# How to upscale a video for ads

> Upscale a video for ads with an AI upscaler, then export at the size Meta or YouTube recommends. Sizes by placement, tools and a worked example.
- **Author**: Marxx
- **Published**: 2026-11-15
- **Category**: Video editing
- **URL**: https://marxx.ai/library-guides/how-to-upscale-a-video-for-ads

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To upscale a video for ads, run it through an AI upscaler and export at the size your placement recommends. Upscale only when your file is smaller than that size.

## Sizes to aim for

| Placement | Recommended size | Source (checked 3 Nov 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Instagram Reels | 1440 x 2560 | Meta ads guide |
| Instagram and Facebook Stories | 1440 x 2560 | Meta ads guide |
| Instagram Feed | 1080 x 1920 | Meta ads guide |
| Facebook Feed | 1440 x 1800 (4:5) | Meta ads guide |
| YouTube Shorts ads | 1080 x 1920, minimum 720 x 1280 | Google Ads help |

Meta lists these on its [video ads guide](https://en-gb.facebook.com/business/ads-guide/update/video). See also [how to make Reels ads](/guides/how-to-make-reels-ads) and [9:16 vs 4:5 video ads](/compare/9-16-vs-4-5-video-ads).

## Tools with an upscaler

| Tool | Upscale feature | Plan note (checked 3 Nov 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Runway | 4K upscaling | Standard and up. Unlimited 4K upscaling on Pro and Max |
| DaVinci Resolve | SuperScale | Studio edition |
| KineMaster | Super Resolution | Phone app. Listed on the free plan |
| HeyGen | Upscaling to 4K | Business plan |

We make Marxx. The Generate tab in [Marxx's AI video editor](/features/ai-video-editor) lists upscale on Match and up. Match is $29 a month at launch prices (checked 3 Nov 2026). Exports from the editor go up to 1080p.

## Steps

1. Check your file's size in your editor or in the file's info.
2. Compare it with the sizes above. If it already matches, stop.
3. Start from the original export, not a copy sent over a chat app.
4. Upscale, then watch faces, text and fine patterns at full size. Look for waxy skin and shaky text edges.
5. Export an H.264 MP4 at the target size. Meta asks for H.264, a fixed frame rate and stereo AAC audio at 128 kbps or more.
6. Upload one test ad before you upload ten.

## A worked example

Say your clip is 1080 x 1920 and you want Meta's 1440 x 2560 for Reels.

- 1440 / 1080 = 1.33 and 2560 / 1920 = 1.33
- Pixels: 1080 x 1920 = 2,073,600 and 1440 x 2560 = 3,686,400
- 3,686,400 / 2,073,600 = about 1.8 times the pixels

Now say the clip is 720 x 1280. Each side doubles, so the pixels grow 4 times. The further the jump, the more the tool must guess.

## FAQ

### Does upscaling add detail?

It adds pixels by guessing the detail. It cannot bring back what the camera never captured.

### Do I need 4K for Meta ads?

No. Meta's recommended vertical sizes top out at 1440 x 2560, and YouTube Shorts uploads go up to 1080p.

### Is KineMaster's upscaler free?

KineMaster lists a free Super Resolution upscaler. Free exports carry a watermark and ads, so check the result before you use it.

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