Snapchat ad specs: 9:16 only, 3 to 180 s, a simple batch target

Snap's ad specs page lists Single Image or Video, Story, Collection and Sponsored Snaps ads as 9:16 at 720x1280, 3 to 180 seconds, with Sponsored Snaps under 10 seconds recommended. Commercials run 3 to 180 seconds with the first 6 seconds non-skippable, in H.264. The Ads API media page lists 1080x1920 for a top snap video. Render 1080x1920, and conform to 720x1280 if a placement asks for it.

Two Snap pages

The two pages disagree on pixel size and on maximum length. Check the page that matches how you upload.

The simplest batch target

Every format on the ad formats page that lists a size uses one ratio, 9:16, which makes Snap an easy target in a multi-platform set. In the Sume video API, ask for aspect_ratio 9:16 and the resolution you need. Minimums differ by model: the docs list 2 seconds for wan-3.0, 4 for seedance-2.5 and 5 for minimax-h3, so a 3-second spec can mean trimming a longer clip. Read supported_durations before you pick a model.

To conform an existing clip to a Snap size, video trim takes an output object with width, height and fps, with exact precision. For 720x1280, send width 720 and height 1280.

curl -X POST https://api.sume.com/v1/video-trim \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $SUME_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Idempotency-Key: snap-720-001" \
  -d '{
    "video_url": "https://media.sume.com/artifacts/artf_demo/master.mp4",
    "start": 0,
    "duration": 6,
    "output": {"width": 720, "height": 1280}
  }'

Hook design for Commercials

Because the first 6 seconds of a Commercial cannot be skipped, that window is where the brand and the point must land. Trim a longer master to a 6-second hook, test it, then extend. Sponsored Snaps want under 10 seconds, so one 6-to-9-second cut can serve both.

Before you upload

The API page also says image tops are converted into 5-second videos, which is a quick way to test creative with stills.

• Confirm the file size: 32 MB is the single-upload ceiling on the Ads API page.
• Probe the output so the pixel size is what you asked for.
• Check the preview for text that sits too close to the edges.
• Re-read both Snap pages; the figures differ and may change.

One render, many Snap formats

Because the listed formats share one ratio, a single master can serve them if you choose the length carefully. A 6-second hook, a 9-second Sponsored Snap cut and a longer story version can all come from the same shoot or generation.

Check audio on each. The Snap pages read for this post do not give audio specs, so judge by preview: a clip that works muted and with sound is the safest choice.

Keep a record of which Snap page you followed for each upload, marketing page or API page, so a mismatch in pixel size is explained the next time someone asks.