mimicVideo file
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Orientation | Vertical, with sound[3]horizontal, blurry, still-image and text-only Snaps won't show in Spotlight |
| Resolution (organic) | Not published |
| File format (organic) | Not published |
| Ad aspect ratio | 9:16[4]single image or video ads, which can run in Spotlight |
| Ad resolution | 720x1280[4] |
| Ad file types | .mp4 or .mov (video)[4] |
Length
Text and captions
Safe zone
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Safe zone | Not publishedSnap's ad safe-zone article didn't load for us |
What Snapchat Spotlight doesn't publish
Creators ask about these, but there's no official number. We leave them out rather than guess.
- Maximum length for an organic Spotlight Snap
- Resolution, file format and file size for organic Spotlight posts
- Description character limit
- Safe-zone margins (Snap's ad safe-zone and video spec articles didn't load for us to verify)
Exporting for Snapchat Spotlight
Shoot vertical with sound
Snap says Spotlight Snaps should be vertical with sound; horizontal, blurry, still-image and text-only Snaps won’t show. Export 9:16.
Aim past 30 seconds if you earn
Snaps under 30 seconds can post (5 s is the floor) but aren't eligible for Monetization Program revenue.
Repurpose ads at 720x1280
Snap's ad formats page lists 9:16 at 720x1280 and 3–180 seconds for ads that run in Spotlight.
Keep text centred
With no published margins, keep captions away from the top and bottom edges where Snapchat's buttons and text sit.
Mimic exports vertical 9:16 video with captions and titles kept inside the apps' safe zones and off the speaker's face.
Sources
- [1] Snapchat Support, How do I post Snaps to Spotlight?. Checked October 2026.
- [2] Snapchat Support, About Snapchat's Monetization Program. Checked October 2026.
- [3] Snapchat Creators, Create on Snap. Checked October 2026.
- [4] Snapchat for Business, Snapchat Ad Formats & Specs. Checked October 2026.
- [5] Snap for Developers, Creatives (Marketing API). Checked October 2026.
Platforms change limits without notice. Check the linked page before a big campaign.
Questions
How long does a Spotlight video need to be?
At least 5 seconds to post to Spotlight from the camera, and at least 30 seconds to be eligible to earn revenue.
Can I post horizontal video to Spotlight?
Snap says horizontal Snaps won't show up in Spotlight. Post vertical video with sound.
What size are Snapchat ads that run in Spotlight?
9:16 at 720x1280, 3 to 180 seconds, as .mp4 or .mov.
How old do you have to be to post to Spotlight?
16 or older, in an eligible region.
Made for Snapchat Spotlight, edited by Mimic.
Raw clip in. Captions, cuts, hook and product shots out.
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