Get creative with vertical video Want to get more clicks, leads or messages?
Posted: Sat Jan 18, 2025 9:10 am
When smartphones came onto the scene over a decade ago, there was a consensus among the more tech-savvy users: The correct orientation when recording videos or taking photos with a phone was horizontal, and recording vertically was frowned upon.
vertical video
Until 2017, most online content was still consumed on a desktop or laptop screen. So, viewing in landscape mode was the ideal. But the winds of change have blown strongly through the marketing industry.
In recent years, what seemed like a simple trend has become the new standard. And this begs the question: What are you waiting for to give vertical video the opportunity to bring in more customers and generate engagement for your brand?
Reasons to choose vertical video
There are several reasons why businesses need to use vertical video to succeed in the modern world of online video marketing. Here are three of these reasons why you should consider vertical video.
Vertical video is ready for mobile
The internet has gone mobile, with up to 60% of traffic generated via mobile devices, and this means your videos should adapt to that as well. People are more likely to watch your video on a mobile screen than on a desktop or laptop.
vertical video
That’s why Google has put so much emphasis on mobile-friendly websites and why your business should be producing mobile-friendly video content. As far as video formats go, vertical video orientation is perfect.
If you think about how you typically hold your phone, it makes sense to use vertical video. Vertical video takes up the entire screen of your phone, minimizing distractions and allowing you to focus on the message. When you use the full screen, details are larger and easier to see.
Vertical video is better for social media
Social media outlets know their audiences best, and they know that people are more likely to use their phones than computers to access their services. If you plan to share your video on social media as part of your video marketing strategy, you should make a vertical video.
Some platforms, like IGTV, Snapchat, and TikTok, were created specifically for vertical video. Using these platforms the way they were designed increases the reach of your content and makes it easier to reach a wider audience.
Even on platforms like YouTube , which still prefers a horizontal 16:9 aspect ratio, you’ll f south africa mobile phone number list ind some vertical videos in the “Shorts” section. These are usually short videos designed by creators who want their content to be as shareable as possible.
In short, vertical video works best because it fills the screen, adapts to the platform, and meets user expectations. In fact, this last point is so important that it is worth going into more detail.
Vertical video is what viewers want
What really makes vertical video important for businesses is its ability to meet customer expectations. Vertical video has become so ubiquitous that it’s what consumers expect to see.
vertical video
Giving them what they want or expect means they'll focus on your message and not the format you use. Sure, surprising viewers has value, but the aspect ratio of your videos isn't the kind of surprise they're expecting.
If you insist on showing a video with a horizontal aspect ratio where it is not expected, you will give your viewers the wrong impression. They might conclude that your brand or product does not fit their needs either, just as your video does not fit their expectations.
vertical video
Until 2017, most online content was still consumed on a desktop or laptop screen. So, viewing in landscape mode was the ideal. But the winds of change have blown strongly through the marketing industry.
In recent years, what seemed like a simple trend has become the new standard. And this begs the question: What are you waiting for to give vertical video the opportunity to bring in more customers and generate engagement for your brand?
Reasons to choose vertical video
There are several reasons why businesses need to use vertical video to succeed in the modern world of online video marketing. Here are three of these reasons why you should consider vertical video.
Vertical video is ready for mobile
The internet has gone mobile, with up to 60% of traffic generated via mobile devices, and this means your videos should adapt to that as well. People are more likely to watch your video on a mobile screen than on a desktop or laptop.
vertical video
That’s why Google has put so much emphasis on mobile-friendly websites and why your business should be producing mobile-friendly video content. As far as video formats go, vertical video orientation is perfect.
If you think about how you typically hold your phone, it makes sense to use vertical video. Vertical video takes up the entire screen of your phone, minimizing distractions and allowing you to focus on the message. When you use the full screen, details are larger and easier to see.
Vertical video is better for social media
Social media outlets know their audiences best, and they know that people are more likely to use their phones than computers to access their services. If you plan to share your video on social media as part of your video marketing strategy, you should make a vertical video.
Some platforms, like IGTV, Snapchat, and TikTok, were created specifically for vertical video. Using these platforms the way they were designed increases the reach of your content and makes it easier to reach a wider audience.
Even on platforms like YouTube , which still prefers a horizontal 16:9 aspect ratio, you’ll f south africa mobile phone number list ind some vertical videos in the “Shorts” section. These are usually short videos designed by creators who want their content to be as shareable as possible.
In short, vertical video works best because it fills the screen, adapts to the platform, and meets user expectations. In fact, this last point is so important that it is worth going into more detail.
Vertical video is what viewers want
What really makes vertical video important for businesses is its ability to meet customer expectations. Vertical video has become so ubiquitous that it’s what consumers expect to see.
vertical video
Giving them what they want or expect means they'll focus on your message and not the format you use. Sure, surprising viewers has value, but the aspect ratio of your videos isn't the kind of surprise they're expecting.
If you insist on showing a video with a horizontal aspect ratio where it is not expected, you will give your viewers the wrong impression. They might conclude that your brand or product does not fit their needs either, just as your video does not fit their expectations.