A Guide To The Right Vertical Videos Dimensions for Social Media

With the increase of short-form videos, understanding vertical video dimensions can be crucial when creating engaging content for your social media presence.

From Facebook Stories to Instagram Reels to YouTube Shorts, people are watching more and more videos on their phones in portrait mode.

That’s why knowing the right dimensions for vertical videos on each social media platform is important. If you want your videos to be seen and watched, you must ensure they’re in the right size.

Here’s a quick overview:

The ideal vertical video dimension is made in portrait with a 9:16 aspect ratio and the ideal dimensions being 1080×1920 pixels.

Understanding the ideal dimension for vertical videos is crucial to capturing your audience’s attention in this ever-evolving social media landscape.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the right dimensions for vertical videos on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. We’ll also give you some tips on creating engaging vertical videos that your audience will love.

Why Are Vertical Videos So Popular?

Vertical videos have become incredibly popular on social media in recent years. There are a few reasons for this–

They’re perfect for mobile devices:

Most people use their smartphones to access social media, and vertical videos fit perfectly on the screen – making it a seamless user experience.

You don’t have to turn your phone sideways or zoom in to watch them.

They’re more immersive:

Vertical videos fill the entire screen, creating a more immersive viewing experience for viewers. This is especially true for short-form videos like those on TikTok and Instagram Reels.

It’s like a full-screen billboard for your content in the palm of your hand.

They’re more engaging:

Vertical videos are often more engaging than horizontal videos because they’re more visually appealing. They’re also easier to watch while you’re scrolling through your feed.

They’re more authentic:

Vertical videos are tailor-made for the popular “stories” format on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. They allow creators to narrate their stories in an intimate and personal way.

These are also shot from a first-person perspective, making viewers feel like they’re with the creator. It’s like having a one-on-one conversation with your audience.

User-Generated Content:

Vertical videos, especially those made with an AI video generator, have also fueled the rise of user-generated content. Anyone with a smartphone can become a content creator, and the vertical format makes it easy for anyone to jump in and share their experiences and creativity.

Why Go Vertical On Social Media?

Well, the numbers speak for themselves, and they’re pretty convincing.

1. Vertical Video Engagement: Vertical videos receive about 80-100% more engagement on Facebook than horizontal videos(Buffer).
   
2. Instagram Stories: Vertical videos are the lifeblood of Instagram Stories, and those alone command an audience of over 500 million daily active users. 

So if you’re not vertical, you might miss out on this massive chunk of potential viewers.

3. YouTube’s Vertical Trend: Even YouTube has jumped on the vertical bandwagon. They’ve optimized their player for vertical videos (YouTube Shorts), and the trend is real. YouTube has reported that shorts get 50 billion views daily.
   
4. Mobile Dominance: Over 98.5% of Facebook users access the platform via mobile. It’s clear that vertical videos cater to how people use their devices.
   
5. User Behavior: It’s not just about the platforms but about how users engage with content. According to a Snapchat survey, users are 9 times more likely to complete a video when it’s in a vertical format than a horizontal one.

Instagram Vertical Video Dimensions

Instagram Stories are your ticket to quick, engaging content.

The ideal Instagram vertical video dimensions are 1080×1920 pixels, with an aspect ratio of 9:16. This is the same aspect ratio as your phone screen, so your videos will fill the entire screen when people watch them on their phones.

You can also upload vertical videos to Instagram with other dimensions, but they may be cropped or resized. For example, if you upload a vertical video with a 4:5 aspect ratio, it will be cropped on the sides to fit the 9:16 aspect ratio.

Facebook Vertical Video Dimensions

The perfect Facebook vertical video dimensions are 1080×1920 pixels and a 9:16 aspect ratio.

These dimensions are the same as those recommended for vertical videos on Facebook, and they will ensure that your Shorts look their best and are displayed correctly.

YouTube Vertical Video Dimensions

YouTube Shorts is the platform’s response to the surge in short-form video content. For vertical videos on YouTube Shorts, the recommended dimensions are 1080 pixels in width by 1920 pixels in height, maintaining that 9:16 aspect ratio.

So, all 3 of them have the same aspect ratio.

Vertical Video Recording Tips

1) Be Steady

Shaky videos can be a turn-off. This is especially important if you’re shooting moving subjects.

While high-end gimbal stabilizers exist, your smartphone may have built-in stabilization features. You can also use a tripod or set your phone on a stable surface.

Steady shots make your content look more professional. It enhances the overall quality of the video by reducing unwanted shakes and jitters, making the content more visually appealing.

2) Mind The Sound

The superior sound quality in vertical videos is an often underestimated aspect of creating engaging content for social media. Crisp and clear audio enhances viewer immersion and comprehension.

Use a quiet space to reduce background noise. If you’re speaking, speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Your smartphone’s built-in microphone is decent, but consider an external microphone if you’re serious about improving audio.

3) Pay Attention to Lighting

Good lighting can make a world of difference. Adequate lighting ensures that your subject is clear, vibrant, and captivating. It minimizes distractions, drawing viewers’ attention to the essential elements of your video.

Natural light is your best friend, so if possible, position yourself near a window or outdoors. If you’re indoors, use soft, diffused light to avoid harsh shadows. No fancy equipment is needed; just plain sunshine can work wonders.

4) Frame Your Subject Well

A cluttered or distracting background can steal the spotlight from your subject. Choose a clean, uncluttered backdrop that complements your content. Also, be mindful of where you position yourself in the frame. Center yourself or your subject, and keep them at eye level with the camera.

A well-framed subject eliminates distractions, creating a clean, professional look. Proper framing also adds visual interest and balance to your videos, making them more appealing.

5) Use Text and Graphics

Text and graphics can be a great way to add interest and clarity to your vertical videos. You can use them to introduce your topic, highlight key points, or add a call to action.

Graphics can visually reinforce key points and add a layer of engagement, aiding in retention. Moreover, text overlays can provide context, enhancing accessibility for viewers with muted audio or hearing impairments.

6) Use Split Screens

Split screens are a great way to make your vertical videos more engaging, dynamic, and accessible. 

It increases engagement by allowing viewers to see multiple things at once. This can be especially effective for educational or informative videos, as it allows viewers to see both the speaker and the accompanying visuals. 

It’s a versatile tool for comparisons, before-and-after scenarios, interviews, or sharing complementary visuals. This can be especially helpful for e-commerce businesses or businesses that sell products with many features.

7) Filling The Whole Space

Vertical, well-composed videos that fill the whole frame look more polished and put together. It helps to showcase your content in the best possible light.

When you fill the whole frame with your content, viewers can see all of the important details. It maximizes screen real estate, ensuring your content commands immediate attention and minimizes distractions. With the whole screen dedicated to your message, engagement increases, and your narrative becomes more immersive.

8) Capture Attention In The First Few Seconds

Capturing attention in the first few seconds of a vertical video is crucial, especially on social media platforms where people constantly scroll through their feeds. If you can’t grab their attention immediately, they will likely scroll away and watch something else.

A compelling start piques curiosity, encouraging viewers to stay and explore further. Those first seconds are your window to connect, convey your message, and stand out amidst the content avalanche.

9) Test, Learn, and Improve

Finally, the key to success in social media is to learn and adapt continually. Test different approaches, track your results, and be open to change. It’s a dynamic space, and what works today might need tweaking tomorrow.

Hopper HQ for Vertical Videos

With Hopper HQ, you can plan your vertical video content ahead of time. This means you can schedule your posts to go live at optimal times, ensuring that your audience sees your videos when they’re most active on social media. Whether it’s Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube Shorts or any other platform, Hopper HQ supports scheduling for various social media channels.

Instead of manually posting the same video on different channels, Hopper HQ allows you to do it effortlessly. This cross-promotion strategy can significantly increase your video’s reach and engagement, helping you connect with a broader audience.

Understanding how your vertical video content performs is crucial for refining your content strategy. Hopper HQ provides in-depth analytics and insights, allowing you to track the engagement, views, and other essential metrics of your videos. These insights can help you make data-driven decisions to improve your future vertical video campaigns.

Wrap-up

By embracing the vertical format, you’re embracing the future of social media, where mobile rules and audience attention. By following the tips in this article, you can create vertical videos that look their best and capture the attention of your viewers.

These tips are here to guide you but don’t be afraid to let your creativity shine. The more you practice and experiment, the better your content will become.

To simplify the process of scheduling and posting your vertical videos on Instagram, consider trying Hopper HQ, a trusted social media management platform. It can save you time and help you reach your audience more effectively. So, get out there and start captivating your audience.

Your social media game is about to reach new heights with the power of vertical video and Hopper HQ.