Main video formats
There are several common video formats.
16:9 — horizontal video
This is the classic wide format.
It works well for YouTube, webinars, presentations, online lessons, camera recordings, computers and TV screens.
But for TikTok, Reels and Shorts, this format often needs to be adapted because it takes up less space on a phone screen.
9:16 — vertical video
This is the format for mobile viewing.
It is best suited for:
- TikTok;
- Instagram Reels;
- YouTube Shorts;
- vertical video ads;
- short videos for phones.
This is usually the format you need if you want your video to fill almost the entire smartphone screen.
1:1 — square video
The square format used to be common on social media.
It can still be useful for some posts, but for Reels, Shorts and TikTok, vertical video usually looks better.
What happens when a horizontal video is converted to vertical
When a horizontal video becomes vertical, the shape of the frame changes.
A wide image has to fit into a narrow vertical screen. This usually means that part of the frame is cropped.
This is normal. Otherwise, the video would stay small and large empty areas would appear around it.
The goal of vertical conversion is to keep the most important part in the frame: a person, face, object or action.
How ClipThemAll helps with vertical format
ClipThemAll can prepare videos for vertical format in two ways.
The first way is Vertical Conversion Only. You upload a finished video, and the service creates one vertical version of the entire file.
The second way is Additional TikTok/Reels/Shorts version in AI Clip Creation. In this case, AI first selects the best moments and creates short clips. Then the service additionally prepares vertical versions of those clips.
Both options help you get a video that works better on phones and short-form social platforms.
Simple center crop
Simple center crop is a simple central crop.
The service takes the central part of a horizontal video and turns it into a vertical frame.
This option works well if the main object is already in the center: a person sits in the middle, the camera barely moves, and important details are not placed near the edges.
It is the simplest way to adapt a video for vertical format.
Smart face tracking
Smart face tracking helps keep the face or main person inside the vertical frame.
This is useful if the video includes a speaker, host, interview guest, teacher or someone from a family recording.
With a regular crop, a person may end up on the side or partly outside the frame. Smart face tracking helps make the vertical version cleaner when keeping the face in focus is important.
How to choose the right format
Choose the format based on your goal.
If the video will be watched on YouTube, in a webinar, in a presentation or on a computer, the horizontal format usually works well.
If the video is for TikTok, Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts, it is better to prepare a vertical version.
If you do not want to select the best moments and only want to change the shape of the frame, use Vertical Conversion Only.
If you have a long video and want short clips for social media, use AI Clip Creation and add vertical versions for TikTok, Reels and Shorts.
Frequently asked questions about aspect ratios
What is an aspect ratio?
Aspect ratio is the relationship between the width and height of a video. It defines the shape of the frame: horizontal, vertical or square.
What aspect ratio is best for TikTok, Reels and Shorts?
For TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, the vertical 9:16 format is usually the best choice.
Will my video be cropped when converted to vertical?
Yes. When a horizontal video is converted to vertical format, part of the image is usually cropped. This is a normal part of the process.
What is Simple center crop?
Simple center crop is a central crop. The service takes the central part of the frame and turns it into a vertical version.
What is Smart face tracking?
Smart face tracking helps keep the face or main person inside the vertical frame.
Does changing aspect ratio create AI clips?
No. Changing the aspect ratio does not create AI clips. To automatically select the best moments, choose AI Clip Creation.
Do I need a subscription?
No. A mandatory subscription is not required. You pay only for the selected processing of a specific video.
Ready to prepare your video for TikTok, Reels and Shorts?
Upload your video, choose vertical conversion or add a TikTok/Reels/Shorts version to AI clips, set the options and get the processing price before payment.