31/10/2024
Both vertical and horizontal video formats work well on social media platforms, allowing businesses to maximise engagement and reach.
Take a look at Kingstreetimages' quick guide on vertical and horizontal video formats.
Vertical Video
Vertical video aligns perfectly with the natural way people hold their phones, capturing attention instantly and creating a more immersive experience. As vertical formats (like 9:16) take up the entire screen, they’re ideal for platforms like Instagram Stories, Reels, and Facebook Stories. This format is especially effective for spontaneous, behind-the-scenes content that feels more personal and interactive, helping to build brand trust. Vertical videos are also advantageous for paid ads, as they ensure businesses use maximum screen space to boost visibility. Moreover, the interactive features—like stickers, polls, and questions—available in Stories and Reels make vertical videos particularly strong for driving engagement and enhancing viewer participation.
Horizontal Video
Horizontal videos remain powerful, especially for Facebook and Instagram Feeds and IGTV. This traditional format is well-suited to high-quality productions, such as explainer videos, interviews, and product demonstrations, property profiles, which may require wider angles to capture more detail. Horizontal videos tend to be viewed longer, as they offer a more cinematic experience that encourages users to stay engaged. They’re also easy to repurpose across multiple platforms like YouTube and Twitter, making them a smart investment for long-term content strategies. Additionally, when viewers turn their phones horizontally, they signal a readiness to engage more deeply, making horizontal videos effective for storytelling and more in-depth content.
Choosing the Right Format
Businesses can maximize their impact by strategically using both formats. Vertical video works best for casual, mobile-first interactions, while horizontal video is ideal for polished, immersive experiences. Together, they help businesses and brands capture attention across diverse audience preferences and strengthen brand presence on social media.
Here at Kingstreetimages, we're always happy to have a chat about creating content to promote your business and brand.