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Social Media Marketing

Should Social Media Content Be Filmed Horizontal or Vertical?

June 21, 2025 0Comments
Social Media Marketing

Should Social Media Content Be Filmed Horizontal or Vertical?

Summary:
In today’s digital landscape, the choice between vertical and horizontal video can shape the success of your social media presence. This blog explores which orientation works best, based on platform, audience, and marketing goals all with insights from Techmire Solutions’ digital marketing and social strategy development expertise.

Why Does Video Orientation Matter in Digital Marketing?

In the age of short attention spans and mobile-first design, content format isn’t just a creative choice—it’s a core part of your digital marketing strategy. Whether you’re developing content for TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, or LinkedIn, orientation plays a huge role in engagement, shareability, and visibility. At Techmire Solutions, a leading software development company with a strong focus on digital marketing services, we guide businesses in making informed content choices through strategic content planning.

Which Orientation Is Better: Vertical or Horizontal?

1. What is Vertical Video?

Vertical video is filmed in portrait mode (9:16 aspect ratio), making it ideal for smartphone viewing. Apps like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Snapchat were built for vertical content.

Best for:

  • Instagram Reels
  • TikTok videos
  • Facebook Stories
  • YouTube Shorts
  • Snapchat content

2. What is Horizontal Video?

Horizontal video is shot in landscape mode (16:9 aspect ratio). This format has traditionally been used for television, YouTube videos, and cinematic content.

Best for:

  • YouTube long-form content
  • LinkedIn video ads
  • Facebook Watch
  • Video presentations and webinars

What Are the Pros and Cons of Vertical and Horizontal Videos?

FormatProsCons
VerticalOptimized for mobile, higher engagement on social appsLimited screen space for detailed visuals or multi-subject scenes
HorizontalIdeal for storytelling, presentations, and widescreen experiencesLess optimized for mobile-first platforms

Tip: Techmire Solutions recommends choosing a format based on both audience behavior and platform requirements as part of your social strategy development.

How Do Different Platforms Handle Orientation?

Each social platform favors a specific orientation. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Instagram: Vertical (9:16) for Stories and Reels; square or horizontal for posts.
  • TikTok: Exclusively vertical.
  • Facebook: Vertical for Stories, horizontal for Watch.
  • YouTube: Horizontal is traditional; vertical for Shorts.
  • LinkedIn: Horizontal generally performs better for B2B content.
  • Pinterest: Vertical pins outperform others.

Pro Tip: Always preview your content before posting, especially if repurposing across multiple platforms. At Techmire Solutions, we help clients develop media strategies that include content adaptation for each channel.

Should You Record in Both Orientations?

When possible, yes. If you have the resources, filming both vertical and horizontal versions of your content can significantly expand your reach. This approach allows you to:

  • Repurpose content across more platforms
  • Cater to diverse viewing preferences
  • Improve ROI on content creation

If you’re short on time or budget, prioritize the orientation most suited to your target audience and platform.

What Are Experts Doing?

Leading brands and influencers often default to vertical video for short-form and mobile content, while keeping horizontal for longer, in-depth storytelling.

Techmire Solutions’ Advice: Let your content’s intent guide the format. For example:

  • Tutorials: Horizontal (for better visibility of tools, screens, etc.)
  • Behind-the-scenes reels: Vertical
  • Webinars/Presentations: Horizontal
  • Quick tips or product highlights: Vertical

FAQs: Orientation in Social Media Content

1. What is the best video orientation for TikTok?

Vertical. TikTok is designed for vertical video content.

2. Can I post horizontal videos on Instagram Reels?

Yes, but they will be shown with black bars or cropped, reducing visual appeal.

3. Is vertical or horizontal better for YouTube?

Horizontal is best for traditional content; use vertical for Shorts.

4. Should I film in vertical or horizontal for Facebook?

Vertical for Stories, horizontal for long-form Watch videos.

5. Is vertical video more engaging?

Yes, especially on mobile-first platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

6. What format should I use for LinkedIn video ads?

Horizontal typically works better for professional content on LinkedIn.

7. Can I shoot one video and crop it for both formats?

Yes, if you frame the subject centrally and allow space for cropping.

8. Do vertical videos get more views?

They often perform better on mobile-dominant apps due to better UX.

9. Should businesses film vertically for marketing?

If your audience is on mobile apps like TikTok or Instagram, yes.

10. Does Techmire Solutions help in video content strategy?

Absolutely! We help businesses develop media strategies tailored to their audience, goals, and platforms.

Final Verdict: Vertical vs. Horizontal?

There’s no universal right answer. Instead, the best orientation depends on your content type, target audience, and platform.

If you’re looking to stay relevant and maximize engagement, vertical is your go-to for short, snackable mobile content. For storytelling, educational, or cinematic experiences, stick to horizontal.

The most effective approach? Adapt both. As a forward-thinking software development company, Techmire Solutions recommends using digital marketing services that include flexible content planning for both orientations giving you the edge in every aspect of social strategy development.