What Is Vertical Video? Everything You Need to Know About Choosing the Right Aspect Ratio

In the ever-evolving media landscape, the style and format of videos have undergone significant transformations. While horizontal videos dominated the scene, designed to fit the landscape orientation of televisions and then computer screens, with the rise of smartphones and social media platforms, the demand for non-traditional video formats, such as vertical and square aspect ratios, has surged. 

Choosing the right video format is more than just a stylistic choice. It influences the approach to art, writing, and the direction of video production. In this article, we'll go over everything you need to know to choose the right aspect ratios for your animations and video content! 

Understanding the Basics 

The standard and most universal video format used nowadays is Full HD. It's also referred to as 1080px, 1920x1080 resolution. Full HD is a horizontal format with an aspect ratio of 16:9. It is a format suitable for TV, YouTube videos, or your website.

Social media platforms like Instagram Stories, TikTok, and Snapchat, however, have been at the forefront of popularizing vertical video resolutions. These platforms have embraced the 9:16 aspect ratio, encouraging users to create and share vertical video content. Unlike traditional horizontal video, vertical videos are designed to be viewed on smartphones and other modern screens with a naturally vertical orientation! 

Choosing the right video format before production starts is highly important since it influences all key aspects of video production. When our clients approach us at Pigeon Studio, we discuss the approach to video production and ensure all the assets are available in the correct aspect ratio! 

Why Did Vertical Video Formats Become Popular? 

Vertical videos offer a different user experience compared to horizontal videos, enhancing engagement by filling the entire screen of a mobile device. On the right platforms, they create an immersive experience that captures the viewer's attention more effectively than a traditional horizontal aspect ratio. Studies have shown that vertical video ads often outperform their horizontal counterparts regarding engagement and conversion rates.

Why Does Choosing the Right Aspect Ratio Matter? 

Choosing the right aspect ratio is critical as it confers many advantages. One of the key steps of video production is deciding on the aspect ratio of the project. Here are just some of the benefits of choosing the right aspect ratio: 

• Versatility Across Devices and Platforms: Choosing right aspect ratio offers a versatile solution for content creators looking to reach audiences across different devices and platforms. Such format is compatible with both mobile and desktop, making it ideal for social media videos on platforms like Facebook Stories and Instagram.
• Enhanced Visual Composition: Using the right video format maximizes screen real estate, providing a balanced visual composition that is aesthetically pleasing. Such aspect ratio allows creators to focus on the central elements of their video content, ensuring that important details are not lost in the margins.
• Improved Engagement and Accessibility: Choosing a fitting aspect ratio has been shown to improve engagement rates compared to traditional formats. Their accessibility makes them an excellent choice for inclusive content creation, ensuring that all viewers can enjoy the video regardless of their device.

What Are the Solutions? 

Different platforms using different aspect ratios pose a serious challenge to businesses: How do you build a video that can perform well across all platforms and devices? There are a few common approaches we take at Pigeon Studio: 

Our experience tells us that most of our customers would like to have a standard Full HD format, and afterwards have them trimmed and reappropriated for social media. The key is how to approach this process so we minimize your costs and make the animation look outstanding in all formats.

We propose 3 solutions:

1. We render the Full HD animation in a different format and then edit the video for social media by adding black bars.
2. We Place all Main Features of a Video in the Centre making cropping for different aspect ratios a simple task. 
3. We reanimate the project for each aspect ratio. 

#1 Rendering the Full HD Animation and Adding Black Bars

The easiest and cheapest way to adjust videos for different aspect ratios. If you are on a tight budget and don't want to spend money to recompose videos for different platforms, adding black bars will make the video at least viewable on social media, even if not attractive. 

Pros:

• low cost for editing the video,
• a rather quick job, done in 1-2 days

Cons:

• the video is cropped down, so the details are less visible,
• Black bars neither look good nor do they appeal to most viewers. 

#2 Designing the Frame in a Way that All Main Features Are Placed in the Centre

An excellent approach if your video contains few elements. This approach offers a clean design that can be adapted to many different formats at the cost of video real estate and creativity. 

Pros:

• video can be easily adjusted to different formats. 
• There's no need for black bars or other unsightly artefacts when adjusting for different aspect ratios. 

Cons:

• Clients need to commit to this composition from the start of the project as it requires significant commitments. 
• the central composition has to be kept throughout the video. It limits composition options, storytelling, and creativity. 
• It is more expensive and time-consuming than the first option.

#3 Designing and Animating The Video for Each Aspect Ratio

In this approach, we treat each format as a new project and then adjust the animations, composition, and art to different formats. You'll have a perfectly tailored video for each platform, allowing you to attract viewers and present your ideas and products in the best light.

Pros:

• Your videos will perfectly fit all targeted platforms, 
• You properly and effectively take advantage of all the space allotted to you by each social media. 

Cons:

• the most expensive solution, since we have to remake the animation to every format
• it takes a lot of time to do different versions of the animation
• This approach needs to be decided on from the early stages of development. 

The Impact of Aspect Ratio on Story-Telling: Square Video vs Vertical Video vs Horizontal Video

Vertical videos have revolutionized the way we consume and create content, offering unique storytelling opportunities that cater to the mobile-first generation. This 9:16 aspect ratio, once considered unconventional, has become a powerful tool for innovative narratives: 

• Vertical videos excel in portraying human subjects, making them ideal for character-driven stories. The format naturally frames individuals from head to toe, allowing for a more comprehensive capture of body language and facial expressions. This enhanced focus on human elements can lead to more emotionally impactful storytelling, particularly in genres like documentaries, interviews, and personal vlogs.
• Square ratio is particularly effective for storytelling that involves a single subject or a focused narrative. The format naturally draws the viewer's attention to the center of the frame, making it ideal for intimate portraits, product showcases, or step-by-step tutorials. This centralized focus can create a more immersive and personal viewing experience, fostering a stronger connection between the content and the audience.
• A vertical video opens up new possibilities for interactive and multi-part storytelling. Creators can design their narratives to work as standalone pieces or as part of a larger, grid-based story when multiple videos are viewed together. This approach is particularly effective on platforms like Instagram, where square ratio can form visually appealing and narratively cohesive grids on a profile page.
• Vertical videos are excellent looping content, allowing for the creation of seamless, repeating narratives that can convey complex ideas or emotions in a concise yet impactful manner. This feature is particularly useful for brands looking to create memorable, bite-sized content that viewers can engage with multiple times.

The Role of Vertical Video in Modern Marketing

Vertical video has become a cornerstone of modern marketing strategies. With the increasing popularity of platforms like Instagram Stories and YouTube Shorts, vertical video content is no longer just an option but a necessity for brands aiming to connect with their audience. The vertical video format allows marketers to create immersive experiences that capture attention quickly, a crucial factor in today's fast-paced digital environment. Many brands have found success by implementing a dedicated vertical video ad campaign, which can significantly boost engagement rates and reach on mobile-first platforms. This approach ensures that the content is optimized for the way most users consume media on their smartphones, leading to higher conversion rates and better overall performance.

Let's explore additional advantages that make vertical video an indispensable tool in today's marketing landscape:

• Increased Engagement: Higher view-through rates and better audience retention on social platforms.
• Stand Out in Feeds: Vertical videos occupy more screen space in social media feeds, increasing visibility.
• Cost-Effective Production: Often easier and cheaper to produce than traditional horizontal videos.
• Better Performance in Ads: Often yields higher click-through rates in mobile advertising campaigns.

Guide to Resolutions and Aspect Ratios of the Most Common Video Platforms

Though these platforms may update their guidelines and formats, here are the most common resolutions and aspect ratios you'll find when browsing social media: 

Facebook

•  Facebook supports a variety of formats, including 16:9, 1:1 (carousel), 4:5, 2:3, and 9:16.
• 4:5, 2:3, and 9:16 can be the most engaging since people tend to hold their phones upright (vertically) when using this app.
• Recommended Resolutions: 1080 x 1920 or 1920 x 1080.

Instagram

• Supported aspect ratios: 1:1 (square), 4:5 (vertical), 1.9:1 (1080 x 566), or 16:9 (landscape). Instagram Story requires 9:16.

• Recommended resolutions: 1920 x 1080 or 1080 x 1350 (for vertical).

Snapchat

• Supported aspect ratios: 9:16.
• Recommended Resolution: 1080 x 1920.

Tik Tok

• Supported aspect ratios: 9:16.
• Recommended Resolution: 1080 x 1920.

Twitter

• Supported aspect ratios: anything from 1:2:39 to 39:2:1.
• Recommended resolutions: landscape = 1280 x 720; Portrait = 640 x 640.

Navigating Challenges and Future Trends in Video Formats

Technical and Creative Challenges

While non-traditional formats offer numerous advantages, they also present challenges. Creators must adapt to different aspect ratios and ensure that their content is optimized for various platforms. However, with the right tools and strategies, these challenges can be overcome.

The Future of Video Formats in a Rapidly Evolving Digital Landscape

As technology continues to evolve, so too will video formats. The future may see the integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) into video content, further transforming the way audiences engage with media.

Reflecting on the Transition: Embracing Change for Greater Impact

The transition from horizontal to vertical and square video formats represents a significant shift in the marketing world. By embracing these non-traditional formats, content creators and marketers can enhance their reach, engagement, and storytelling capabilities. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, adaptability will be key to staying ahead in the competitive world of video marketing.

Creating Vertical Videos: Best Practices

For those wondering how to make their video vertical, the process involves shooting with a vertical aspect ratio in mind. This means holding the camera or smartphone in portrait mode during filming. Additionally, it's essential to consider the composition and framing to ensure that the most critical elements of the video are centered and visible. By focusing on these aspects, creators can produce compelling vertical video content that resonates with viewers.

Horizontal vs. Vertical Videos: Which Video Format Should You Use?

The debate between horizontal and vertical videos often boils down to the intended platform and audience. Horizontal videos are still preferred for traditional media and platforms like YouTube, where landscape orientation is standard. However, for social media platforms and mobile-first audiences, vertical videos offer a more engaging and natural viewing experience. Ultimately, the choice between horizontal and vertical formats should align with the content's purpose and the audience's preferences.

The Format Revolution: Staying Ahead in the Changing Video Landscape

The shift from vertical to square and other non-traditional video formats is not just a trend but a reflection of changing consumer behaviors and technological advancements. By understanding and leveraging these formats, content creators and marketers can stay ahead of the curve, delivering impactful and engaging content that meets the needs of today's digital audience. Embracing these changes will be crucial for success in the ever-evolving world of video marketing. 

Ready to Embark on Your Journey with Us? 

We know this guide has been long, but here's everything a CEO or marketing specialist needs to know regarding how to approach regarding the hotly contested discussion about vertical video dimensions vs horizontal video dimensions. 

Our team at Pigeon Studio is ready and happy to work with you to design videos that perfectly fit the platforms you are looking to target. Get in touch with us at [email protected].