How to Edit Vertical Videos for Creating Stunning Mobile Content

Explore expert tips and practices for editing vertical videos. Enhance your mobile content with the right tools and techniques to make your videos stand out on social media.

editing vertical video
CapCut
CapCut09/11/2024
0 min(s)

Editing vertical videos can be challenging, particularly when aiming to maintain clarity, proper framing, and visual consistency across various devices. Common issues include accidentally cutting off key content or dealing with unwanted black bars on the sides. Fortunately, these issues can be effectively managed with the right video editing tools and techniques.

Whether you're using a desktop or a mobile app, our comprehensive guide will show you how to edit vertical videos smoothly. We’ll share essential tips to help you create polished, well-framed, and visually appealing content that shines on any platform.

Table of content

All you need to know about editing vertical videos

Editing vertical videos is essential for creating eye-catching content tailored for smartphones. Mastering this skill ensures your videos look professional and grab attention, making them a valuable asset for your social media presence.

Vertical vs square video

Deciding between vertical and square videos can change how your content is seen and enjoyed. Vertical videos are shot in a 9:16 aspect ratio, making them ideal for mobile viewing on platforms like Instagram Stories, TikTok, and Snapchat. They naturally fill the entire screen on smartphones, providing an immersive experience.

Square videos, with a 1:1 aspect ratio, are versatile and work well on both mobile and desktop, particularly on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. While vertical videos are optimized for mobile-first content, square videos offer a balanced format that performs well across various devices and social media feeds.

Advantages of vertical video for social media

Vertical videos offer a range of advantages for social media, enhancing both engagement and visibility. Let’s have a look at them:

  1. Fills the screen
  2. Vertical videos take up the entire phone screen, making your content more engaging and easier to watch. This full-screen view grabs attention and keeps viewers focused on your video.
  3. Higher engagement
  4. Vertical videos often get more likes, comments, and shares on social media. Since they fit perfectly on mobile screens, users are more likely to stop scrolling and interact with your content.
  5. Perfect for mobile
  6. Most people watch videos on their phones, and vertical videos are made just for that. They look great and are easy to watch, making the viewing experience better for your audience.
  7. More visual appeal
  8. Vertical videos can make your content look more personal and dynamic. Whether you’re showing off a product or sharing a behind-the-scenes moment, this format often feels more direct and relatable.
  9. Better visibility
  10. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok favor vertical videos, so your content is more likely to appear in users' feeds. This can help increase the reach and impact of your videos.

Easy ways to create vertical video for any platform

Now that you understand the benefits of vertical videos, the next step is to create them without compromising quality. Whether you're repurposing existing content or starting from scratch, maintaining high visual standards is key. In this section, we've listed the best vertical video editors that help you boost your online presence and engage your audience effectively.

1. Quick and advanced vertical video editor for PC: CapCut

CapCuts desktop video editor is advanced software designed to make the editing process effortless and efficient. With its user-friendly interface and powerful tools, this editor allows you to easily maintain clarity and proper framing, ensuring your vertical videos look professional on any screen. In addition, CapCut offers robust video and audio editing tools to help you achieve polished, visually appealing results every time.


Editing interface of the CapCut desktop video editor - the best vertical video editor

Key features

  • Multiple aspect ratio presets
  • CapCut provides a range of aspect ratio presets to resize videos for different platforms, allowing you to quickly choose the most suitable one for your video.
  • Customizable aspect ratios
  • You have the flexibility to set your aspect ratio, enabling precise control over the video's dimensions based on your needs.
  • Intelligent auto-cropping
  • The software automatically reframes or crops your footage to match the selected aspect ratio, ensuring the main content remains in focus without manual effort.
  • Background fillers
  • When adjusting the aspect ratio, you can change the video background and add fillers such as blurred edges, solid colors, or custom visuals to maintain visual appeal and fill in any empty spaces.

How to create a vertical video with CapCut

Make sure you download the CapCut desktop video editor before moving forward to the steps on how to make a video vertical with it. This can be done by clicking the button below and running the installer.

    Step
  1. Upload your video
  2. Open CapCut and create a new project. Click "Import" and upload the video you want to edit.
  3. 
    Importing a video from the device to the CapCut desktop video editor
  4. Step
  5. Easily create a vertical video and fine-tune
  6. To convert your video to a vertical format, start by selecting "Ratio" to switch the video canvas from horizontal to vertical. Then, go to the "Basic" section and choose "Auto reframe." Within this option, select the 9:16 ratio for an optimal vertical screen layout. Alternatively, you can achieve the full-screen vertical format by clicking the "Resize" option above the timeline.
  7. 
    Interface showing how to make a video vertical in the CapCut desktop video editor
  8. Step
  9. Export and share

Once you edit the vertical video, go to the export section from the top right corner. Adjust parameters such as codec, bit rate, format, quality, etc., and save it on your device. Moreover, you can share your vertical video on social media platforms.


Exporting vertical video from the CapCut desktop video editor

How to create a vertical video using an AI tool in CapCut

CapCut's "Long video to shorts" tool makes it simple to repurpose your long-form content into dynamic vertical video segments for YouTube Shorts, Instagram or Facebook stories, and TikTok. Simply follow the easy steps below:

    Step
  1. Launch the AI tool
  2. Open CapCut on your PC and navigate to the "Long video to shorts" tool. It is prominently displayed on the main interface for quick access. Upload your long video and get ready to transform it into eye-catching shorts.
  3. 
    Interface indicating "Long video to shorts" tool in the CapCut desktop video editor
  4. Step
  5. Choose a video duration and convert
  6. Once your video is uploaded, set the length as per your needs. We recommend choosing the "Auto". This way, the AI tool precisely selects the most engaging and appropriate segments of your videos. Click "Convert," and watch as CapCut generates four compelling vertical shorts in a few moments using your original video.
  7. 
    Interface showing how to make a video vertical with AI tool in the CapCut desktop video editor
  8. Step
  9. Export your content

Your vertical shorts are now perfectly formatted for a mobile screen and can be quickly exported to share captivating content with your audience.


Exporting vertical video shorts from the CapCut desktop video editor

2. A free way to make a vertical video online: VEED.IO

VEED.IO offers a free and accessible way to create vertical videos online, making it ideal for those who want to edit on the go without downloading software. With its straightforward interface, VEED.IO allows you to quickly resize, trim, and enhance your videos for mobile screens. It's a convenient option for beginners looking to create engaging content without investing in complex tools.

Key features

  • An intuitive interface that makes video editing simple, even for beginners.
  • Includes essential editing tools like trimming, adding text, and applying filters to enhance your videos.
  • Easily adjust your videos to fit vertical formats, perfect for social media platforms.
  • Add subtitles automatically to make your videos easier to understand for everyone.

How to make a video vertical with VEED.IO

Follow these steps to make a video vertical with VEED.IO:

    Step
  1. Open your video in the editor
  2. Start by visiting VEED.IO and clicking on the "Upload" button to select your video file from your device. You can also drag and drop the video directly into the editor.
  3. Step
  4. Select the vertical aspect ratio
  5. Once your video is uploaded, navigate to the "Settings" or "Canvas" option on the left panel. Choose the vertical aspect ratio, typically 9:16, to resize your video for platforms like Instagram Stories or TikTok.
  6. Step
  7. Adjust and reposition Content
  8. After selecting the vertical format, your video might need some adjustments. Use the drag-and-drop tools to reposition and resize the content within the frame. This ensures that important elements of your video are properly centered and visible.
  9. Step
  10. Add enhancements (Optional)
  11. If desired, you can enhance your vertical video by adding text, filters, or effects. VEED.IO offers a range of editing tools that allow you to customize your video, making it more engaging and visually appealing.
  12. Step
  13. Export your vertical video
  14. Once you’re satisfied with the edits, click on the "Export" button to download your video in the new vertical format. Choose your preferred quality settings, and VEED.IO will process your video for download.
  15. 
     Interface of VEED.IO - a perfect tool to create vertical videos

3. The best way to edit video vertically on phone: CapCut mobile app

When you don't have access to a computer, you can easily create and edit vertical videos using the CapCut mobile app. It’s packed with user-friendly features that allow you to adjust the aspect ratio, edit smoothly, and add cool effects. Whether you're trimming clips, adding text, or enhancing your video with effects, CapCut offers everything you need to produce eye-catching content optimized for mobile viewing.

Key features

  • CapCut offers ready-made aspect ratios like 9:16 optimized for vertical videos, ideal for platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
  • Apply cinematic filters, trendy effects, and vibrant color grading to give your vertical videos a professional touch.
  • Automatically remove or blur the background of vertical videos without needing a green screen, making it easy to create polished content.
  • Add dynamic movements, zooms, and transitions with simple keyframe controls tailored for vertical video formats.
  • Export and share your vertical videos directly to social media platforms with optimized settings for each.

How to make a vertical video with the CapCut mobile app

Here's how to edit vertical video with the CapCut mobile app:

    Step
  1. Start a new project
  2. Open the CapCut app and tap on "New project" to begin. Select the video clips or images you want to include in your vertical video from your device’s gallery, then tap "Add" to import them into the timeline.
  3. Step
  4. Choose the vertical aspect ratio
  5. After importing your content, tap on the "Aspect ratio" option located at the bottom of the screen. Select the vertical aspect ratio, typically 9:16, to adjust your video to the vertical format. This is the ideal size for platforms like Instagram Stories, TikTok, and Snapchat.
  6. Step
  7. Adjust your video
  8. Once the aspect ratio is set, you can reposition, resize, or rotate your clips to fit within the vertical frame. Use the pinch-to-zoom gesture to ensure key elements of your video are centered and visible.
  9. Step
  10. Edit video
  11. To enhance your vertical video, use CapCut's editing tools to add text overlays, apply filters, or include effects. Tap on the respective icons at the bottom of the screen to customize your video and make it more engaging.
  12. Step
  13. Export and share your video

Finally, choose your desired resolution, codec, and frame rate. Tap on the "Export" button in the top-right corner to save the video to your device. You can also share it directly on social media platforms from within the app.


Interface showing how to make video vertical in CapCut mobile app

Tips to make optimized vertical videos

Here are five simple tips for making great optimized vertical videos:

  1. Use a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels for your vertical videos. This size looks good on most phones.
  2. Make sure the main thing you want to show is in the middle of the screen. This way, it won’t get cut off on the sides.
  3. Since phones have small screens, use big, clear text and bright colors so your viewers can easily see and read everything.
  4. Different apps and websites might crop your video differently. Make sure your video fits well on the platform where you’re posting it.
  5. Incorporate eye-catching effects and transitions to maintain viewer interest and make your video stand out.

Conclusion

To sum up, vertical video editing is essential for creating engaging content that stands out on mobile screens. All these tools will help you produce visually appealing and impactful videos. Remember to use precise editing, high resolution, and optimization for mobile viewing to captivate your audience effectively.

Among the available options, the CapCut desktop video editor is the standout choice. Its user-friendly interface and powerful features make it easy to create professional-quality videos quickly.

FAQs

  1. Which is the best vertical video maker online?
  2. VEED.IO is a top choice for making vertical videos online due to its easy-to-use interface and robust editing tools, which streamline the process of creating and customizing videos for mobile screens. However, if you want to enhance the video to a professional level, consider the CapCut desktop video editor.
  3. How do I make a video vertical for Instagram Reels?
  4. To make a video vertical for Instagram Reels, use an editing tool like CapCut desktop video editor to resize your video to a 9:16 aspect ratio before uploading it to the platform. This editor also offers various video editing tools to enhance the professionalism of your reels.
  5. Is there a free vertical video creator for mobile phones?
  6. Yes, the CapCut mobile app is a free vertical video creator for mobile phones, offering easy editing features and tools to create and customize vertical videos directly from your phone. For advanced editing, you can use its desktop version, which provides an intuitive interface and complete control over video editing.
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