- Use of native tools and external applications to adapt videos to the 9:16 format.
- Importance of visual and auditory optimization to improve reach in social media algorithms.
- Content strategies based on initial hooks and subtitling to increase engagement.
These days, it seems that if you don't record vertically, you simply don't exist in the digital world. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels have imposed their own aesthetic where the 9:16 aspect ratio is the norm. Although you can technically upload a horizontal clip, the reality is that it looks terrible and doesn't fit with what users expect to consume while scrolling through their mobile screens.
If you're having trouble with your best shots being horizontal, or if you simply want your videos to have a professional finish before publishing them, don't worry. You don't need to be an editing expert to make your content look amazing, as there are easy-to-use tools, both native and third-party, that allow you to adapt any clip in the blink of an eye.
How to convert a video from horizontal to vertical
If you're using an Apple device, like an iPhone or iPad, you don't need to install anything special. You can go directly to the Photos app, select your video, and tap the Edit button in the top corner . Once there, look for the Formats icon (top right) and scroll down to find the 9:16 aspect ratio. Simply adjust the framing so that the most important part is centered and tap Save.
For Android users, the process is very similar. If you use Google Photos, simply tap Edit and then Crop . There you'll see a button with a rectangle and two arrows that allows you to change the orientation. By selecting "Switch to Portrait" and choosing the 9:16 aspect ratio, your video will be ready to use. This works the same way in most native photo galleries from brands like Samsung or Xiaomi, although you can also crop videos directly in TikTok.
Recommended apps for a professional finish
Sometimes, the native editor falls short because it only trims and doesn't allow you to add any special effects. In that case, CapCut is the star option , as it's fully integrated with the TikTok ecosystem. You just have to import your clip, go to the "Trim" section, and select the 9:16 format. The best thing about this app is that it lets you export at maximum quality and add effects that make the video anything but boring, especially if you learn how to edit TikTok videos on your PC with CapCut.
There are other powerful alternatives depending on what you're looking for. InShot is ideal for quick touch-ups and adding blurred backgrounds if you don't want to crop the image too much. On the other hand, if you're looking for something more versatile, Canva offers amazing video tools for adding stickers and animations. And if you're feeling a bit more advanced, Adobe Premiere Rush is a lightweight version of Premiere that allows for very precise automatic reframing.
Strategies for mastering the algorithm
It's not enough for the video to be vertical; it has to grab the viewer's attention. The hook in the first three seconds is vital. If nothing impactful happens or you don't ask a powerful question at the beginning, people will keep scrolling. It's essential to eliminate silences and dead time so that the pace is fast-paced and dynamic.
Another critical point is audio and text. Many people consume content silently, so adding automatic subtitles isn't an extra, but a necessity. You can even create a subtitle file for videos manually. Furthermore, using trending music helps TikTok or Shorts algorithms rank you higher, as these platforms tend to promote viral audio.
Common mistakes you should avoid
- Leave black bars: It's the most basic mistake. A video with black borders at the top and bottom gives an amateurish impression and drastically reduces engagement.
- Cut out heads or hands: When zooming from horizontal to vertical, it's easy to lose part of the subject. Always check that the be correct framing.
- Low resolution: Avoid sending videos via WhatsApp before editing them, as the compression is brutal. Always export in 1080 × 1920 pixels to maintain sharpness, or use tools like LosslessCut for cutting videos without losing quality.
The impact of the vertical format on marketing
The success of brands like Sephora and elf demonstrates that vertical video creates a much more intimate and personal connection with the audience. By filling the entire screen, the user is completely immersed in the experience, which facilitates virality. The use of challenges and interaction with influencers are tactics that enhance this format, making it a powerful sales tool.
Looking ahead, we'll see even greater integration with artificial intelligence and augmented reality . Imagine filters that allow you to try on products in real time within a vertical video. Furthermore, mobile SEO is evolving, and having optimized videos can help you appear in Google search results , not just on social media.
Mastering the conversion of horizontal clips to the 9:16 format and applying editing tricks like subtitling and visual hooks is key to succeeding in today's TikTok, Reels, and Shorts ecosystem, ensuring that content not only looks good but truly impacts and engages the right audience.
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