Why is my 9:16 TikTok video not filling the screen?
If your 9:16 TikTok video isn't filling the screen, it's usually due to incorrect aspect ratio, wrong resolution, or export settings. Here's how to diagnose and fix the problem.
Common Causes and Solutions:
1. Wrong Aspect Ratio
Problem:
Your video might not actually be 9:16, even if you thought it was. Common mistakes:
- Created at 16:9 (horizontal) instead of 9:16 (vertical)
- Used 4:5 Instagram ratio instead
- Custom ratio that's close but not exact
Solution:
Check your video dimensions:
- ✅Correct: 1080 x 1920 (9:16)
- ✅Correct: 720 x 1280 (9:16)
- ❌Wrong: 1920 x 1080 (16:9 - horizontal)
- ❌Wrong: 1080 x 1350 (4:5 - Instagram)
How to Fix:
- Use our calculator to verify dimensions
- Re-export at exactly 1080 x 1920
- Don't guess - calculate precisely
2. Incorrect Resolution
Problem:
Aspect ratio is right, but resolution is too low or non-standard.
TikTok's Preferred Specifications:
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16
- Frame Rate: 30 fps or 60 fps
- File Size: Under 287.6 MB
- Length: Up to 10 minutes
- Format: MP4 or MOV
Solution:
Always export at 1080 x 1920 minimum:
- ✅1080 x 1920 (optimal)
- ✅720 x 1280 (acceptable but lower quality)
- ❌540 x 960 (too small, may have black bars)
3. Export Settings Issues
Problem:
Video editor added padding or changed ratio during export.
Common Export Mistakes:
In Adobe Premiere Pro:
- ❌Sequence settings don't match footage
- ❌"Scale to Frame Size" not enabled
- ❌Wrong preset selected
Solution:
- Create new sequence: 1080 x 1920
- Set frame rate to 30 fps
- Export settings: H.264, High Quality
- Ensure "Match Source" is NOT checked if source isn't 9:16
In Final Cut Pro:
- ❌Wrong custom resolution
- ❌Spatial conform set to "Fit"
Solution:
- Custom resolution: 1080 x 1920
- Spatial conform: "Fill"
- Format: H.264
- Quality: High
In CapCut:
- ❌Wrong ratio selected in project settings
- ❌Exported for Instagram instead of TikTok
Solution:
- Project settings: Select 9:16
- Resolution: 1080p
- Frame rate: 30 fps or higher
- Export: TikTok preset
4. Content Framing Issues
Problem:
Video is 9:16, but content within it has black bars or doesn't fill frame.
This Happens When:
- Imported 16:9 footage into 9:16 project
- Used "Fit" instead of "Fill" scaling
- Content has built-in letterboxing
Solution:
If Footage is Horizontal (16:9):
- Rotate if filmed sideways
- Crop/zoom to fill 9:16 frame
- Accept that edges will be cut off
- Or add background blur/graphics
If Footage is Already Vertical:
- Use "Fill" or "Scale to Fill Frame"
- Not "Fit" or "Scale to Fit"
- Remove any existing black bars
- Zoom if necessary
5. Device-Specific Display Issues
Problem:
Video is correct, but phone settings or TikTok app causes display issues.
Check These:
Phone Screen Ratio:
Modern phones aren't exactly 9:16:
- iPhone 14 Pro: 19.5:9
- Samsung S23: 20:9
- Google Pixel 7: 20:9
Solution:
TikTok automatically handles this. If your video is 9:16, the app will display it correctly with minimal adjustment.
TikTok Interface:
- Profile picture overlays content
- Captions take up space
- UI elements cover edges
Solution:
- Keep important content in center 80% of frame
- Avoid critical elements at very top/bottom
- Test preview before posting
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting:
Step 1: Verify Your Video Dimensions
- Check file properties
- Confirm exactly 1080 x 1920
- Use our calculator if uncertain
Step 2: Check Aspect Ratio
- Should be 9:16
- Not 16:9 (horizontal)
- Not 4:5 (Instagram portrait)
Step 3: Review Export Settings
- Format: MP4 (H.264)
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920
- Frame rate: 30 fps minimum
- Bitrate: 8-12 Mbps
Step 4: Test Upload
- Upload to TikTok
- Check preview before posting
- View on actual device
Step 5: Fix If Needed
- Re-export with correct settings
- Use TikTok-specific preset
- Double-check dimensions
Platform Comparison:
To avoid confusion, here are correct ratios for each platform:
| Platform | Aspect Ratio | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| TikTok | 9:16 | 1080 x 1920 |
| Instagram Reels | 9:16 | 1080 x 1920 |
| YouTube Shorts | 9:16 | 1080 x 1920 |
| Instagram Feed | 4:5 or 1:1 | 1080 x 1350 or 1080 x 1080 |
| YouTube Video | 16:9 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Instagram Story | 9:16 | 1080 x 1920 |
Quick Fixes by Editing Software:
Premiere Pro:
- File > New > Sequence
- Settings: Custom, 1080 x 1920
- Drag footage to timeline
- Right-click > Scale to Frame Size
- Export > Match Settings
Final Cut Pro:
- File > New > Project
- Custom: 1080 x 1920, 30 fps
- Import footage
- Inspector > Video > Spatial Conform > Fill
- Share > Export File
CapCut (Mobile):
- New Project
- Tap ratio icon > 9:16
- Add video clips
- Pinch to zoom/fill frame
- Export > 1080p
DaVinci Resolve:
- File > Project Settings
- Timeline Resolution: 1080 x 1920
- Import media
- Timeline > Clip > Zoom to Fit
- Deliver > YouTube/TikTok preset
Preventing Future Issues:
- ✅Always start with 9:16 project settings
- ✅Film in vertical orientation
- ✅Use 1080 x 1920 as standard
- ✅Save TikTok export preset
- ✅Test on device before final upload
- ❌Don't film horizontal then rotate
- ❌Don't use Instagram dimensions for TikTok
- ❌Don't skip preview before posting
- ❌Don't assume "close enough" for aspect ratio
Still Having Issues?
If video still doesn't fill screen after following these steps:
- Use our aspect ratio calculator to verify exact dimensions
- Check source footage properties
- Re-export from scratch with TikTok preset
- Test on multiple devices to rule out device issues
- Update TikTok app to latest version
The most common mistake is creating content at 16:9 (horizontal) and assuming it will work vertically. Always create at 9:16 from the start, and export at exactly 1080 x 1920 pixels.
Related Resources
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