Social Media Video Aspect Ratios: The Ultimate Guide
In today's digital landscape, videos make up 72% of mobile traffic, so companies need to tailor their content for specific social media sites. Aspect ratios of Instagram's 9:16 or YouTube's 16:9, aren't just technical details—they are key tools to boost engagement and make your brand more visible.
If your video doesn't fit the platform, you might lose viewers' attention and waste marketing money. This guide covers all you need to know about social media video aspect ratios, with useful tips to help your business reach more people and improve its video marketing plan. Want to make your videos better than this blog is for you.
What is the Social Media Video Aspect Ratio?
The social adaptability of the video dimensions is confined to the term of video aspect ratio. In other words, it defines how a video will be shown on different sites such as Instagram, Facebook, and others.
This usually goes with the ratios; 1:1 (square), 16:9 (landscape), and 9:16 (portrait). Each social medium has its favorite aspect for watching videos, which forces content makers to change the shape of their shots.
For example, 9:16 is a good aspect for mobile videos where the user faces the phone vertically whereas 16:9 fits the most common website YouTube. Selecting the proper proportions is important so the produced video looks complete and presumably interesting for the audience.
Relationship Between Aspect Ratio and Resolution
In video production and distribution aspect ratio and resolution play significant roles. Having to do with the width of a screen in relation to its height, aspect ratio deals with the proportion of the two dimensions. As for ratio, it is the measurement of resolution. Resolution is in terms of the number of pixels.
A higher image resolution means that the videos are going to be of a higher quality. Small file sizes are very convenient at times as opposed to having high video quality file size. In this scenario, it is wise to film in high definition, but apply post-production tools as a means of making lower-quality copies.
Aspect ratio = Width divided by height
Resolution = Width multiplied by height (total pixels)
The more pixels you have the higher the quality of the video
The fewer the pixels, the lower the quality but the smaller the file size.
Lower resolution also assists in enhancing speed of uploads and streaming.
High quality videos can be compressed and still retain almost the same quality.
Video Aspect Ratios for Different Social Media Platforms
Given the increased popularity of social media, content in the form of videos has gained precedence over other forms of content. But for your videos to be properly presented and to engage those looking at them, one of the important factors is the video aspect ratio.
This features the measurements of width against height and is often stated in ratios. For each social media platform, there is a well-defined aspect ratio to ensure that the video is attractive enough. Here is a summary of the major video dimensions you need to consider when posting videos on platforms such as Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Twitter Video Aspect Ratio
Again, you may upload a video in almost any dimension on Twitter, but if you want your video's aspect to be clean and professional, the correct configuration must be utilized.
Recommended Aspect Ratio: 16:9 also known as widescreen is the most sought after for Twitter videos after the square.
Additional Aspect Ratios: 1:1 would also be an advisable template for Twitter, especially those posts that will be watched using mobile devices.
Resolution: 1280 x 720 for landscape videos and 720 x 720 for square videos.
Why it matters: A video that adheres to Twitter's prescribed aspect ratio helps make sure that the weird black spaces or cuts are eliminated and the viewers get quality content.
YouTube Video Aspect Ratio
YouTube is known for its long videos, and getting the right aspect ratio plays a key role in how well people can watch them.
Aspect Ratio for Youtube Video: The recommended video aspect ratio for YouTube is 16:9.
Other Options: If your video has a different shape, YouTube will change it to fit, but 16:9 gives the best full-screen view without black bars on the sides.
Picture Quality: To make your video look sharp, try to use 1920 x 1080 (Full HD).
Why it matters: YouTube videos that stick to the 16:9 shape take up the whole video player giving viewers a polished and engaging experience.
Instagram Video Aspect Ratios
Instagram offers a variety of formats, and choosing the right one depends on where you’re posting.
Feed Video: The recommended aspect ratio for an Instagram feed video is 1:1 (square). However, 4:5 (portrait) is also supported and increases the screen space available on the mobile.
Stories and Reels: For stories and reels to perform well among the target audience, the best aspect ratio is 9:16(vertical) as these are designed for mobile viewing.
IGTV: Similar to stories, IGTV works best with the recommended aspect ratio of 9:16. Also, you can stream videos vertically at 16:9.
Why it matters: Using the right side dimensions on Instagram will ensure that the videos are well-optimized for a mobile-friendly audience, thereby increasing reach and engagement.
LinkedIn Video Aspect Ratio
Video marketing on LinkedIn has emerged quite as a powerful medium, especially for the B2B businesses.
Best Aspect Ratio for LinkedIn Video : Most popular and preferred aspect ratio, regarding the videos published on LinkedIn, is 16:9.
Other Aspect Ratios: The other significant aspect ratio you can consider is 1:1 which is square and also good for mobile video viewers.
Resolution: For maintaining high professional video quality, ensure your resolution is at least 1920 x 1080.
Why it matters: Video content formatted well, like 16:9, presented in LinkedIn as a professional audience makes the branding look more credible.
Facebook Video Aspect Ratios
Videos on Facebook are extremely versatile, with many different ways to post them in various formats.
Feed Videos: Three ideal aspect ratios for Facebook feed videos, two of which are the most commonly used today are 4:5 (portrait) to take up more free space on your mobile screen, and 1:1 (square).
Stories: Similar to Instagram, Facebook stories work best in the vertical aspect ratio of 9:16.
Facebook ads: If your video ads are run on mobile and desktop, a 1:1 aspect ratio will work well for both; 16:9 is optional.
Why it matters: The right social media video editing can go a long way toward getting your video more views and engagement on Facebook, especially for those receiving the content on a mobile device.
Social media video aspect ratios pave the stage for maximum engagement, where each piece of content is seamless on any platform. Videos optimized for the proper formats increase views and the viewers' experience. In case of professional help, quality video editing solutions at very reasonable costs are provided by MAPSystems.
With excellent experience in professional post-production over many years, our professionals can take the footage and turn it into polished and ready-to-go content according to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best aspect ratio for Instagram videos?
Instagram’s optimal aspect ratio depends on the type of video. For feed videos, use 1:1 (rectangles) or 4:5 (frames). For Stories and Reels, a 9:16 (vertical) ratio is best, as it covers the entire mobile screen and provides maximum viewer engagement.
2. Why does video aspect ratio matter for social media?
The aspect ratio affects how videos are displayed on different platforms. The right resolution enhances the viewer experience by ensuring that the video fills the screen without black bars or interruptions, keeps them engaged, and ensures that the content looks professional and well-optimized.
3. Can I use the same video aspect ratio across all social media platforms?
Yes, but it is best to use the recommended aspect ratio for each platform. For example, YouTube and LinkedIn perform best at 16:9, while Instagram Stories and Facebook Stories look best at 9:16. Using the right angles will make your video look better and more engaging.
LinkedIn videos are typically presented in 16:9 (widescreen) format for a professional look. But 1:1 (square) is also suitable for mobile viewing, especially for posts that appear on mobile news feeds.
5. How do aspect ratio and resolution relate in video production?
The aspect ratio determines the size of the video, while the resolution determines the clarity. Higher resolution (more pixels) improves video quality but increases file size, affecting loading time. Aim for high resolution (e.g., 1920 x 1080) for professional video but adjust for speed and platform limits as needed.
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