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How to Make a Video Vertical for YouTube Shorts: A Pro’s Guide

So, you want to conquer the world of YouTube Shorts? Smart move! But that little vertical format can be a tricky beast. Let’s get right down to it:

To make a video vertical for YouTube Shorts, you essentially have two primary approaches: shooting vertically from the get-go or repurposing existing horizontal footage. If shooting from scratch, hold your phone or camera in portrait mode (9:16 aspect ratio) and compose your shots accordingly. For existing horizontal footage, use video editing software to crop, reframe, and strategically utilize the screen space, sometimes adding creative elements to fill in empty areas. Both methods require careful planning and execution to maintain viewer engagement.

Shooting Vertical: The Purist’s Approach

The Aspect Ratio is King

The heart of the matter is the 9:16 aspect ratio. This is the vertical format that YouTube Shorts craves. Forget those wide, cinematic landscapes – think tall and narrow. When filming, ensure your device is held vertically. Most smartphones and cameras now offer gridlines and visual aids within the camera app to help you compose within this vertical frame. Pay attention to how your subject fills the screen. Don’t let them get lost in the vastness.

Composition is Key

Vertical video is not just about rotating your phone. It’s about rethinking your composition. Consider these points:

Headroom: Leave a reasonable amount of space above your subject’s head, but don’t overdo it. Too much headroom can make the subject appear small and insignificant.
Rule of Thirds: The Rule of Thirds still applies! Imagine your screen divided into nine equal parts by two horizontal and two vertical lines. Place key elements of your scene along these lines or at their intersections for a more balanced and visually appealing shot.
Foreground, Midground, Background: Think about creating depth in your shots even within the vertical frame. This can add visual interest and draw the viewer in.
Movement: Because the frame is narrower, consider how movement within the shot will be perceived. Vertical videos can be more dynamic, so consider panning and tilting within the vertical space.

Lighting and Sound Matter (Maybe More Than Ever)

In the world of quick-hit Shorts, attention spans are fleeting. Poor lighting and muffled audio are a surefire way to kill engagement.

Lighting: Natural light is your friend, but learn how to use it effectively. Overcast days provide soft, even light. Direct sunlight can create harsh shadows, so diffuse it with a reflector or sheer curtain. For indoor shots, invest in a simple ring light or softbox.
Sound: Invest in an external microphone if you are using a smartphone for creating video content. Even a basic lavalier mic can significantly improve audio quality. Ensure your environment is relatively quiet and free from distractions.

Repurposing Horizontal Footage: The Alchemist’s Game

Have existing horizontal footage you want to breathe new life into? It’s possible, but requires finesse.

Choosing the Right Software

Several video editing apps and software are tailor-made for this task. Popular choices include:

Adobe Premiere Pro: The industry standard, offering unparalleled control and features. Steep learning curve, but worth it if you’re serious.
Final Cut Pro: Apple’s professional-grade editor, known for its intuitive interface and powerful performance.
DaVinci Resolve: A free (with paid upgrades) powerhouse that excels in color correction and grading.
CapCut: TikTok’s official editor is remarkably powerful, easy to use, and optimized for mobile. It’s an excellent choice for beginners.
InShot: A very simple and easy to use software suitable for editing vertical short-form video content.

The Crop and Refame Dance

This is where the magic happens (or doesn’t). Open your horizontal footage in your chosen editor and create a vertical (9:16) sequence or project. Now you’ll need to decide how to fill that vertical space.

Cropping: The simplest approach is to crop the horizontal footage to fit the vertical frame. However, this can often result in key elements being cut off.
Reframing: Many editors offer auto-reframe features that use AI to track the subject and adjust the cropping as the video plays. This can be a good starting point, but always review and manually adjust the framing to ensure nothing important is lost.
Zooming: You can gradually zoom in on specific areas of the horizontal footage to keep the viewer focused on the action. However, be careful not to over zoom, as this can degrade image quality.

Filling the Void: Backgrounds, Text, and Graphics

If cropping and reframing leave you with empty space, get creative!

Blurry Backgrounds: A common technique is to create a blurred version of your horizontal footage and use it as a background behind the cropped video. This adds visual interest without being distracting.
Text and Graphics: Use text overlays to highlight key information or add comedic commentary. Graphics can also be used to fill empty space and draw the viewer’s eye.
Background Video: Use an entirely different background video. You can download free background videos for YouTube shorts from websites like Pexels.com.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Here are 12 frequently asked questions about making videos vertical for YouTube Shorts, tackled with the same expertise and flair:

What is the ideal resolution for YouTube Shorts? Aim for 1080×1920, which is full HD in a vertical orientation. This ensures your videos look crisp and clear on all devices.
Can I upload a horizontal video directly to YouTube Shorts? Yes, you can, but YouTube will pillarbox it (add black bars on the sides) to fit the vertical format. This isn’t ideal, as it makes your video look small and less engaging. Avoid this if possible.
What’s the best way to record audio for YouTube Shorts? An external microphone is always preferable. Even a basic lavalier mic can dramatically improve sound quality compared to your phone’s built-in microphone. Wireless mics offer greater freedom of movement.
How long should my YouTube Shorts be? Shorts can be up to 60 seconds long, but shorter is often better. Capture attention quickly and deliver your message concisely.
What video editing apps are best for beginners? CapCut and InShot are excellent starting points. They’re intuitive, mobile-friendly, and packed with features for creating engaging Shorts.
How do I add captions to my YouTube Shorts? YouTube offers automatic captioning, but it’s often inaccurate. Manually review and edit the captions for accuracy. Consider using an app like Descript for more advanced captioning features.
Is it better to shoot vertical or repurpose horizontal footage? Shooting vertical is almost always better, but repurposing existing footage can work in a pinch. If possible, plan and shoot vertically from the beginning.
How important are hashtags for YouTube Shorts? Hashtags are crucial for discoverability. Use relevant hashtags like #shorts, #youtubeshorts, and niche-specific tags to reach your target audience.
How do I get my YouTube Shorts noticed? Beyond hashtags, focus on creating engaging content that captures attention quickly. Use trending sounds, participate in challenges, and promote your Shorts on other social media platforms.
What are some common mistakes people make when creating vertical videos? Poor lighting, muffled audio, shaky footage, and lack of a clear message are common pitfalls. Also, failing to optimize for the vertical format and relying solely on horizontal content can hurt engagement.
Can I use music in my YouTube Shorts? Yes! YouTube has a vast library of licensed music you can use for free. Be mindful of copyright restrictions and ensure you’re using music appropriately.
How can I monetize my YouTube Shorts? YouTube Shorts are now eligible for monetization through the YouTube Partner Program. The revenue sharing model is different than for long-form videos, but it’s a great way to earn income from your Shorts content.

By mastering these techniques, you’ll be well on your way to creating engaging, visually appealing YouTube Shorts that capture attention and grow your audience. Now go forth and create!