Changing your video to a vertical format, commonly known as a 9:16 aspect ratio, typically involves using the cropping tool within a video editor. This is the standard orientation for platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
To make your video vertical, you will need to use video editing software. Here's a straightforward method based on the provided steps:
Steps to Make Your Video Vertical
Converting your video's orientation is primarily done through cropping the existing footage to fit the desired vertical dimensions.
- Open Your Video in Your Editor: The first step is to load the video you wish to change into your chosen video editing software. Most popular video editors have the necessary tools for this.
- Select the Cropping Icon: Look for the cropping tool within the editor's interface. It's often located in an editing toolbar, frequently found at the bottom or side of the preview window or timeline.
- Crop the Frame:
- Manual Adjustment: You can manually drag the edges of the video frame inward to define the new vertical area. You'll need to eye it or check the dimensions to achieve the right ratio.
- Use a Preset (Recommended): A more precise method is to select a preset frame ratio that matches the 9:16 format required for vertical video. Most editors offer common aspect ratio presets, including 9:16. Choosing this option will automatically show you the area that will be kept as vertical.
By following these steps, you will effectively crop your video, focusing on the central portion of the original horizontal frame (if shot horizontally) or adjusting an already vertical video to fit specific dimensions.
Understanding Aspect Ratios
The aspect ratio describes the proportional relationship between the width and the height of a video frame.
- 16:9: The standard horizontal (landscape) format for YouTube videos, TV, and movies.
- 9:16: The standard vertical (portrait) format for social media stories, shorts, and reels.
When you change a video to vertical, you are essentially changing its aspect ratio from something like 16:9 to 9:16 by removing the sides of the original frame.
Practical Considerations
- Composition: Cropping a horizontal video to vertical means you will lose content from the left and right sides of the original frame. Ensure the main subject of your video is centered and fits well within the new vertical frame.
- Editing Software: Different video editors (like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or even mobile editors like CapCut or InShot) will have slightly different interfaces, but the core function of cropping to a specific aspect ratio is standard.
Here is a simple representation of the process:
| Step | Action | Tool Used | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1: Open Video | Load footage into editor | Video Editor | Access the video |
| 2: Find Crop Tool | Locate cropping feature | Editing Toolbar | Prepare for cropping |
| 3: Adjust Frame | Manually drag or select 9:16 preset ratio | Cropping Feature | Achieve 9:16 format |
By utilizing the cropping tool and aiming for the 9:16 ratio, you can successfully transform your video into the vertical format suitable for modern social platforms.
