Vertical video refers to video content created in portrait orientation (taller than it is wide) specifically designed for mobile viewing and social media platforms. This format has risen to prominence as mobile usage has become dominant with users typically holding phones in vertical position.
Major platforms supporting and prioritizing vertical video include Instagram Stories and Reels TikTok Snapchat YouTube Shorts Facebook Stories and Pinterest. Each platform has specific dimension requirements but the 9:16 aspect ratio is standard across most vertical video formats.
For marketers vertical video offers several advantages including full-screen mobile viewing without requiring device rotation greater immersion on mobile devices more screen real estate for content and better alignment with natural user behavior. Many brands now create vertical-first content or adapt horizontal content for vertical presentation.
Best practices include designing specifically for vertical rather than simply cropping horizontal footage focusing on tight framing to highlight subjects clearly using text overlays that work in the narrower format and keeping important elements centered to ensure visibility across different devices and platforms.
Michael Smith
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