You might have seen some Reels where people have overlooked the importance of formatting. The videos appear shrunken with large black space either side of the frame. This is down to the videos being uploaded in landscape mode instead of portrait.
If you’ve spent any time on social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok, you’ve probably noticed that most of the videos in Reels and Stories are shot in portrait mode. But why is portrait mode so important for these types of videos? Let’s explore the reasons why using portrait mode can enhance your video content and help you make the most of social media.
What is portrait mode?
Portrait mode, also known as vertical mode, is when you hold your phone upright to capture video. This orientation is the natural way we hold our phones most of the time, as opposed to landscape mode, which is when the phone is held horizontally.
Why portrait mode is essential for Reels
- Optimised for mobile viewing
- Natural fit for screens: Most people view social media on their smartphones, and phones are designed to be held vertically. Portrait mode videos fill the entire screen, providing a more immersive experience.
- User experience: Since users scroll through content vertically, portrait videos fit seamlessly into the feed, making it easier and more enjoyable to watch without needing to rotate the device.
- Platform preferences
- Algorithm boost: Platforms like Instagram and TikTok prioritise portrait mode videos because they fit the platform’s design. Using portrait mode can increase the chances of your video being promoted by the algorithm, leading to higher visibility and engagement.
- Consistency: Social media platforms have standardised vertical formats for features like Reels, Stories, and TikTok videos. Using portrait mode ensures your content looks professional and consistent with other videos on these platforms.
- Better engagement
- Full-screen experience: Portrait mode videos occupy the entire screen, minimizing distractions and keeping the viewer’s focus on your content.
- Higher interaction rates: Research shows that vertical videos tend to have higher completion rates and more engagement compared to horizontal videos. This means viewers are more likely to watch your video to the end and interact with it through likes, comments, and shares.
- Creative possibilities
- Innovative layouts: Portrait mode allows for unique and creative layouts that make the most of the vertical space. You can experiment with split screens, text overlays, and other design elements that are optimised for vertical viewing.
- Storytelling: The vertical format can help you tell your story in a more dynamic way, using the height of the screen to show action, movement, and different perspectives.
- Ease of creation
- Natural shooting style: Holding your phone vertically is a more natural and comfortable way to shoot videos, especially when you’re filming yourself or capturing spontaneous moments.
- Editing tools: Many video editing apps and tools are designed with portrait mode in mind, offering templates, effects, and features that enhance vertical videos.
Tips for shooting portrait mode videos
- Frame your shot:
- Ensure your subject is centred and make use of the vertical space by including interesting elements both at the top and bottom of the frame.
- Ensure your subject is centred and make use of the vertical space by including interesting elements both at the top and bottom of the frame.
- Steady your camera:
- Use a tripod or stabilise your phone against a solid surface to avoid shaky footage. Some phones also have built-in stabilization features.
- Use a tripod or stabilise your phone against a solid surface to avoid shaky footage. Some phones also have built-in stabilization features.
- Good lighting:
- Ensure you have adequate lighting. Natural light is often the best, but if you’re indoors, consider using ring lights or other lighting sources to keep your video bright and clear.
- Ensure you have adequate lighting. Natural light is often the best, but if you’re indoors, consider using ring lights or other lighting sources to keep your video bright and clear.
- Engage your audience:
- Speak directly to the camera and make eye contact to create a personal connection with your viewers.
- Speak directly to the camera and make eye contact to create a personal connection with your viewers.
- Keep it short and sweet:
- Social media users have short attention spans. Aim to get your message across quickly and clearly.
Using portrait mode when capturing videos for Reels and similar features is essential for optimising your content for mobile viewing, increasing engagement, and taking advantage of platform preferences. By shooting in portrait mode, you ensure your videos fit seamlessly into social media feeds, look professional, and keep viewers engaged.
