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Vertical video is made for phone screens. A few simple choices at the start save you from cropping problems later.
Set the ratio first
Start a new project, add your clips, then tap Ratio and choose 9:16. This is the standard shape for Reels, Shorts and TikTok. If a clip was filmed sideways, you can scale it to fill the screen or place it over a blurred copy of itself for a tidy look.
Keep the important parts in the safe area
Apps place buttons, names and descriptions over the video. Keep faces, products and captions in the middle of the frame, and leave breathing room at the top and bottom. Preview your video on your phone before you post.
Hook viewers in the first seconds
Show the most interesting moment right away. A strong first second matters more than a long intro. Cut every pause that does not help the story.
Use captions well
Many people watch without sound. Use auto captions, keep lines short and choose a bold, high-contrast style.
Add rhythm
Pick music first, then cut on the beat. Short clips of one to three seconds keep the pace lively.
Export settings
For most vertical videos, 1080p at 30 frames per second is a reliable choice. See our export guide for more detail.
Before you post
- Watch the whole video once with sound on.
- Watch it again with the sound off.
- Check that captions are not covered by the app buttons.
Final thoughts
Choose 9:16, protect the safe area, start with a strong moment and caption clearly. Those four habits cover most of what makes a vertical video work.