What size should a vertical video be?
The short answer
Use a 9:16 vertical frame. Meta's Instagram Reels ad specs list a 9:16 ratio at 1440 x 2560 pixels, and suggest keeping about 14% of the top, 35% of the bottom and 6% of each side free of text and logos. YouTube's Shorts help page says Shorts need a square or vertical aspect ratio.
Platform rules vs. our recommendation
Platform specs: The Meta numbers above come from its Reels ad guide, so they're written for ads. YouTube's page sets the shape (square or vertical) and length (up to 3 minutes).
Garnet's practical recommendation: Film every short in 9:16 at the highest quality your phone handles, and keep the important stuff in the middle. The app puts your caption, buttons and profile icon over the top and bottom. Text placed there gets covered.
Why the safe zone matters
Some phones have screens taller than 9:16. Meta says the margins help keep key parts from being cropped or covered. So a price, phone number or name right at the edge may not be seen.
How we'd frame a walkaround
Steven Wilson has spent ten years in marketing in the car business. On a vehicle walkaround, that means framing the car and the presenter in the center band, then adding on-screen text in the clear area above the caption. One vertical file can then go to Reels, Shorts and TikTok without re-cutting. If you're also posting the same clip on two apps, read how to post one video on TikTok and Instagram.
For a Livingston business, that one file can cover all three apps your customers use. See how we work with businesses in Livingston, TX.
Want videos framed right the first time? Talk to Garnet.