for 24 fps.
Best Practices Checklist
Always export at the same frame rate you recorded to avoid quality loss.
Use 30 fps for Instagram Reels, Facebook feed videos, and LinkedIn content, while keeping your original frame rate on YouTube.
Consider your audience: use 24 fps for a cinematic feel and 60 fps for dynamic content.
Choose the right video shape: vertical (9:16) is best for Reels and Shorts, while horizontal (16:9) works well for feed videos.
Always test your videos on a mobile device before posting to ensure they look perfect.
Conclusion
Matching your video settings to each platform enhances the visual quality of your content on phones. Whether you prefer the smoothness of 60 fps or the cinematic essence of 24 fps, these guidelines will assist you in achieving the best possible quality for your videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upload videos at 24 fps on Instagram?
Yes, regular feed videos can be uploaded at 24 fps, and Instagram will display them up to 30 fps. Always preview your post to check for any juddering before publishing.
Do higher frame rates result in larger file sizes?
Generally, higher frame rates like 60 fps involve more frames, which can lead to larger file sizes. Striking a balance between smooth playback and file size limits for each platform is essential.
How can I check the frame rate of my video?
Most video editing programs display the fps in project settings or during export. You can also view video properties on your computer or utilize a free media-info tool to verify the frame rate.
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