Interactive Reference

    Platform Format & Safe Zone Guide

    Every spec you need for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts — so your UGC text, CTAs, and key moments don't get hidden behind UI elements.

    TikTok Specifications

    Following | For You + Search
    Caption, Username, Sound
    ♥ 💬 ↗ 🔊
    SAFE ZONEText & CTAs here
    Safe area
    UI overlap
    Aspect Ratio
    9:16
    Resolution
    1080 × 1920
    Safe Zone
    Centre 80% (~150px from edges)
    Top Area
    Obscured by 'Following | For You' tabs and search
    Bottom Area
    Obscured by caption, username, sound ticker, interaction buttons
    Right Side
    Like, comment, share, sound buttons
    Max Video Length
    10 minutes
    Recommended for UGC
    15-60 seconds

    Quick Reference

    TikTok
    Instagram Reels
    YouTube Shorts
    Aspect Ratio
    9:16
    9:16
    9:16
    Resolution
    1080 × 1920
    1080 × 1920
    1080 × 1920
    Safe Zone
    Centre 80%
    Centre 75%
    Centre 80%
    Max Length
    10 min
    90 sec
    60 sec
    Recommended (UGC)
    15-60 sec
    15-30 sec
    15-45 sec

    Briefing Tips for Multi-Platform Safe Zones

    When briefing a creator for content that will run across multiple platforms, the safest approach is to shoot with centre framing. All key text, faces, products, and CTAs should sit within the centre 70-75% of the frame.

    Avoid placing text in the outer 20% of any edge. What's visible on TikTok may be covered by Instagram's larger caption area or YouTube's subscribe button. When in doubt, test the final video on each platform on a real device before approving.

    For paid ad placements, remember that ad UI elements (sponsored tags, CTA buttons) add additional overlay. Leave even more breathing room at the top and bottom when content will be used as Spark Ads or Partnership Ads.

    Need content that's formatted perfectly for every platform?

    Every piece of UGC from Trisha is shot with platform-specific safe zones in mind. No cropped text, no hidden CTAs.

    Book UGC Content

    Related Resources

    Safe Zones for TikTok & Reels

    Deep dive into where your content gets hidden on each platform.

    TikTok Spark Ads Strategy

    Turn organic UGC into high-converting paid placements.

    UGC for Meta Ads

    How to optimise raw creator content for Facebook and Instagram ads.

    UGC Brief Checklist

    Make sure your brief covers format specs from the start.