Video now appears in many shapes. Widescreen suits websites, presentations and television. Vertical video fits naturally on phones. Square and other formats have their place in some feeds too. Planning for several formats from the start saves time, money and frustration later.
Why format matters
People watch video in different ways depending on where they find it. On a phone, many people hold the screen upright and scroll quickly. On a laptop or television, they may be sitting back with more attention to give. A shot that looks balanced in widescreen can lose important details when cropped to vertical, and text placed near the edges may be hidden.
Decide your formats early
At the planning stage, list every place the video will appear and the shapes each one needs. Platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and LinkedIn each have their own conventions, and these change over time, so check the current specifications before you shoot. Agree which format is the priority, as this guides the framing on the day.
Framing tips for the shoot
- Keep the key action and faces near the centre of the frame
- Leave space above and around subjects so they can be cropped safely
- Consider shooting at a higher resolution to allow for reframing
- For important scenes, film dedicated vertical versions rather than relying on crops
- Mark safe areas on the monitor so the crew can see what each format will show
Adapt the edit, not just the shape
Different formats often need different edits. A vertical social version may need a faster opening, bold captions and a shorter running time. A widescreen website version can take more time to build a story. Treat each version as its own piece rather than a simple resize.
Think about text and subtitles
Many people watch with the sound off. Add clear subtitles and check that on-screen text sits within the safe area for every format. Keep fonts large and readable on small screens.
Planning for multiple formats helps your video work harder wherever people see it. If you would like advice on your next shoot, get in touch with the Northpeak team for a chat.
