Quick Answer: Vertical videos are filmed in portrait orientation (9:16 aspect ratio) for mobile viewing. They matter because 90%+ of social media is consumed on mobile, and platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts prioritize this format.

What are vertical videos and why do they matter?

Short answer: Vertical videos fill mobile screens and dominate social media engagement.

Full Explanation

What Is Vertical Video?

Aspect ratio: 9:16 (portrait orientation)
Resolution: Typically 1080x1920 pixels
Duration: Usually 15-60 seconds
Platforms: TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Snapchat

Why Vertical Matters

1. Mobile-First Consumption

90%+ of social media accessed via mobile
Vertical fills the entire screen
No rotation required from viewers

2. Higher Engagement

Vertical videos get 40% more engagement than horizontal
Full-screen immersion increases watch time
Platform algorithms favor native formats

3. Platform Priority All major platforms now prioritize vertical:

TikTok (native vertical)
Instagram Reels
YouTube Shorts
Facebook Reels
Snapchat

How to Create Vertical Content

From scratch:

Film with phone held vertically
Frame subjects in center
Use vertical-first composition

From horizontal video:

Extract key moments
Reframe for 9:16
Add captions and text overlays
Use AI tools like RipurposeAI to automate

Best Practices

Hook viewers in first 1-2 seconds
Keep text in safe zones (not cut off)
Add captions (85% watch muted)
Optimize for thumbnail/cover image

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