What is Vertical Video Aspect Ratio?

The vertical video aspect ratio denotes the proportional correlation between the dimensions of a video frame, particularly emphasizing the vertical dimension. It determines the shape and orientation of your video content. Unlike traditional horizontal videos, vertical videos are tall and narrow, making them perfect for mobile devices and how we naturally hold our smartphones. 

The most common vertical video aspect ratios are 9:16 and 4:5. The width is the first, and the second represents the height. For instance, in a 9:16 aspect ratio, the video is nine units wide and 16 units tall. This format creates a portrait-like video that optimizes the screen space of mobile devices. 

Importance of Using the Correct Aspect Ratio for Social Media Videos 

Now that we've established a vertical video aspect ratio let's explore why it's essential for your social media video content strategy in 2024. 

Enhanced User Experience 

Social media platforms are primarily accessed on mobile devices. Employing the appropriate aspect ratio guarantees that your videos seamlessly fit into users' screens, eliminating the need for inconvenient horizontal scrolling. This enhances the user experience, subsequently increasing the likelihood of engagement with your content. 

Increased Visibility 

Social media algorithms often prioritize content that aligns with platform-specific standards. By adhering to the preferred vertical video aspect ratios, your videos are more likely to get featured and promoted by these algorithms, leading to higher visibility among your target audience. 

Storytelling Potential 

Vertical videos are particularly effective for storytelling and capturing viewers' attention. They occupy the full screen, providing an immersive experience that takes more work to achieve with horizontal videos. This is especially valuable for showcasing products, sharing testimonials, or creating captivating narratives. 

Audience Engagement 

Studies have shown that vertical videos generate higher engagement rates than their horizontal counterparts. Users are more inclined to interact with what seamlessly fits their screen, increasing likes, shares, and comments. 

Trend Relevance 

As social media platforms continually adapt to user behavior, vertical video is no longer a trend but a standard. Staying updated with this aspect ratio ensures your content remains relevant. 

Understanding Vertical Video Aspect Ratio for Social medias

Definition of Aspect Ratio 

Understanding the aspect ratio concept is essential to fully grasp the vertical video aspect ratio's significance. It determines the shape and orientation of your video content, influencing its appearance on diverse screens. 

Now that we've established the concept of aspect ratios, let's explore how different social media platforms favor specific vertical video aspect ratios. In the dynamic realm of social media, each forum has its preferences to optimize user experience. 

Instagram 

The ideal aspect ratio for Instagram Stories is 9:16, perfect for vertical videos occupying the full screen. This format provides a seamless viewing experience for users and is the go-to choice for sharing engaging stories and short video clips. 

Facebook 

Facebook also recommends the 9:16 aspect ratio for mobile-optimized video content. Whether in-feed videos or Facebook Stories, adhering to this ratio ensures your content appears as intended, maximizing engagement potential. 

TikTok 

As one of the pioneers of vertical video content, TikTok encourages creators to use the 9:16 aspect ratio for their videos. This format aligns with TikTok's user interface, making it easier for your content to shine on this platform known for its viral videos and trends. 

Snapchat 

Unsurprisingly, Snapchat, a platform primarily designed for vertical video, favors the 9:16 aspect ratio. The entire user experience revolves around vertically oriented content, and embracing this ratio is key to making the most of Snapchat's features. 

Benefits of Using Vertical Video Aspect Ratio 

So, why should you bother with vertical video aspect ratios? Let's dive into the benefits: 

Improved Engagement 

With their immersive full-screen experience, Vertical videos tend to capture viewers' attention more effectively. This leads to increased engagement rates, including likes, shares, and comments, as users find it easier to interact with content that fits their screens seamlessly. 

Better Viewing Experience on Mobile Devices 

With most social media browsing happening on smartphones, it's essential to prioritize the mobile user experience. Vertical videos eliminate the need for awkward horizontal scrolling, ensuring your content is accessible and enjoyable on mobile devices. 

Enhanced Storytelling 

The vertical format lends well to storytelling and narrative-driven content. Whether showcasing a product, sharing testimonials, or conveying a message, vertical videos allow you to create captivating stories that resonate with your audience. 

Creating Vertical Videos with the Correct Aspect Ratio 

Shooting Vertical Videos 

Shooting vertical videos is a fundamental skill for social media marketers in 2024. To ensure your content aligns with the preferred vertical video aspect ratio, here are some tips to keep in mind: 

Framing 

When shooting, think vertically. Frame your shots to fit the tall and narrow 9:16 aspect ratio. Ensure that the essential elements of your scene are within the vertical frame to avoid losing critical information when the video is cropped for social media platforms. 

Resolution 

Aim for high-resolution footage. While social media platforms might compress videos, starting with higher-quality footage ensures your content looks crisp and professional. Common resolutions for vertical videos are 1080x1920 pixels or higher. 

Editing 

Post-production is where you can fine-tune your vertical videos. Use video editing software to adjust colors, lighting, and sound. Most importantly, make necessary adjustments to maintain the correct aspect ratio throughout the video. 

Using a Smartphone 

Smartphones are powerful tools for shooting vertical videos. They're convenient, readily available, and offer excellent video quality. Ensure your phone is held vertically while shooting, and use features like gridlines to help with framing. 

Converting Horizontal Videos to Vertical Videos 

Tips for Cropping and Resizing Videos for Social Media 

Pay attention to the content's focal point when cropping and resizing videos. Ensure that the most important elements are still visible after the conversion. This might involve zooming in or repositioning the frame. 

Best Practices for Creating Vertical Videos 

Filming in the Right Aspect Ratio 

Creating captivating vertical videos begins with selecting the appropriate aspect ratio. Here, we'll explore your options and the popular aspect ratios best suited for various social media platforms: 

1. Choosing the Right Aspect Ratio for Social Media Videos 

The first step in crafting a remarkable vertical video is understanding the specific aspect ratio requirements of the platform you intend to use. While 9:16 is the universal standard for vertical videos across most platforms, staying updated on evolving guidelines is essential. These can occasionally change as platforms adapt to shifting trends and user preferences. 

Here is what to consider for some of the major platforms: 

Instagram:

Whether you're creating Stories or in-feed videos, Instagram predominantly favors the 9:16 aspect ratio. This format ensures that your content fully occupies the vertical screen space, providing an immersive viewing experience for your audience. 

Facebook:

Like Instagram, Facebook encourages using the 9:16 aspect ratio for mobile-optimized videos. Conforming to this format ensures that your videos effortlessly harmonize with the platform's user interface, thereby enhancing the probability of user engagement. 

TikTok:

As one of the vertical video trailblazers, TikTok steadfastly adheres to the 9:16 aspect ratio. Given TikTok's emphasis on user-generated content, this format is essential for your videos to blend seamlessly with the app's aesthetic. 

Snapchat:

Snapchat, a platform built around vertical video, naturally favors the 9:16 aspect ratio. Here, vertical video is not just a preference but a fundamental part of the platform's design. 

2. Popular Aspect Ratios for Vertical Videos 

While 9:16 is the go-to aspect ratio for most vertical videos, you might also come across alternatives like 4:5, 2:3, or 1:1.77, depending on the platform or your creative vision. Here's how these variations can be used effectively: 

4:5 Aspect Ratio:

This format provides a slightly taller frame than the standard 9:16, allowing for more vertical content without compromising too much on width. It's a great choice for showcasing products or detailed tutorials. 

2:3 Aspect Ratio:

With a more square-like shape, 2:3 aspect ratio videos can add a unique touch to your content. This format may be particularly appealing when experimenting with visual storytelling or artistic compositions. 

1:1.77 Aspect Ratio:

Sometimes called the cinematic aspect ratio, this format offers a widescreen experience within a vertical frame. It can be perfect for creating dramatic and visually striking content, especially to convey a cinematic feel. 

Understanding your audience and target platform is the key to choosing the right aspect ratio. Experimenting with different ratios can be a creative way to stand out, but always prioritize ensuring your content looks well-integrated and visually appealing within the chosen format. 

Creating Engaging Vertical Videos 

Beyond aspect ratios, creating engaging vertical videos involves several creative techniques and strategies: 

1. Changing Shot Lengths and Angles 

To maintain viewer interest, vary your shot lengths and angles. Incorporate close-ups and wide shots, and experiment with camera movements like pans and tilts. This dynamic approach adds visual intrigue to your videos and keeps your audience engaged from start to finish. 

2. Using Text and Graphics 

Text overlays and graphics can be powerful tools to enhance your vertical videos. Use captions to convey important messages, highlight key points, or provide subtitles for accessibility. Graphics and animations can inject creativity and provide additional information to your content, making it more engaging. 

Using SEO Tools to Create Targeted Vertical Videos 

Optimizing your vertical videos for search engines and social media algorithms is crucial for visibility. Utilize SEO tools to research relevant keywords and trends in your niche. Integrate these keywords naturally into your video titles, descriptions, and captions to improve discoverability and attract your target audience. 

By implementing these best practices, you ensure that your vertical videos adhere to the correct aspect ratio and create content that captivates and resonates with your audience. The art of crafting compelling vertical videos goes beyond technicalities; it's about connecting with your viewers on a deeper level. 

Displaying Vertical Videos 

Embedding or Uploading Vertical Videos 

As you venture into the world of vertical video marketing, it's essential to understand the challenges and solutions when displaying these videos on websites. 

Challenges of Displaying Vertical Videos on Websites 

Aspect Ratio Compatibility: The most significant challenge with displaying vertical videos on websites is ensuring they maintain their intended aspect ratio. Websites typically use horizontal layouts, which can lead to vertical videos appearing too narrow or distorted. This mismatch can improve user experience and positively impact your video's effectiveness. 

Space Constraints: Vertical videos may not fit seamlessly within the design of your website. This issue is particularly prevalent in sidebars or smaller content areas, where vertical videos might appear cramped or oversized. Such cases can disrupt the overall layout and aesthetics of your website. 

Solutions for Displaying Vertical Videos on Websites 

To overcome these challenges and successfully display vertical videos on your website, consider the following solutions: 

Use Responsive Design 

Implement responsive web design techniques to adapt your website's layout to different screen sizes and orientations. This approach ensures that vertical videos are displayed correctly, regardless of your visitors' device or screen size. 

Custom Video Players 

Consider using custom video players or plugins designed to handle vertical videos. These players can automatically adjust the video's dimensions to match the aspect ratio, ensuring that it fills the available space without distortion. 

Landing Pages 

Make landing pages for your vertical video content. These pages can be optimized to showcase your videos in full, sheer glory, free from the constraints of traditional web layouts. You can then link to these landing pages from various parts of your website. 

Embedding Options 

Many video hosting platforms, such as YouTube and Vimeo, provide embedding options that allow you to customize the video player's dimensions. Ensure that you select the appropriate aspect ratio when embedding vertical videos to maintain their integrity on your website. 

Mobile Optimization 

Given that vertical videos are primarily designed for mobile viewing, prioritize the mobile optimization of your website. Ensure that vertical videos display flawlessly on smartphones and tablets, where most users engage with content. 

Conclusion 

Mastering the art of vertical video aspect ratio is pivotal for a successful social media marketing strategy in 2023. By understanding the nuances of aspect ratios, creating engaging vertical videos, and overcoming challenges in their display, you can harness the full potential of this dynamic format. Embrace the creativity and possibilities that vertical videos offer, and stay attuned to the ever-evolving landscape of social media to ensure your content remains relevant and impactful. Elevate your marketing game by adopting these best practices and watch your audience engagement soar in the exciting world of vertical video marketing.