Before we dive into what platforms require specific aspect ratios, it is important to note that the "best" aspect ratio depends on your particular content, your target audience, and where you plan to share your videos.
Some of the most common aspect ratios include:
16:9 (Horizontal): This aspect ratio is the standard for most video content and is widely used on platforms like YouTube and traditional television. It's a good choice if you want your video to be viewable on multiple platforms and devices without cropping on widescreen displays.
1:1 (Square): This aspect ratio is often used for mobile devices and is great for sharing videos on Instagram and Facebook's main feed. It takes up more screen space when users scroll through their feed on mobile devices.
4:5 (Vertical): This aspect ratio is also designed for mobile devices and works well for Facebook and Instagram feeds. It's a good choice if you want your video to take up more vertical space in users' feeds.
9:16 (Vertical): This vertical aspect ratio is commonly used for Instagram Stories and Reels, Snapchat and TickTock. It's great for creating content that's meant to be viewed in portrait mode on mobile devices. It's always good to know in advance if this is a delivery requirement because it can impact how production is planned and filmed.
2:3 (Vertical): This aspect ratio is another vertical option suitable for Facebook and Instagram feeds. It provides a taller view that can capture attention while users scroll.
21:9 (Ultra Wide) The 21:9 aspect ratio, also known as ultrawide or widescreen, is a display aspect ratio significantly wider than the standard 16:9 aspect ratio commonly used for TVs and monitors. It provides a 'cinematic' look to footage and can increase the production value of content. It's best for YouTube/Vimeo but could be better for socials.
Remember that social platforms' algorithms and layouts often change over time, so checking their official guidelines for the most up-to-date recommendations before creating your videos is good.
Here are some links to popular platform guidelines:
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