When it comes to videos, there are different ways that the picture can be shaped on the screen. These different shapes are called "aspect ratios". Some common aspect ratios are 16:9, 4:3, and 1:1. But how do you know which one is best for your video? Well, it depends on where you're sharing your video. Different social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok have different recommended aspect ratios.
One way to think about aspect ratio is to think about the relationship between the width and the height of your video on the screen. For example, if a video aspect ratio is 16:9, that means the width is 16 and the height is 9. If the video uses a vertical format, the aspect ratio would be 9:16, which means the width is 9 and the height is 16.
The aspect ratio of your video can also affect how it looks on different devices or platforms. If you use the wrong aspect ratio, your video might look distorted or have black bars around it, which can make the video look bad. Aspect ratio can also affect the overall feeling of your video. For example, using a wide aspect ratio like 21:9 or 16:9 can make the video look bigger and wider, while using a narrower aspect ratio like 1:1 or 4:3 can make the video look more vintage.
Now let's talk about some specific aspect ratios and where they're best used.
For YouTube, the most commonly used aspect ratio is 16:9. This is because YouTube videos are often watched on smartphones, and the 16:9 aspect ratio works well on these devices.
For Instagram, there are a couple of different aspect ratios that work well. One popular choice is 1:1. This is because it shows the entire video without needing to click on the fullscreen button. Another option is 4:5, which gives viewers a more expansive view of the video, but they'll need to click the fullscreen button to see it.
For LinkedIn, the recommended aspect ratio is 1:2.4 or 2.4:1. This will give viewers the best experience when watching videos on this platform.
For TikTok, the recommended aspect ratio is 9:16. This is because most people watch TikTok videos on their smartphones, and the 9:16 aspect ratio works well on these devices.
For Pinterest, the recommended aspect ratio is 9:16. This is because Pinterest's story pin feature uses the full-mobile screen aspect ratio of 9:16.
For Facebook, there are a few different aspect ratios that work well. But one thing to keep in mind is that most people watch Facebook videos on their smartphones, so using the 9:16 aspect ratio is a good idea for a smooth viewing experience.
For Twitter, the recommended aspect ratios are 16:9 and 1:1. This will give viewers the best experience when watching videos on this platform.
Overall, it's important to think about the aspect ratio of your video when you're creating and sharing it. By using the right aspect ratio for the right platform, you'll be able to make sure that your videos look great and that people enjoy watching them.
