SOCIAL MEDIA
VIDEO EDITING

Vertical videos: Master this format and boost your engagement on social networks

The vertical format has become the standard for videos on social networks, and for good reason! As users increasingly consult their content from their smartphones, vertical videos respond to this trend by offering an immersive, fluid experience, perfectly adapted to the screens of our devices. Whether you're a community manager, communications manager or even a journalist, adopting vertical videos in your content strategy is essential to capture the attention of a content-saturated audience.

This article will guide you through the creation of impactful vertical videos and provide practical advice on how to transform your horizontal content, while maximizing audience engagement.

Contents

1: Why is the vertical format essential for social networks?

Adapting to mobile uses

Vertical videos are a natural part of mobile consumption habits. According to a recent study, 69.4% of the world's population now uses a cell phone, and Android users spend over 40% of their mobile time on social media and communication applications, meaning they now spend an average of over two hours a day using these services on their cell phone alone. 

Users then prefer to watch vertical videos, as they fill the entire screen without the need to rotate the phone. This offers an engaging full-screen format, which translates into longer viewing times and better retention.

Impact on content strategy and engagement

Social networks, including TikTok, Instagram, YouTube with its Shorts format, and now even LinkedIn favor vertical videos because of their ability to capture attention, increasing conversion and sharing rates. 

These platforms showcase immersive content, enabling brands to maximize their visibility while connecting more easily with their audience.

2: How do I switch from horizontal to vertical video format?

Reframing techniques and tool selection

Switching from horizontal to vertical video may seem tricky, but with the right tools and techniques, the process becomes simple. 

For effective cropping, start by analyzing the content of your video. Identify the essential elements you wish to highlight and adjust the frame accordingly.

Next, choose a professional automatic cropping tool that will enable you to perform this task in just a few seconds. Solutions such as Premiere Pro, Final Cut or Yuzzit are reliable choices to guarantee optimal results.

How to crop your horizontal videos to vertical format with Yuzzzit?

For those looking for a quick and efficient solution, Yuzzit , our online video editor, offers a one-click format conversion tool that effortlessly transforms your horizontal videos into vertical ones. This tool is particularly useful for community managers who need to quickly adapt videos across multiple platforms without spending too much time on adjustments.

  1. Import your videos into Yuzzit

Start by uploading or retrieving your horizontal videos from the Yuzzit platform.

  1. Use the cropping tool

Select the crop option and choose 9:16 vertical format. This tool lets you define the area to be preserved, optimizing the framing for your specific needs.

Alternative: If you prefer an even more automated process, use the dynamic cropping tool. This feature automatically adjusts the framing to keep important elements in the center of your video, without you having to do it manually.

  1. Preview cropped video

Before finalizing, take a look at your cropped video to make sure that all the essential elements are in view and that the rendering is in line with your expectations.

  1. Record and share your video

Once you're satisfied with the result, save your video in vertical format. You can then share it directly on your social networks or integrate it into your communication campaigns, in the blink of an eye.

With Yuzzit, cropping your videos has never been easier or more effective. Stay focused on your content strategy and audience engagement!

3: Best practices for effective vertical videos

Respect the dimensions of vertical videos 

The 9:16 format is the standard for vertical videos, ideal for full-screen display on smartphones. To produce 9:16 videos, we recommend using a resolution of 1080x1920 pixels, the high-definition standard for this format, which ensures optimum visual quality without pixelation. 

Respecting these dimensions avoids black bands on the sides, fully captures the user's attention and ensures that the key elements of the video remain visible within the restricted vertical frame.

Captivating from the very first seconds

On social networks, user attention is scarce and precious. A strong visual hook in the first three seconds of the video is necessary to retain viewers. Whether it's a fast-moving shot, striking credits or an intriguing question, start with something that catches the eye.

Optimizing storytelling for a short, vertical format

Vertical videos are often consumed briefly and immediately. Tailor your message to be punchy and concise. Storytelling in this format is short and dynamic: focus on a single message with a clear call to action, without diluting the content.

Correct placement of text boxes and subheadings

Since a large proportion of the audience watches videos without sound, incorporating subtitles or captions is essential to convey your message. 

Make sure text stays in the center of the screento avoid information being cut off on smaller screens. Use sufficiently large font sizes and contrasting colors for better legibility.

Visual and sound quality

Quality content, even in vertical format, makes all the difference. Opt for optimal resolution to avoid pixelated rendering, and pay particular attention to image stability. 

As far as sound is concerned, even if the video is viewed without it, make sure the sound quality is good for those who activate the volume, and you'll make the difference with your competitors.

4: Tips for improving engagement with vertical videos

Adapting frequency and content to specific platforms

Each platform has its own specificities. Twitter, for example, favors newsworthy content, while Instagram values aesthetic quality and more produced content. 

It's essential to adapt not only the message, but also the frequency of publication to the expectations of each network. In general, regular publication, at least twice a week, ensures better visibility.

Enhancing interactivity

Vertical videos are ideal for inviting viewers to interact. On Twitter or LinkedIn, you can integrate calls to action at the end of the video, encouraging the audience to leave a comment or share the video. 

On YouTube Shorts, including explicit invitations like "Let us know in the comments what you think" encourages direct interaction. 

If the platform allows subtitles or annotations, add questions or key information to stimulate engagement. Take advantage of each network's native formats, including the vertical format, to create natural interaction and encourage real-time reactions.

5 : How did TF1 boost its vertical video production with Yuzzit?

TF1 is a good example of the effectiveness of the vertical format, particularly in the creation of teasers for its flagship programs.

Using Yuzzit, TF1 was able to adapt its horizontal videos in one click to instantly create vertical and even square versions, ready for publication on every social platform. This feature enabled them to produce short teasers, perfectly optimized to capture the attention of their mobile audience.

With this flexibility, TF1's teams not only saved precious time, but were also able to multiply engaging content, adapted to the specificities of each social network, thus reinforcing their impact with users.

Conclusion

Vertical videos have become an indispensable pillar of any social networking communication strategy. Adapted to mobile usage and favored by platform algorithms, they represent a valuable opportunity for brands and professional content creators. By applying best practices, from format conversion to audience engagement, and using effective tools like Yuzzit to facilitate the process, you can enrich your strategy with content that captures and engages your audience.

FAQ

How do I transform a horizontal video into a vertical one?

With our online video editor, you can convert your videos to the format of your choice in just one click. You can then share your videos instantly on all the platforms of your choice.

On which platforms do vertical videos work best?

Vertical videos are particularly effective on TikTok, Instagram (Reels and Stories), Facebook Stories, and YouTube Shorts, as these platforms are directly designed for viewing in vertical format.

How long should a vertical video last to be effective?

For platforms like TikTok and Instagram, short videos(15 to 30 seconds) work well, while on YouTube Shorts you can go up to 60 seconds. Adapt the length to the platform to maximize audience attention.

Do vertical videos work in advertising?

Absolutely! Vertical videos are ideal for mobile advertising. They quickly capture attention and allow you to insert a direct call to action, increasing the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.

How can I measure the effectiveness of my vertical videos?

Use social platform statistics to track views, completion rates, interactions (likes, comments, shares), and conversions. These indicators enable you to adjust your content to improve the impact of future vertical videos.

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