Vertical Video: The Portrait Revolution You Can’t Afford to Miss

By Kyle DeGuzman | Last Updated: March 08, 2025

Photo Source: Anatoliy Karlyuk/Shutterstock

Whether it’s a serialized drama like ReelShort’s “Fated to My Forbidden Alpha,” a viral advertisement like Duolingo’s “Living With Lily,” or simply the latest post by your favorite TikToker, vertical videos have brought the world of entertainment into our pockets. Let’s take a look at the benefits these videos have on engagement and what you can do to create the best vertical shots possible.

What is vertical video?

Vertical videos are presented in portrait orientation, typically with a 9:16 aspect ratio. While horizontal videos are viewed on TVs, laptops, and even tablets, vertical videos are designed to be watched on phones—precisely where most content is consumed.

These mobile-forward videos dominate the content creator landscape on social media spaces like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. They’re also wildly popular on serialized-story streaming platforms like ReelShort, DramaBox, and LokShorts.

How to Audition for ReelShort

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Why shoot vertical videos?

Choosing to shoot vertical videos is far more than a creative choice. Whether you’re creating an artistic project or commercial, vertical videos simply draw more immediate attention.

The future is here and it’s mobile-first. A study conducted by IBM found that 75% of Gen-Zers prefer their phone over any other device they own. It’s safe to say that this behavior will continue across all demographics well into the future, making the mobile phone the most accessible device in the average consumer’s life—if it isn’t already. So, creating mobile-friendly content seems like a no-brainer.

Most viewers watch video content on their phone vertically anyway. Nearly 70% of users do not rotate their phones when presented with a horizontal video ad, according to a recent study by mobile ad platform Receptiv (previously known as MediaBrix). Among those users, only 14% of the ad was actually viewed. Why create a horizontal video if most users won’t bother to turn their phone for the full experience? Instead, more and more brands and creators are making vertical videos that don’t require viewers to rotate their phones.

Viewers engage more with vertical videos. The same Receptiv study found that ads presented to viewers vertically were watched to completion 90% of the time. In another study by Wibbitz, vertical videos on Instagram Stories achieve a 14% higher click-through rate compared to horizontal videos.

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Tips for shooting a vertical video

Shooting vertical video may seem more creatively restricting when compared to normal video production and horizontal aspect ratios. But with a bit of perspective, some technique, and basic tools, a vertical frame can be a fresh creative opportunity rather than a limitation.

1. Frame with the 9:16 ratio in mind.

When filming vertical videos, it’s best practice to shoot vertically in-camera, whether you’re using an iPhone, DSLR, or mirrorless camera. That way, you can compose for the final vertical aspect ratio and ensure all subjects and elements of your shot fit within the frame. Use the verticality of the frame to compose unique wide shots, close-up singles, and landscapes.

For example, horizontal videos mostly create symmetry between the left and right side of the frame. But with a vertical video, focusing on creating symmetry between the top and bottom of the frame creates an opportunity for fresh compositions. Vertical frames also provide a creative way to compose text, photos, or other shots within a frame as seen in this video by Sonya Akulshina:

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A post shared by sonya akulshina (@akulshinasonya)

2. Use proper lighting.

Vertical videos are almost always viewed on a phone, which means the screen you’re shooting for is small. Illuminating your shot with sufficient natural or artificial lighting (like a ring light) will make sure the frame is well exposed and draws the eye easily.

3. Keep it steady.

Static shots and smooth dynamic movements make vertical videos a lot easier to process—too much camera shake can be jarring.

To ensure steady shots with larger cameras, use tripod heads that support vertical shooting. If you want to move the camera, stabilizers and gimbals are also helpful tools.

Or if you plan to shoot with your phone, a simple phone tripod may be all you need. Many influencers and creators use phone cases that have a suction cup backing, allowing them to stick their phone to most surfaces for a steady shot on the go.

4. Grab attention.

Vertical videos on social media are competing against the infinite scroll, so try to engage viewers within the first three seconds with a great hook, ideally a visual one.

5. Edit for a vertical aspect ratio.

If you have a master video shot horizontally, you can still create vertical content from the shoot by editing it to a vertical frame. Simply edit within a vertical aspect ratio like 1080x1920 and go through each shot, moving and adjusting the frame to create better vertical compositions. Just keep in mind that you’ll inevitably need to compromise shot integrity if originally composed for a horizontal video.

6. Test and adapt.

Monitor the analytics of your videos to see what works best. Try out variations in your hook, compositions, and camera movement (or lack thereof) to see what captures your audience’s interest. This will help you create vertical videos that are more effective for what you want to achieve—whether it be getting more consumers for your business, more eyes on your artistic project, or more engagement for your profile’s growth.

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Vertical video resolutions

Vertical aspect ratios function differently on different platforms and operating systems. While you might have the option to film and post videos in various aspect ratios, you’ll likely find higher engagement with vertical videos shot in the optimal resolution (see this study by Buffer).

Social media platforms

Here are the best resolutions across major social media platforms:

Facebook and Instagram (Meta)

In-feed: 4:5 (1080x1350)
Stories & Reels: 9:16 (1080x1920)
Video carousels: 1:1 (1080x1080)

TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Snapchat

Default aspect ratio: 9:16
Default resolution: 1080x1920 (Note: Videos are automatically resized to fit device screens.)

Pinterest (video Pins)

Standard: 2:3 (1000x1500)
Square: 1:1 (1000x1000)
Vertical: 9:16 (1080x1920)
Long: 1:2 (1000x2100)

Mobile operating systems

And if you’re looking for the best way to export and publish your vertical videos, here’s a comprehensive list of maximum resolution of mobile devices.

iPhone