What is the recommended video resolution for Snapchat Ads?

Snapchat recommends 1080x1920 pixels (full HD vertical) for all video ad formats. This 9:16 aspect ratio matches the native full-screen viewing experience. While Snapchat accepts 720x1280 as minimum resolution, higher quality videos perform better in terms of engagement and perceived brand quality. Always export at the highest quality available up to 1080x1920.

What video format does Snapchat accept?

Snapchat accepts MP4 and MOV video formats with H.264 encoding. For best results, use MP4 with H.264 codec, AAC audio, and a bitrate of at least 2 Mbps for video quality. Audio should be stereo at 128 kbps minimum. Maximum file size is 1GB for most ad types, though keeping files under 32MB ensures faster upload and delivery.

How long can Snapchat video ads be?

Video length limits vary by format: Single Video Ads can be 3-180 seconds (10 seconds or less recommended for best performance). Story Ads support 3-180 seconds per card with 3-20 cards total. Commercials are fixed at 6 seconds non-skippable. Collection Ads support 3-180 seconds for the hero video. For engagement, shorter videos (under 10 seconds) typically outperform longer content.

What are the character limits for Snapchat ad copy?

Brand Name displays up to 25 characters. Headlines can be up to 34 characters (critical real estate visible in feed). Ad descriptions support up to 150 characters. Call-to-action buttons are pre-defined options, not custom text. For Story Ads, attachment titles allow 45 characters. Keep copy concise as Snapchat users scroll quickly.

Can I use horizontal video on Snapchat?

While technically possible to upload horizontal video, it's strongly discouraged. Horizontal content appears letterboxed in Snapchat's vertical format, wasting 70%+ of screen real estate and looking unprofessional. Always create or convert to vertical 9:16 format. If repurposing horizontal content, consider creative cropping focusing on the subject rather than simple letterboxing.

What file formats work for Snapchat image ads?

Snapchat accepts JPG and PNG formats for static image ads. PNG is preferred when you need transparency or sharp text/graphics. JPG works well for photographic content. Maximum file size is 5MB, though smaller files load faster. Always use RGB color mode, not CMYK, and export at 72 DPI for screen display.

What are the specs for Snapchat Filters?

Geofilters and Sponsored Filters require PNG format with transparent backgrounds. Resolution should be 1080x2340 pixels (for safe area) with 1080x1920 viewable on most devices. File size must be under 300KB. Filters cannot cover more than 25% of the screen and must leave the center clear for selfies. Text and logos should be positioned in top or bottom quarters.

Snapchat Ad Specs: All Formats & Dimensions (2026)

Creating effective Snapchat ads requires precise adherence to technical specifications. Unlike platforms that tolerate various formats, Snapchat's full-screen vertical experience demands content built specifically for the platform. Uploading incorrectly formatted creative results in rejected ads, poor visual quality, or wasted ad spend on suboptimal presentations.

This comprehensive guide covers every Snapchat ad format's technical requirements, from basic video specs to complex AR Lens guidelines. Bookmark this page for quick reference when preparing campaign assets.

Universal Snapchat Ad Requirements

Certain specifications apply across all Snapchat ad formats. Understanding these foundational requirements ensures your creative works regardless of specific format choice.

Aspect Ratio and Orientation

Specification	Requirement	Notes
Aspect Ratio	9:16 (vertical)	Required for all ad formats
Recommended Resolution	1080 x 1920 pixels	Full HD vertical
Minimum Resolution	720 x 1280 pixels	Acceptable but lower quality
Safe Zone	Top/bottom 150px	Keep key content away from edges

File Format Requirements

Content Type	Accepted Formats	Recommended
Video	MP4, MOV	MP4 (H.264 codec)
Image	JPG, PNG	PNG for graphics, JPG for photos
Audio	AAC	128 kbps minimum, stereo

Text Copy Specifications

Element	Character Limit	Best Practice
Brand Name	25 characters	Use recognizable brand name
Headline	34 characters	Front-load key message
Description	150 characters	Optional; not always visible
Call-to-Action	Pre-defined options	Choose most relevant action

Single Image & Video Ad Specs

The most common Snapchat ad format, Single Image and Video Ads appear between organic content in Stories, Discover, and Spotlight. These full-screen takeover ads offer maximum visual impact.

Video Ad Specifications

Specification	Requirement
Resolution	1080 x 1920 pixels (recommended)
Aspect Ratio	9:16
File Format	MP4 or MOV
Codec	H.264
Duration	3-180 seconds
Recommended Duration	3-10 seconds
Max File Size	1 GB
Recommended File Size	32 MB or less
Video Bitrate	2 Mbps minimum
Frame Rate	30 fps recommended
Audio	AAC, 128 kbps+, stereo

Image Ad Specifications

Specification	Requirement
Resolution	1080 x 1920 pixels
Aspect Ratio	9:16
File Format	JPG or PNG
Max File Size	5 MB
Color Mode	RGB
DPI	72 (screen resolution)

Creative Best Practices

Hook in first 2 seconds: Users decide quickly whether to engage or skip
Sound-on design: 64% of Snapchat ads are viewed with sound
Keep text minimal: Visual storytelling outperforms text-heavy creative
Safe zone awareness: Keep critical elements away from top/bottom 150px
Mobile-shot aesthetic: Native-looking content outperforms polished studio work

Story Ad Specs

Story Ads appear as branded tiles in the Discover section, expanding into multi-card full-screen experiences. This format allows for longer-form storytelling and deeper engagement.

Tile Specifications (Discovery)

Element	Specification
Tile Image	360 x 600 pixels
Aspect Ratio	3:5
File Format	JPG or PNG
Max File Size	2 MB
Logo	993 x 284 pixels
Tile Title	55 characters max

Card Specifications (Content)

Specification	Video Cards	Image Cards
Resolution	1080 x 1920	1080 x 1920
Number of Cards	3-20	3-20
Duration per Card	3-180 seconds	N/A (static)
File Format	MP4, MOV	JPG, PNG
Max File Size	1 GB per card	5 MB per card

Attachment Options

Attachment Type	Description	Specs
Web View	Links to website URL	HTTPS required
App Install	Links to app store	iOS/Android deep links
Long-Form Video	Extended video content	Up to 10 minutes
AR Lens	Opens branded lens	Lens must be approved

Collection Ad Specs

Collection Ads combine a hero video or image with four tappable product tiles, creating a shoppable catalog experience within Snapchat. Ideal for e-commerce campaigns driving direct purchases.

Hero Creative Specifications

Specification	Video	Image
Resolution	1080 x 1920	1080 x 1920
Aspect Ratio	9:16	9:16
Duration	3-180 seconds	N/A
File Format	MP4, MOV	JPG, PNG
Max File Size	1 GB	5 MB

Product Tile Specifications

Specification	Requirement
Number of Tiles	4 (fixed)
Minimum Resolution	160 x 160 pixels
Recommended Resolution	500 x 500 pixels or higher
Aspect Ratio	1:1 (square)
File Format	JPG, PNG
Product Title	Up to 30 characters visible
Price Display	Automatic from catalog

Product Catalog Requirements

Collection Ads require a connected product catalog with specific fields:

Required fields: Product ID, Title, Description, Image URL, Product URL, Price, Currency
Recommended fields: Sale Price, Brand, Category, Availability, Item Group ID
Image quality: High-resolution product images with consistent styling
URL format: HTTPS required for all product links

Commercial Ad Specs

Commercials are non-skippable 6-second video ads appearing in Snap Original premium content. The guaranteed viewership comes with strict format requirements.

Specification	Requirement
Duration	Exactly 6 seconds (non-skippable)
Resolution	1080 x 1920 pixels
Aspect Ratio	9:16
File Format	MP4 or MOV
Codec	H.264
Max File Size	32 MB
Audio	Required (sound-on environment)
Frame Rate	30 fps

Commercial Creative Guidelines

Immediate hook: No time for slow builds; grab attention instantly
Brand early: Logo/brand should appear within first 2 seconds
Complete message: Story must resolve within 6 seconds
Sound essential: Users cannot skip, so audio must enhance experience
Avoid hard cuts at end: Smooth transition to content improves experience

Dynamic Ad Specs

Dynamic Ads automatically create personalized ads from product catalogs, showing users relevant products based on their browsing behavior. Two main formats exist: Single Product and Multiple Products.

Single Product Dynamic Ads

Element	Specification
Template Resolution	1080 x 1920 pixels
Product Image	Pulled from catalog (500x500+ recommended)
Background	Customizable template
Text Overlay	Product name, price auto-populated
CTA Button	Pre-defined options

Multiple Products Dynamic Ads

Element	Specification
Template Resolution	1080 x 1920 pixels
Products Displayed	Up to 4 products
Product Images	Square (1:1) from catalog
Layout	Grid or carousel template
Personalization	Based on user browsing/cart activity

Catalog Feed Requirements

Feed format: CSV, TSV, or Google Sheets (updated automatically)
Update frequency: At least daily for accurate pricing/availability
Image quality: High-resolution, consistent backgrounds preferred
Required fields: ID, Title, Image URL, Product URL, Price
Recommended: Multiple product images per item for visual variety

Filter (Geofilter) Specs

Filters are overlay graphics users can add to their Snaps. Geofilters are location-specific, while Community Filters are publicly available. Sponsored Filters offer branded experiences at scale.

Filter Design Specifications

Specification	Requirement
Full Canvas Size	1080 x 2340 pixels
Safe Viewing Area	1080 x 1920 pixels (center)
File Format	PNG (with transparency)
Max File Size	300 KB
Color Mode	RGB
Background	Transparent (required)

Filter Design Rules

Rule	Requirement
Screen Coverage	Maximum 25% of screen
Center Clear Zone	Must leave center clear for selfies
Logo Placement	Top or bottom quarters only
Text Legibility	Must be readable at mobile size
Content Policy	No hashtags, URLs, phone numbers

Geofilter Location Requirements

Minimum geofence: 20,000 square feet
Maximum geofence: 50,000,000 square feet (varies by location)
Duration: 1 hour minimum, 30 days maximum
Restricted areas: Cannot target schools, government buildings, private residences

AR Lens Specifications

AR Lenses require specialized technical specifications covered in detail in ourAR Lens Ads guide. Key specifications follow.

Lens Technical Requirements

Specification	Requirement
Creation Tool	Lens Studio (desktop) or Lens Web Builder
Export Format	.lns file (Lens Studio native)
Max Lens Size	8 MB compressed
Texture Resolution	2048 x 2048 max per texture
Polygon Count	Under 10,000 recommended
Audio	MP3 or WAV, under 1 MB per clip

Lens Asset Guidelines

2D Assets: PNG with transparency, power-of-2 dimensions preferred
3D Models: FBX, OBJ, or glTF format; optimized for mobile rendering
Animations: Keep under 10 seconds for performance
Scripts: JavaScript for custom interactions
Testing: Required on both iOS and Android before submission

Spotlight Ad Specs

Spotlight is Snapchat's short-form video feed (similar to TikTok). Ads in Spotlight follow standard vertical video specifications with some unique considerations.

Specification	Requirement
Resolution	1080 x 1920 pixels
Aspect Ratio	9:16
Duration	5-60 seconds recommended
File Format	MP4, MOV
Max File Size	1 GB
Audio	Strongly recommended (feed is sound-on)

Spotlight Creative Recommendations

Native aesthetic: Content should feel like organic Spotlight videos
Trending audio: Popular sounds increase engagement
Quick cuts: Match the fast-paced Spotlight experience
Hook immediately: Compete for attention against endless scroll

Asset Preparation Checklist

Before uploading creative assets to Snapchat Ads Manager, verify the following:

Video Checklist

Resolution is 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio)
Format is MP4 with H.264 codec
File size is under 32 MB (under 1 GB maximum)
Audio is AAC, at least 128 kbps, stereo
Duration meets format requirements (check specific format)
Key content is within safe zones (150px from top/bottom)
First 2 seconds contain hook/attention-grabber
Brand appears early but doesn't dominate

Image Checklist

Resolution is 1080 x 1920 pixels (or format-specific size)
Format is JPG or PNG (PNG for transparency)
File size is under 5 MB
Color mode is RGB, not CMYK
Text is legible at mobile viewing size
Key content avoids safe zone edges

Copy Checklist

Brand name is 25 characters or less
Headline is 34 characters or less (front-loaded with key message)
Description is 150 characters or less
No prohibited content (competitors, restricted categories)
CTA selected from Snapchat's pre-defined options

Following these specifications ensures smooth ad approval and optimal presentation across Snapchat's user base. Creative quality directly impacts campaign performance, so invest time in proper asset preparation before launch.

Key Takeaways