Choose your video’s aspect ratio based on the platform you'll share it on
Before you begin filming, it's essential to choose the right aspect ratio for your video. But which one should you choose? Every platform has different best practices on which aspect ratio will perform best, so it's crucial to decide where you will share your video first.
Aspect Ratios for Social Media Platforms
- Instagram: For stories and reels, the 9:16 full-screen vertical view is ideal, fitting perfectly on a mobile screen.
- TikTok and YouTube Shorts: Similarly, the 9:16 aspect ratio works best, aligning with their vertical format.
- Facebook and X (formerly Twitter): Both platforms are more flexible. While the 1:1 ratio is excellent for mobile users, a 16:9 ratio also works well depending on the video content.
- YouTube: The 16:9 aspect ratio is the standard for most web videos, fitting perfectly on desktops and TVs, making it ideal for longer, more detailed content. It also translates well to mobile devices.
- LinkedIn: This platform also favors the 16:9 ratio, maintaining a professional and polished look.
- Website or Internal Videos: Typically, 16:9 works best for these platforms as well.
Filming for Multiple Platforms
If your video will be hosted on multiple platforms, it's best to film in 16:9 and then crop it for 1:1 and 9:16 aspect ratios. When doing this, film a little wider than usual to ensure it looks good in all aspect ratios. Otherwise, the 9:16 crop might appear too close-up.
The Golden Rule of Aspect Ratios
When it comes to aspect ratios, the golden rule is to pick one and stick with it. If you're asking different people to film content for you, always specify the desired aspect ratio to maintain consistency.