A vertical video was a sign of amateurism a few years back. Verticality is now an innovation.

The rapid evolution of smartphones and social media started it all. Consumers are eager to find out about new social features and mobile apps with each passing year. Industries deliver.

Video content creators cannot ignore it anymore. Verticality isn’t going away. It’s a new format that excites people.

Vertical videos are now more popular than ever. Let’s learn more about its advantages and disadvantages and when this format is appropriate.

What is the Secret to This? 

Horizontal was popular back in the day because it was the only format that TV and cinema endorsed. We all see the world horizontally.

In 2012, however, things changed. People began to consume more content via their smartphones. It’s fascinating to note that in the same year, Snapchat made headlines for its innovative and ephemeral mobile feed. This disappeared within 24 hours.

Verticality began to enjoy a snowball effect. Soon after, Instagram launched Stories, its temporary content.

Facebook joined the trend one year later. In the meantime, Instagram and WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest all began to allow vertical videos to be uploaded.

We can see that social media giants continue to invest in this type of content (see IGTV), and this is only the beginning. Verticality is a great way to get virality on these platforms and make a real difference.

Do Vertical Videos Make You Feel Happy?

Yes, there are 2.71 trillion smartphone users around the globe. Vertical content is important to them.

Study after study shows that mobile use has overtaken the world. In 2018, 58% came to the site from small screens. All corners of the globe rely on small smartphone screens to connect with their phones and entertain them.

A 9:16 ratio video makes sense. This format is ideal for navigating and watching content with one hand.

Modern life as it is (fast pace, ubiquitous connectivity, and apps that replace tasks, social networking, commuting, eCommerce, etc.) favors a portrait orientation. It is lightweight, portable, quick, and easily fits on a mobile screen.

Are any international brands promoting the vertical video?

A lot of studies, reports, and analyses are required to support a large company’s decision to make a big move. Their large budgets are designed to keep them as industry leaders.

We are catching a shift at large when we say Adidas, Mercedes Benz and Google began filming portrait mode. Their campaigns that embraced verticality received great responses. 

So, let’s resume! Adidas – The first vertical commercial launched by a retail giant. Adidas portrays an urban girl with superpowers. Her unique take on her universe unravels in a portrait format.

Vertical video isn’t just for big brands. Hollywood also saw the potential of portraits when it released a vertical teaser trailer for Mad Max: Fury Road (2015).

We’ll be jumping from one industry to the next, and will also introduce Google in the vertical world. A 9:16 animation was the surprise everyone at the latest celebrations to mark the anniversary of the moon landing.

Many other companies have not ignored the verticality effect. National Geographic, Spotify, and Netflix joined the video format shift.

It’s Vertical Video Time!

Verticality’s rapid rise doesn’t necessarily mean that it should replace horizontal content. Certain circumstances call for an immersive experience tailored for small screens.

Social media

All the most recent social networks (Vero and TikTok) have taken over the world. They were created as mobile apps. 

Users can easily snap photos with their smartphones and then use them as status updates. It’s also natural for them to vertically consume content. The new format is better at engaging social users.

Vlogging 

Stories have received surprising popularity even among the mainstream. Stories are self-destructive, which means that Vloggers don’t have hours to edit them. 

It is appreciated by users for its raw, authentic edge. advertisers use Stories because of their popularity.

Advertising

Vertical video offers a non-intrusive experience when it appears as an advertisement on social media. Instagram ads can be seamlessly placed between two organic Stories. This location is not as distracting as the others, as they can take the liking of creators.

Experimental 

Verticality is not something that many people like, as it can be very restrictive. Although there is so much room to fill, it’s limited in its reach and the view remains narrow. But, some see limitations and others see opportunities. 

A new format is a great way for creators to find a new angle and maximize virality. Split screens, up close shots, the rule-of-thirds, and graphics are just a few of the ways verticality can be turned into an experimental vision.

Vertical Video is here!

Verticality’s rise is not an unlikely prediction. It’s already happening.

Stories are poised to replace feeds as the main way people share information with their friends.

Chris Cox is Facebook’s chief products officer

Facebook is a pillar of digital content and should be on every video creator’s radar. Social media can be used to detect trends and industry shifts as well as any other information that audiences may be interested in.

Chris Cox says that people love vertical video. Users will be more interested in Instagram Stories than ever before. Vertical content will become the most engaging media type shortly.

Conclusion

The public has spoken out: Vertical video is the new format to support their modern lifestyle.