Facebook Video Uploads Rules and Restrictions (Complete Guide)

Facebook is one of the largest social media platforms in the world with billions of active users every month. Videos are a major part of user engagement, marketing campaigns, and content sharing on Facebook. Whether you are a content creator, marketer, or casual user, understanding the Facebook video uploads rules and restrictions is essential to ensure that your videos are published successfully and optimized for maximum reach.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Facebook video upload requirements including size, format, length, resolution, aspect ratio, and other technical details. This article will also explore best practices to help your videos perform better on the platform.

Why Understanding Facebook Video Upload Rules Matters

Uploading videos on Facebook may seem straightforward, but without following the correct specifications, your video may fail to upload, lose quality, or fail to perform well in terms of engagement. By understanding the restrictions, you can:

• Ensure smooth uploading without errors.
• Preserve video quality and resolution.
• Improve viewer engagement and reach.
• Comply with Facebook’s policies to avoid rejection or removal.
• Maximize the effectiveness of your marketing or promotional content.

Facebook Video Upload Technical Requirements

Here are the official technical requirements that apply to all videos uploaded on Facebook, including personal posts, pages, groups, and ads.

1. Video File Size

The maximum file size allowed for a Facebook video upload is 10 GB. However, it is recommended to keep your file sizes smaller (under 1 GB if possible) for faster uploading and better playback performance.

2. Video Length

Facebook videos must be no longer than 240 minutes (4 hours). Shorter videos typically perform better in terms of engagement, but Facebook supports long-form content as well. For ads, the recommended length is usually less than 2 minutes.

3. Supported File Formats

Facebook supports a variety of video file formats, but the recommended format is MP4. Other supported formats include MOV, AVI, WMV, and MKV. MP4 is ideal because it maintains quality while keeping file sizes optimized.

4. Resolution and Dimensions

The maximum resolution supported by Facebook is 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels). While 4K videos can sometimes be uploaded, they are often compressed. For best results:

• Minimum resolution: 1080 x 1080 (square).
• Maximum resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD).
• Bitrate: Use a high-quality bitrate to reduce compression.

5. Aspect Ratio

The recommended aspect ratios for Facebook videos are:

• Landscape: 16:9
• Square: 1:1
• Vertical: 4:5 or 9:16 (recommended for mobile audiences)

6. Frame Rate

The maximum frame rate allowed is 30 FPS (frames per second), but Facebook does support up to 60 FPS for certain types of videos. Stick to common frame rates like 24, 30, or 60 FPS for best performance.

7. Audio Specifications

Facebook videos support stereo audio with:

• Sample rate: 44.1 kHz
• Codec: AAC preferred
• Bitrate: Up to 128 kbps

Facebook Video Upload Restrictions by Type

Facebook videos can be uploaded in different places such as profiles, pages, groups, stories, reels, and ads. Each placement may have specific restrictions.

1. Facebook Feed Videos

• Length: Up to 240 minutes.
• Size: Up to 10 GB.
• Aspect ratio: 16:9 (landscape), 1:1 (square), or 4:5 (vertical).
• Captions and thumbnails recommended.

2. Facebook Stories

• Length: Up to 20 seconds per story.
• Format: MP4 or MOV.
• Aspect ratio: 9:16 (vertical).
• Resolution: At least 1080 x 1920 pixels.

3. Facebook Reels

• Length: Up to 90 seconds.
• Aspect ratio: 9:16 (vertical full screen).
• File format: MP4 recommended.

4. Facebook Ads

Video ads on Facebook have stricter requirements:

• Length: Up to 240 minutes (though 15–30 seconds is recommended).
• Aspect ratio: 16:9, 1:1, or 4:5.
• File format: MP4 or MOV.
• Resolution: At least 1080 x 1080 pixels.
• Captions: Strongly recommended for accessibility.

Common Facebook Video Upload Problems and Solutions

1. Video Not Uploading

If your video won’t upload, check file size, format, and internet connection. Reducing file size and converting to MP4 often fixes the issue.

2. Poor Video Quality After Upload

Facebook compresses videos during upload. To minimize quality loss:

• Upload in HD (1080p).
• Use high bitrates.
• Choose MP4 format with H.264 codec.

3. Video Processing Taking Too Long

Large files take longer to process. Use recommended formats and keep file sizes smaller for faster results.

4. Audio Issues

If audio is missing or distorted, ensure the codec is AAC and the sample rate is 44.1 kHz.

Best Practices for Facebook Video Uploads

• Always upload in MP4 format with H.264 codec.
• Keep aspect ratios optimized for mobile viewers.
• Use captions to increase engagement and accessibility.
• Upload HD quality for better performance.
• Keep videos short and engaging (under 2 minutes for best engagement).
• Use eye-catching thumbnails.
• Test different formats (landscape, square, vertical) depending on your audience.

SEO Tips for Facebook Video Content

To ensure your videos rank better and reach wider audiences, follow these SEO tips:

• Use descriptive titles with keywords.
• Write detailed video descriptions with target keywords.
• Add hashtags to increase discoverability.
• Enable captions for accessibility and keyword indexing.
• Engage users with comments and shares.
• Use Facebook Insights to analyze performance and optimize future videos.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the maximum file size for a Facebook video?

The maximum file size allowed is 10 GB.

2. What is the longest video I can upload?

You can upload videos up to 240 minutes (4 hours) long.

3. Does Facebook support 4K videos?

While you can upload 4K videos, Facebook often compresses them down to 1080p.

4. Which video format is best for Facebook?

MP4 with H.264 codec is the best choice for Facebook uploads.

5. Can I upload videos longer than 240 minutes?

No, Facebook does not support videos longer than 240 minutes.

6. Do Facebook videos have to include audio?

No, but videos with audio generally perform better. Always include captions.

7. Why does Facebook lower my video quality?

Facebook compresses videos to optimize playback across devices and networks.

Conclusion

Uploading videos on Facebook is a powerful way to connect with your audience, promote products, or share content. However, to get the best results, you must follow Facebook’s official video upload rules and restrictions. By adhering to file size, length, format, resolution, and aspect ratio guidelines, your videos will upload smoothly and maintain their quality. Pairing these requirements with best practices like captions, HD uploads, and optimized descriptions will ensure that your content reaches the widest possible audience.

Whether you are uploading a simple video for friends, a professional ad campaign, or a viral reel, following these rules will help you succeed on Facebook’s ever-growing platform.