Picture this: as you scroll through your preferred social media platform, phone in hand, you come across a captivating video. Naturally, your phone is held vertically because, let’s be honest, who flips their phone horizontally unless they’re watching a movie or playing a game? This engaging vertical video stands out amidst the sea of text and images.
You pause…
Vertical video. No need for awkward screen rotations; it fits perfectly on your mobile screen. The world is quite literally at your fingertips, without any inconvenience. But how often do we really think about the significance of vertical videos?
We may not be aware of it, but these full-screen tales have become a vital element of our online existence and there’s no going back now! In this guide, you’ll get insights into creating amazing vertical content that can command attention like nothing else!
Feeling intrigued? Let’s dive right in and explore further!
Table Of Contents:
- The Rise and Dominance of Vertical Video
- Understanding Aspect Ratios and Video Dimensions
- Creating Engaging Vertical Video Content
- The Impact of Vertical Video Ads on Marketing
- The Role Of Vertical Video In Targeting Mobile Users
- The DIY Aesthetic of Vertical Video
- Conclusion
The Rise and Dominance of Vertical Video
As mobile devices have become the primary medium for media consumption, there has been a notable change in video formats. US adults are devoting the majority of their media time to cell phones, per Nielsen data.
This increasing preference for handheld screens has sparked an evolution in video formats, with vertical videos rising from being just a trend to becoming a prominent format across major social platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
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The MOVR Mobile Overview Report states that 96% of people hold their phones vertically. This is one reason why since early 2017 most social platforms have adapted their video players to support vertical videos – they’re simply meeting users where they are.
Why did Vertical Videos Gain Popularity?
To understand this rise in popularity let’s take our own habits into account. How do you hold your phone when scrolling through your favorite social platform? If you’re part of the overwhelming majority who holds your phone upright while surfing online content then congratulations. You’re living proof that catering content delivery based on user behavior works wonders.
Social networks know this well because they witnessed first-hand how horizontal or landscape videos often get skipped over due to them not filling up the entire screen real estate effectively; leaving awkward black spaces at top and bottom which makes for poor viewing experience.
A Paradigm Shift: Landscape To Portrait Mode
This led us from traditional landscape orientation (think TVs) right into embracing portrait mode or as marketers love calling it – ‘vertical video’. The rise can also be attributed partly due its perfect fit within popular features such as Instagram Stories and TikTok’s short-form videos, where the vertical format feels more immersive and personal.
Vertical video has been a game changer for businesses as well – enabling them to engage their audiences in new, creative ways. From snappy product showcases to behind-the-scenes peeks, companies are using this video format to grab attention on platforms where users already spend much of their time.
The Future Is Vertical
As we move forward into an increasingly mobile world, expect vertical video not just maintain its dominance but further cement it with every passing year.
Understanding Aspect Ratios and Video Dimensions
The digital world is a playground for videos, but not all slides are created equal. Different formats rule different platforms, each with their unique aspect ratios and video dimensions. The king of the jungle? Vertical video.
But what’s an aspect ratio anyway? Picture it like this: if your video was a pizza, the aspect ratio would be how you slice it. It’s the relationship between width (the crust) and height (all that delicious cheese). So when we say 9:16 or 1:1 – we’re talking about how wide to tall our virtual pizza is.
Landscape videos have been around since forever – think TVs and movie screens. They use a horizontal format with an aspect ratio usually at 16:9; they fill up widescreen devices perfectly. But enter mobile users holding their phones vertically almost always – landscape doesn’t cut it anymore.
This shift from landscape to vertical has changed the game on social media platforms too. With Instagram Stories taking over feeds everywhere, vertical became mainstream quickly thanks to its natural fit in portrait mode on smartphones.
The standard for these is typically a taller-than-wide dimension of 9:16 which takes full advantage of phone screen real estate making content consumption effortless for mobile users.
Switching Lanes from Landscape Orientation
Social media giants aren’t ones to miss out on trends either – they’ve accommodated this shift smoothly. Snapchat launched with exclusively vertical ads way back in June 2015 while YouTube now adjusts automatically based on your phone’s orientation whether you’re shooting or watching – so smart right?
Even Facebook made sure both types could coexist peacefully by adjusting feed layouts accordingly without compromising quality no matter what format creators chose to shoot in.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Content
When choosing between vertical, square or horizontal video formats, consider where your content will be viewed and by whom. On mobile devices, vertical videos can provide a more immersive experience than landscape videos because they fill up the entire screen.
But, if you’re aiming to grab the attention of folks using desktop computers or TVs – think YouTube – then sticking with a standard HD format is your best bet.
Deliver an engaging viewing experience tailored for your audience’s device. From full-screen vertical videos on mobile to traditional landscape mode on desktops, this strategic choice can make all the difference in effectively conveying your message. 📱💻 #videomarketing #engagement Click To Tweet
Creating Engaging Vertical Video Content
Creating vertical videos that captivate viewers and deliver information quickly requires a touch of creativity. It’s not just about capturing content, it’s about telling stories in an engaging way. Buffer, for instance, found out that vertical videos sparked 68% more engagement on ads worth $4k.
Making Your Vertical Videos Stand Out
Creativity plays a significant role when crafting compelling vertical video content. The aim is to resonate with your audience and leave them wanting more.
A perfect blend of b-roll footage can give your story depth while voice-overs can help convey emotions effectively. They’re tools you need to use wisely to get the right message across.
The key here is fast information delivery without compromising entertainment value or viewer engagement. You want people laughing, crying or learning something new as they watch your videos – making sure every second counts.
In this digital age where everyone has their own unique perspective and storytelling technique, don’t be afraid to let yours shine through. Whether you’re creating music videos filled with background music for TikTok or Instagram Stories showcasing real estate properties in portrait mode – there are countless ways to express yourself creatively using vertical video format.
Nailing the Technical Aspects: Dimensions & Length
Focusing on technical aspects such as video dimensions is equally important when producing captivating content creators’ favorite medium – mobile devices. Remember each social media platform has its preferred aspect ratio for uploading quality clips without distortion:
- Snapchat & Instagram Stories: 9:16 (1080px by 1920px).
- You Tube Shorts: 16:9 (1080px by 608px).
- Facebook Stories: 1.91 to 9:16.
Also, bear in mind the optimal video length varies across platforms. While a Facebook vertical video can be up to 240 minutes long, Instagram caps at just one minute for feed videos and fifteen seconds for stories
The Impact of Vertical Video Ads on Marketing
Vertical video ads are a game-changer in the world of marketing. With nine times greater ad completion rate than horizontal video ads, it’s clear that this format captures attention and increases engagement.
We exist in a time when our handheld gadgets appear to be an expansion of ourselves. We use them to connect with others, consume content, and even make purchases. The overwhelming majority hold their phones vertically, which makes vertical videos naturally mobile-friendly.
Capturing Attention:
To say that vertical videos capture attention is an understatement. When you’re scrolling through your social media feed and a full-screen video pops up, it’s hard not to stop for a moment and see what it’s about. It fills up the entire real estate of your phone screen making sure all eyes are glued onto it.
Increasing Engagement:
Apart from capturing attention, they also increase engagement significantly. Studies have shown that vertical videos outperform traditional ones by 80%. That means if you’re still sticking with landscape orientation only because “that’s how we’ve always done things”, then you’re missing out big time.
The Role Of Vertical Video In Targeting Mobile Users
In terms of cost efficiency too these little guys pack quite a punch. Compared to other formats they boast the least cost per click (CPC) AND cost per view (CPV). So yes – advertisers rejoice.
This doesn’t mean horizontal or square footage should be completely ignored though; but considering how people generally interact with their phones vertically, the potential customers you could be reaching with vertical ads is mind-boggling.
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Vertical videos offer a sense of immediacy and intimacy that’s hard to replicate in landscape mode. This can make your brand feel more authentic and relatable which naturally leads to higher engagement rates. And let’s face it – who doesn’t want their video ads viewed by as many eyeballs as possible.
The DIY Aesthetic of Vertical Video
Vertical videos have a distinct charm that’s increasingly capturing the hearts of viewers worldwide. They’ve managed to break away from the polished, professional look typically associated with landscape orientation, and instead embrace an authentic, do-it-yourself aesthetic.
This is partly because shooting vertical feels more natural for most smartphone users. As reported by the Denver Post, 72% of millennials never rotate their phones horizontally when watching videos. This mirrors our everyday use of mobile devices – we’re just more comfortable holding our phones vertically.
However, the vertical format also provides an added layer of authenticity to content creators and their audience. The rawness and immediacy conveyed in vertical format often gives content creators a sense of real connection with their audience – it’s like having a face-to-face conversation with your best friend.
Capturing Authentic Moments on Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms such as Instagram Stories or Snapchat have designed their user interface around this very concept – enabling everyone to become video content producers within seconds.
All you need is your phone screen and some creativity. These social platforms promote spontaneous sharing; thus reinforcing the perception that what we see in these portrait mode clips are unfiltered snapshots into people’s lives.
Finding Your Unique Voice Through Vertical Video Content
You don’t need expensive video production equipment or sophisticated editing software to create amazing vertical content – sometimes all you require is your phone camera (held upright) and an interesting story to tell.
Content creators who get this can establish stronger relationships with potential customers because they make them feel part of the narrative rather than mere spectators. Remember, the DIY aesthetic isn’t about looking amateurish; it’s about capturing reality in its rawest form. It’s candid and real – just like our everyday life.
How Brands Can Leverage This Trend
Brands can use this trend to their advantage by creating vertical videos that feel personal, yet professional. The idea is not to compromise on quality but rather focus on storytelling and authenticity.
Why not give behind-the-scenes clips a shot? Showing your team hard at work or product demos from a user’s viewpoint could resonate more with viewers. After all, authentic beats glossy any day.
Conclusion
Vertical video is here to stay, transforming how we consume content on social media platforms. Its rise signifies a shift in digital engagement and it’s time for you to adapt.
From understanding aspect ratios to mastering the art of vertical storytelling, this guide has covered all aspects of creating compelling vertical videos. It has underscored the importance of producing high-quality content that fits naturally into your audience’s mobile browsing habits.
You’ve also learned about different industries successfully leveraging this format and future possibilities awaiting us in the world of vertical video production.
The takeaway? Embrace this change; start experimenting with your own unique narratives today!
