Video Aspect Ratios
Complete guide to video aspect ratios for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and professional video production. Learn the right dimensions for every platform and device.
Master Video Aspect Ratios
Have you noticed how videos sometimes appear with strange black bars or look cramped on different devices? The issue often comes down to video aspect ratios - the width-to-height proportions that determine how content fits on screens.
This guide helps you understand video dimensions for optimal viewing across all platforms.
Video aspect ratios organized by content type and platform
Why Video Dimensions Are Important
A video's aspect ratio defines its shape and how it appears on different screens. The two dominant formats today are:
- Horizontal (16:9): Wide rectangles ideal for televisions and computer screens
- Vertical (9:16): Tall rectangles designed for mobile devices and social apps like TikTok
Getting the shape right ensures your video fills the screen properly. Our video ratio calculator helps you determine precise pixel dimensions for any project.
Standard Video Aspect Ratios
- 1920 × 1080 (16:9) - Full HD, also called 1080p
- 1280 × 720 (16:9) - HD standard, also known as 720p
- 3840 × 2160 (16:9) - Ultra HD, also called 4K
- 640 × 480 (4:3) - Standard definition, also called SD
- 2560 × 1440 (16:9) - Quad HD, also called 1440p
Social Media Video Dimensions Guide
Every social platform has specific video shape preferences for the best display. Here's your complete reference:
| Platform | Aspect Ratio | Recommended Size |
|---|---|---|
| Facebook Videos | 16:9 | 1280 × 720 pixels |
| Facebook Reels | 9:16 | 1080 × 1920 pixels |
| Instagram Feed Videos | 4:5 | 1080 × 1350 pixels |
| Instagram Reels | 9:16 | 1080 × 1920 pixels |
| TikTok Videos | 9:16 | 1080 × 1920 pixels |
| Twitter Videos | 9:16 | 720 × 1280 pixels |
| Snapchat Videos | 9:16 | 1080 × 1920 pixels |
| YouTube Videos | 16:9 | 1920 × 1080 pixels |
| LinkedIn Videos | 9:16 | 1080 × 1920 pixels |
| Pinterest Videos | 9:16 | 1080 × 1920 pixels |
| TikTok Ad Videos | 9:16 | 540 × 960 pixels |
Best Video Ratios for Social Platforms
Creating content for social media requires understanding each platform's preferred dimensions. For example, Instagram feed videos typically use 4:5 ratios, while Instagram Reels demand 9:16 vertical formats.
If you're wondering how to adjust video dimensions for different platforms, many editing applications can help you crop or resize content.
This guarantees perfect fit without quality loss. Whether you're working with TikTok's 9:16 standard or YouTube's classic 16:9 format, selecting the correct aspect ratio significantly impacts viewer engagement.
Aspect Ratios in Film Production
In filmmaking, aspect ratio choice can dramatically influence scene atmosphere. Wider formats like 21:9 create cinematic, expansive feelings.
This differs from the standard 16:9 used for most online content, which provides balanced, immersive experiences.
When working in editing software like Premiere Pro, consider the story you're telling when selecting aspect ratios.
Narrower ratios can create intimate, personal scenes by drawing viewers closer. Mastering aspect ratios helps you choose the perfect format for your creative vision.
Horizontal vs. Vertical Video Formats
Your chosen shape affects the emotional impact of your video. The 16:9 horizontal format excels at creating cinematic, grand scenes and fits perfectly on TVs and computer screens.
The 9:16 vertical format feels more personal and intimate, designed specifically for mobile viewing and scrolling through apps like TikTok.
Changing Video Dimensions
When your video doesn't match the target platform's requirements, you can fix it. Most video editing software like Premiere Pro or CapCut allows you to adjust aspect ratios when starting new projects.
When importing video into a different aspect ratio project, you have two options:
- Scale to fit: Enlarges the video to fill the frame, potentially cutting off edges
- Add letterboxing: Shows the complete video with black bars filling empty space
The smartest approach is to shoot your videos in the dimensions you plan to share them in.
Start Creating Perfect Videos
Get the right dimensions for any platform with our calculators.