TikTok Cover Size
For TikTok cover and vertical video exports, use 1080 x 1920 in a 9:16 ratio.
TikTok dimensions at a glance
| Asset | Size | Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Video cover / video canvas | 1080 x 1920 px | 9:16 |
| Profile picture | 200 x 200 px | 1:1 |
| In-feed video (safe area) | ~1080 x 1420 px visible | within 9:16 |
Cover vs. thumbnail — they're not the same thing
TikTok is primarily a vertical viewing experience, so 9:16 sizing remains the safest default for full-screen impact. Users searching for TikTok cover size typically want to avoid cropped titles, hidden faces, or awkward framing in feed previews.
The "cover" is a single frame pulled from your video (or a custom upload) that shows before playback starts — it uses the same 1080 x 1920 canvas as the video itself. This is different from the profile picture, which is a small 200 x 200 square shown next to your username.
Mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a cover frame with important text or a face near the very bottom — the caption, username, and sound title sit in that zone.
- Reusing a square Instagram profile picture at 200x200 without checking it still reads clearly at that small size — simplify logos and faces for tiny previews.
- Uploading a horizontal video and letting TikTok auto-pad it — this shrinks your content into a small strip with black bars top and bottom instead of filling the vertical frame.
FAQ
Can I set a custom cover image separate from the video?
Yes — TikTok lets you upload a custom cover during posting. Use the same 1080 x 1920 canvas as your video so it aligns with the safe-area framing.
Is TikTok's ratio the same as Instagram Reels?
Yes — both use 1080 x 1920 at 9:16, so one export works for both platforms. See the 9:16 aspect ratio guide for shared safe-area guidance.