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Horizontal vs. Vertical Videos: Every Content Creator’s Dilemma

 

Online users expect video. Not only does it help them connect and stay up to date with the latest information, but it also helps them relate to a product that they are not able to check out in person. 

In fact, a detailed research from CISCO has shown that by 2022, 82% of consumer internet traffic will be driven from videos. This is not far-fetched, as we have already seen and felt the impact of the COVID-19 lockdowns that have changed the whole economic scheme. 

However, with all the available applications and platforms that are designed for video consumption, choosing between recording horizontally or vertically might be harder than we thought.

In this blog article, we will tackle the pros and cons of horizontal and vertical videos, hoping that it will help you- content creators- make the right decision.


Horizontal Video

We are all used to watching horizontal videos, for they have been the most common format for decades now. As a matter of fact, horizontal videos can have a lot of advantages. Here is why: 

Advantages
  • It is the most common format; always has and will definitely be for a while.
  • It is better for long-content format- nobody prefers watching long videos in vertical form, neither on television, nor on smartphone.
  • We naturally prefer watching horizontal videos- our eyesight is horizontal by nature, which allows us to be more accustomed to peripheral vision.
  • It is distraction-free- once you have your video in full horizontal mode, rest assured that you have got the consumer’s full attention.
  • It is professional- we all are able to take vertical videos. However, high-resolution, broadcast-quality horizontal ones might be a hassle, but have the most impact.
Disadvantages
  • Not always ideal for mobile- knowing that many viewers dislike rotating their phones to watch horizontal videos, this could be an issue.
  • Social media goes well with vertical/ square videos- for example, Instagram.

Vertical Video

Knowing that 75% of videos are viewed on mobile, and 95% of users hold their smartphones vertically, it is definitely not surprising that vertical videos are as important as horizontal ones.

Why?

Advantages
  • People use their phones A LOT, so recording vertical videos is a must nowadays.
  • Social media marketing strategies call for vertical videos- As mentioned above, many platforms are designed for vertical videos, including Instagram.
  • It enhances creativity- yes, you will be losing some space on the sides, but you will be gaining a lot at the top and the bottom. This is where you can add CTA buttons or hyperlinks that push people to take action once the video is over.

Disadvantages
  • It creates filming limitations- obviously.
  • It is uncomfortable- knowing that our eyesight is horizontal by nature, vertical videos, which mainly include short videos, can be inconvenient and make you lose traffic.
  • Not compatible with all platforms- of course, you would not find or feel comfortable watching horizontal videos on YouTube. Point made!


In a nutshell, horizontal and vertical videos both have their pros and cons. Therefore, when you are deciding how to film your video, it is important to consider your target audience and which platform they will be watching these videos on.

So, hey there content creators! Think smart next time you want to record a video.