If you are trying to understand the basics of video aspect ratio, this blog is for you! We will cover what is aspect ratio, what are the most commonly used video aspect ratios, how to choose the perfect aspect ratio, best video aspect ratio for OTT and social media platforms, and a lot more! Continue reading
Did you know that videos account for over a staggering 80% of the internet traffic? That’s true!
Still, almost 90% of users stop watching a video within the first 10 seconds. So you need to capture your audience’s attention in the first 10 seconds! And selecting the best aspect ratio is a crucial aspect of achieving this objective.
Understanding the common aspect ratio standards, such as 16:9 for widescreen and 1:1 for square displays, is essential as they have adapted to changes in video consumption trends, particularly with the rise of social media and changes in display technology.
We will delve into the details of each aspect ratio, examining their applications and advantages in various streaming platforms. Furthermore, we will explore how aspect ratios contribute to maintaining visual consistency across different devices, ensuring that your content retains its intended impact, regardless of the viewing platform.
So, let’s get started!
Video aspect ratios refer to the proportional relationship between the width and height of a video frame. It represents the shape or format of the video display. Aspect ratios are expressed as a ratio of two numbers, typically separated by a colon. The first number represents the width of the video frame, while the second number represents the height.
To get the aspect ratio from a video resolution, you have to simply divide the width by the height. For instance, if the video resolution is 1920 px by 1080 px, then the aspect ratio will be 16:9.
Note that, for a single aspect ratio there can be multiple video resolutions.
I,e. for 16:9 aspect ratio, the possible resolutions are-
Etc.
Video aspect ratio is a fundamental aspect of visual storytelling, playing a crucial role in the composition and presentation of video content. Historically, aspect ratios have evolved alongside advancements in technology and changes in visual media.
In the early days of cinema, the standard aspect ratio was 4:3, known as the Academy ratio. This ratio was inherited from the aspect ratio of 35mm film stock and became the industry standard for both film and television.
However, with the rise of widescreen formats, such as CinemaScope, a new aspect ratio emerged – 2.35:1. This wider aspect ratio allowed for a more immersive cinematic experience and became popular in the film industry.
In the 1950s and 1960s, television sets started to adopt a wider aspect ratio of 16:9, known as the widescreen or HDTV (High-Definition Television) aspect ratio. This aspect ratio became the standard for high-definition content and is now widely used in modern displays and streaming platforms. Today, aspect ratios vary depending on the intended platform and purpose of the video content.
Lets now take a quick look at some of the most commonly used video aspect ratios.
The standard aspect ratio, also known as 4:3, was the traditional aspect ratio for television and computer monitors. It has a nearly square shape, with the width being four units and the height being three units.
This ratio was prevalent in older CRT televisions and earlier digital displays. It is still used in specific contexts, such as retro-themed videos or certain broadcasting formats.
Additionally, the 4:3 aspect ratio is utilized in broadcasting content for desktop monitors, catering to niche audiences interested in specialized media production.
The widescreen aspect ratio, commonly referred to as 16:9, has become the standard for high-definition video content. It offers a more cinematic widescreen viewing experience compared to the standard ratio.
With a width of 16 units and a height of nine units, this aspect ratio is widely used in television, streaming platforms, online videos, and modern displays. It provides a visually immersive experience and is compatible with most devices and screens.
The 16:9 aspect ratio is also gaining popularity in various consumer still cameras with HD video capabilities, making it a preferred format in modern photography.
The ultra-widescreen aspect ratio, often denoted as 21:9, offers an even wider and more expansive viewing experience compared to the widescreen ratio. It is commonly used in cinematic presentations and gaming monitors.
With a width of 21 units and a height of nine units, this aspect ratio provides a panoramic view and enhances the cinematic feel of videos. However, it may require special formatting and is not universally supported by all platforms and devices.
The transition to wider ratios like 21:9 in modern displays reflects the evolution from older formats to those that optimize viewing experiences on different screens.
The square aspect ratio, represented as 1:1, has equal width and height dimensions. This ratio is popularly used in social media platforms like Instagram. It is well-suited for mobile viewing and sharing and is often used to showcase products or capture attention in social media feeds.
The square format offers a balanced and symmetrical composition, allowing content creators to focus on central elements within the frame.
The square image, a classic Kodak image popularized by older film cameras, holds historical significance in medium format photography and was initially the only format allowed on Instagram.
The vertical aspect ratio, denoted as 9:16, is specifically designed for vertical or portrait-oriented videos. It is commonly used in platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, where users primarily view videos on mobile devices in a vertical orientation.
This ratio provides an optimized viewing experience for mobile users, allowing content to occupy the entire screen in portrait mode.
Additionally, the 9:16 aspect ratio is recommended for Facebook Stories to ensure videos appear correctly within the platform’s interface.
While standard aspect ratios are widely used, there are instances where custom aspect ratios are necessary. Custom ratios can be tailored to specific project requirements, accommodating unique screen dimensions or creative choices.
Content creators can define the desired width and height dimensions to create a custom aspect ratio that suits their vision.
Additionally, some filmmakers creatively use various aspect ratios within the same project to enhance storytelling. For example, Wes Anderson’s film, The Grand Budapest Hotel, strategically transitions between different aspect ratios to reflect the time periods in the narrative. Aspiring filmmakers should consider varying aspect ratios in their own work to achieve a similar visual impact.
The full frame ratio refers to a 3:2 aspect ratio commonly found in photography. It is based on the dimensions of standard 35mm film frames. This aspect ratio is often used in slideshows, presentations, or videos that aim to emulate the look and feel of traditional film photography.
Panoramic aspect ratios, such as 2.35:1 or 2.39:1, are commonly used in film production to create a wide, cinematic view. These ratios provide an expansive visual experience, emphasizing sweeping landscapes or grandiose compositions.
Panoramic ratios are often associated with epic movies or high-budget productions, capturing the viewer’s attention and creating a sense of awe and immersion.
These ratios are also crucial in creating feature films, ensuring the final product meets audience expectations across various platforms.
CinemaScope aspect ratio, specifically 2.35:1 or 2.39:1, is a widescreen format that was popularized in the 1950s. It was developed to provide a wider cinematic experience compared to the standard 4:3 aspect ratio.
CinemaScope aspect ratio offers an immersive viewing experience, with a wide horizontal span that fills the audience’s field of vision. This ratio became synonymous with epic films and is still used in modern cinema to create a sense of grandeur and spectacle.
The significance of different aspect ratios lies in their ability to convey specific visual experiences and evoke different emotions. The choice of aspect ratio depends on various factors, including the intended platform, target audience, and the creative vision of the content.
When it comes to video streaming and Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms, choosing the right video aspect ratio is crucial for delivering a seamless and immersive viewing experience. Let’s explore some of the best video aspect ratios for video streaming and OTT platforms.
It offers a cinematic viewing experience and is compatible with modern high-definition displays. This aspect ratio is widely supported across different devices and platforms, making it an ideal choice for delivering content to a broad audience.
When creating your next video, selecting the appropriate aspect ratio is crucial to enhance viewer engagement and ensure high-quality production.
The square aspect ratio, with equal width and height dimensions, has gained popularity with the rise of social media platforms like Instagram.
In some cases, custom aspect ratios may be required based on specific platform requirements or creative considerations. OTT platforms often have their own guidelines for aspect ratios, and content creators may need to adapt to these requirements.
Aspect Ratio would vary greatly depending on which social media platform you choose. Popular aspect ratios for some common social media platforms are as follows:
Judging by the trend and popularity, it is safe to surmise that the most common aspect ratio for videos is 16:9. However, this does not make it the best aspect ratio.
This 16:9 aspect ratio is popular because it is the standard for high-definition televisions and is popular with video streaming platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Netflix.
The aspect ratio has a major role in determining the mood, composition, and overall impact of your video content on the audience. A few tips for choosing your aspect ratio-
Choosing the right aspect ratio enhances the viewer’s experience by ensuring the video fits the viewing screen perfectly and maintains its overall composition.
In most cases, the aspect ratio of a video is determined during recording or editing and cannot be easily changed. Altering the aspect ratio can lead to distorted visuals or cropping. However, certain video editing software or platforms may offer limited options to resize or adjust aspect ratios.
Here are some of those video editing software:
You will find all of these platforms on Google, and many of them work online. You just need to upload your video and choose your preferred aspect ratio. Rest of the work will be done by these platforms.
Foldable and Rollable Screens (Samsung, Motorola, LG): These devices dynamically shift aspect ratios from 21:9 cinematic to 4:3 or 16:9 based on folding states.
Multi-window UX in Android 14+ adapts content dynamically to various aspect ratios for improved multitasking.
32:9 Super Ultrawide Monitors (e.g., Samsung Odyssey series) are now used in gaming, finance, and creative production.
9:16 Vertical Displays are becoming standard for digital signage and portrait-format content in public spaces and social media content.
CDNs (like Cloudflare, Akamai) and streaming providers now support aspect-ratio-aware adaptive bitrate streaming.
Muvi offer APIs that deliver the optimal aspect ratio based on device and screen type automatically.
Dominance of 9:16 continues for platforms like TikTok, Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
Auto-adaptive video templates adjust to preferred platform aspect ratios using AI templates (CapCut, Canva Video, Adobe Express).
Understanding video aspect ratios is one of the basics to nail before you make your video content and stream those over various platforms. And you should choose one based on the type of videos, audience, as well as which platforms it can be shared on later, you should opt for a video aspect ratio.
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Common video aspect ratios include 16:9 (widescreen), 4:3 (standard), and 1:1 (square). Other ratios like 21:9 (ultrawide) and 9:16 (vertical) are also used for specific purposes like cinematic or mobile content.
Aspect ratio affects the viewing experience by shaping the video’s visual composition. Wider ratios enhance the sense of immersion, while narrower ratios may feel more traditional. The chosen aspect ratio should complement the content and display device to optimize the viewing experience.
Aspect ratio doesn’t directly impact video quality. The quality depends on factors like resolution, compression, and encoding. However, incorrectly handled aspect ratio changes can affect the perceived quality, causing distortion or loss of details.
Different platforms often have recommended aspect ratio standards to ensure optimal viewing and compatibility. For example, YouTube favors 16:9, Instagram prefers square (1:1) or vertical (9:16), and cinema screens typically use wider ratios like 2.39:1. Adhering to platform standards helps in delivering the best viewing experience.
Yes, 1920×1080 represents a 16:9 aspect ratio.
Yes, 1080×1920 represents a 9×16 aspect ratio.
Written by: Debarpita Banerjee
Debarpita is a Content Writer with Muvi. With around 2 years of experience in content creation, she has worked across industries like SaaS, EdTech, eLearning, AR-VR, and Metaverse. She believes in delivering content that can be of some value to the readers. In her free time, she likes to try her hand at website and app development.
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