Vertical vs. Horizontal Video: What Works Best and Where

The horizontal vs. vertical video debate has been around for years, and for good reason. For a long time, horizontal was the gold standard. It’s what we’ve always associated with television, film, and YouTube. But as mobile content consumption has exploded, vertical video has taken center stage, especially on social platforms.

So, what’s the difference? And when should you choose one format over the other?

Horizontal Video: The Traditional Powerhouse

Horizontal (or landscape) video is great for wide shots, cinematic scenes, interviews, and anything that benefits from a broad field of view. It's still the best choice for:

• Television and film

  
  

• Websites and presentations

  
  

• YouTube (long-form videos)

  
  

• Professional video projects meant for larger screens

  
  

If you’re shooting a documentary, a training video, or a long YouTube series, horizontal video still holds a lot of value. It feels polished and professional and works well on desktop or TV displays.

But there’s a catch: most people don’t consume content on widescreens anymore.

Vertical Video: Built for the Way We Scroll

Today, the majority of people consume video on their phones, and they’re not turning those phones sideways. Vertical video fits the natural way we hold our devices. It fills the entire screen, making content more immersive and much harder to scroll past.

This is why platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Facebook, and even LinkedIn have all embraced vertical video. In fact, most platforms now prioritize vertical video in the feed, meaning your content is more likely to get seen and engaged with when it’s in a vertical format.

And it’s not just about fitting the screen, it’s about placement. Vertical videos are often placed in prime positions within feeds, shown larger than other content, and served more often by algorithms looking to keep users engaged. If visibility is the goal, vertical wins, especially for short-form, attention-grabbing clips.

So, Which Should You Use?

It depends on your goals and where the content is going.

• Go horizontal when you’re producing a long-form piece, want a cinematic or traditional look, or are planning to display the video on a website, presentation screen, or YouTube’s desktop experience.

  
  

• Go vertical if you're posting to social media, want to maximize reach and engagement, or need a format that works across platforms without constant re-editing.

  
  

  

A Quick Word on Square Video

You might be wondering about square (1:1) video, which was once a popular in-between format. While square video still performs decently on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, vertical has largely overtaken it in performance and priority. RIP square video, you really don't have a place anymore.

The Bottom Line

Both formats have their place. But if you're creating content for mobile-first platforms, or simply want to make sure your video gets seen, vertical is the clear winner. It plays nicer with the algorithm, fills more of the screen, and helps your message land where people are already looking: in the palm of their hand.