The TikTok safe zone
On TikTok, Reels or Shorts, your video is overlaid by the caption, account name and a column of buttons. The safe zone is what stays visible: that's where the important stuff belongs.
What is the safe zone?
It's the part of the screen that stays readable once the app's interface is on top. At the bottom are the caption and account name; on the right, like, comment and share buttons; at the top, tabs.
Text placed in those areas risks being hidden or hard to read.
What are the exact dimensions of the safe zone?
They aren't fixed: they depend on the app, its version, the phone and the length of your caption. Platforms sometimes publish templates in their advertiser guides; check them at the source rather than trusting copied numbers.
The most reliable test is to post privately, or check the preview before posting, to see what gets covered.
Which principles should I follow?
A few simple rules avoid most problems:
- keep important text in the central part of the screen;
- leave a comfortable margin at the bottom, where the caption appears;
- avoid the right side for key elements, because of the button column;
- don't put the title right at the top, under the app's tabs;
- keep the speaker's face clearly visible, away from the edges.
Where should captions go?
In the centre or just below it, above the caption area. That's where they stay readable without covering the face.
In Clipotte's editor you set the captions' vertical position, size, font, colours and how many words show at once. More in auto captions for TikTok.
What about the hook title?
Put it in the top third of the frame, not hugging the edge, so it's seen from the first second. Keep it short: a few words are enough.
With the hook title option (+€1), Clipotte adds that text on screen and you can rewrite it. To write a good one, see the hook of a short video; for general dimensions, the TikTok video format.
Price for this video : €9.90
Upload my videoNo subscription · 1080p export, no watermarkFrequently asked questions
Is the safe zone the same on Reels and Shorts?
The principle is the same (interface at the bottom and right), but details differ. Check the preview on each platform.
My caption is long, does that matter?
Yes, a long caption can take up more space at the bottom. Keep the first line short.
Does Clipotte's reframe account for the safe zone?
The reframe follows the main face to keep it in frame. Still check the preview before posting.
Should I crop tighter to avoid the edges?
Not necessarily: what matters is that text and face sit away from the edges, not that the picture is more zoomed.