Video Aspect Ratios
Ever watch a TikTok video on a big TV and see huge black bars on the sides? Or notice a YouTube video looks tiny on your phone? It's all because of the video aspect ratio!
This guide makes it easy to understand the right shape for any video.
Why Video Shape Matters
A video's aspect ratio is just its shape. The two most important shapes today are:
- Widescreen (16:9): A long rectangle, perfect for TVs and YouTube.
- Vertical (9:16): A tall rectangle, perfect for phones and apps like TikTok.
Choosing the right shape ensures your video fills the screen and looks great. If you need to figure out the exact pixel size for a video, our video ratio calculator can help.
Common Video Aspect Ratios
- 1920 x 1080 (16:9) - also known as Full HD or 1080p
- 1280 x 720 (16:9) - also known as HD or 720p
- 3840 x 2160 (16:9) - also known as 4K or UHD
- 640 x 480 (4:3) - also known as standard definition or SD
- 2560 x 1440 (16:9) - also known as Quad HD or 1440p
Video Size Cheat Sheet for Social Media
Every social media app has its own favorite video shape. Use this cheat sheet to get the best video aspect ratio for your posts.
| Name | Ratio | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Facebook Video | 16:9 | 1280 x 720 pixels |
| Facebook Reels | 9:16 | 1080 x 1920 pixels |
| Instagram Video | 4:5 | 1080 x 1350 pixels |
| Instagram Reels | 9:16 | 1080 x 1920 pixels |
| TikTok Video | 9:16 | 1080 x 1920 pixels |
| Twitter Video | 9:16 | 720 x 1280 pixels |
| Snapchat Video | 9:16 | 1080 x 1920 pixels |
| YouTube Video | 16:9 | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| LinkedIn Video | 9:16 | 1080 x 1920 pixels |
| Pinterest Video | 9:16 | 1080 x 1920 pixels |
| TikTok Video Size | 9:16 | 1080 x 1920 pixels |
| TikTok Ad Video Size | 9:16 | 540 x 960 pixels |
Best Aspect Ratio for Social Media
When creating content for social media, understanding what aspect ratio to use is key to making your videos look their best.
Each platform has its preferred video size and resolution. For example, the Instagram aspect ratio video is often 4:5 for regular posts, while Instagram Reels uses a 9:16 ratio.
If you're wondering how to change the video aspect ratio for platforms like TikTok or Facebook, many editing tools can help you crop or resize your video.
This ensures it fits perfectly without losing quality. Whether it's the TikTok aspect ratio of 9:16 or the standard 16:9 YouTube video ratio, choosing the correct aspect ratio can significantly impact how your video is received.
Aspect Ratios in Filmmaking
In filmmaking, the choice of aspect ratio can dramatically change how a scene feels. For example, a wider ratio like 21:9 gives a more cinematic look.
This makes the scene feel epic and grand. This is different from the more common 16:9 YouTube video aspect ratio used for most online content, which is great for a balanced and immersive experience.
If you're working on a project in a tool like Premiere Pro and wondering how to change the aspect ratio, it's essential to consider the story you're telling.
A narrower ratio might make a scene feel more intimate, drawing the viewer closer. Understanding what is aspect ratio and its impact can help you choose the best format for your video.
Widescreen vs. Vertical Video
The shape you choose changes how your video feels. A widescreen 16:9 ratio is great for making things look cinematic and epic, like a movie. It's the standard for the YouTube video aspect ratio because it fits perfectly on TVs and computer monitors.
A vertical 9:16 ratio feels more personal and is designed for phones. This is the perfect TikTok aspect ratio because it fills the whole screen while you're scrolling.
How to Change a Video's Shape
If your video is the wrong shape for a platform, you can fix it! Most video editing apps (like Premiere Pro or CapCut) let you change the video aspect ratio when you start a new project.
When you put a video into a different-shaped project, you have two choices:
- Crop it: This zooms in on the video to fill the screen, but it cuts off the top and bottom (or sides).
- Add Black Bars: This shows the entire video, but adds black bars to fill the empty space.
The best plan is to film your video in the shape you plan to post it in!
Fixthephoto.com wrote about our service and you can read the review online.