Let’s be real: flipping your phone to watch a horizontal video while you’re scrolling just isn’t it. You’re relaxed, scrolling through your feed with one hand, and suddenly you have to rotate your screen—it’s a small thing, but it’s kind of annoying, right?

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That’s why vertical video has become the way to watch and create content. It fits perfectly into how we actually use our phones—quick, seamless, and no flipping required. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts have made vertical videos the norm, and honestly, it just makes sense. Think about it: everyone’s scrolling through these platforms. Vertical videos fit naturally into our daily habits, offering a full-screen, no-rotation-needed experience that feels effortless and immersive.

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And that’s exactly why brands, creators, and marketers are making vertical video the center of their strategies. They’re easy to watch, feel personal, and keep us hooked while we scroll.

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But here’s the thing: creating vertical videos is just one part of the puzzle. You also need a way to display them that feels just as effortless. That’s where Clipara comes in. It’s an incredibly simple tool that lets you embed vertical video carousels and grids right on your website. Think of it like bringing a little bit of Instagram or TikTok to your own platform.

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Check out this example of a vertical video carousel in action:

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See how smooth that looks? Whether you’re sharing customer stories, product highlights, or UGC, Clipara makes it easy to create an engaging video experience that matches your brand.

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Now, let’s dive deeper into the world of vertical video. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from why vertical video matters to how you can master it for your business or personal brand.

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What is Vertical Video?

Vertical video is exactly what it sounds like—taller than it is wide. Unlike the widescreen, horizontal format we’re used to (think TVs or YouTube on desktop), vertical video is rotated 90 degrees and presented in a portrait orientation. It’s made to fit naturally on mobile devices, matching the way we hold our phones upright most of the time.

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Essentially, instead of forcing viewers to turn their phones sideways or squint at a shrunken horizontal video, vertical videos take full advantage of the screen, offering a seamless and immersive experience.

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Key Characteristics of Vertical Video

• Mobile-first Design: Vertical videos fill the entire phone screen when viewed upright, delivering a full-screen experience.
• Effortless Creation: Simply hold your phone upright and start recording—no extra steps required.
• Social Media Default: Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Stories, and YouTube Shorts thrive on vertical videos, making them the go-to format for creators.

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How is Vertical Video Different From Landscape?

Here is a visual comparison of vertical video vs. horizontal video:

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Why Does Vertical Video Matter?

With over 75% of video content watched on mobile devices, creating content tailored for these screens isn’t just smart—it’s essential. Unlike horizontal videos, which often leave black bars or require rotation, vertical videos offer a fully optimised, immersive experience that resonates with modern viewers.

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Why is Vertical Video So Popular?

Vertical video isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a response to how we live and interact with technology. Here’s why it’s everywhere:

1. Designed for Mobile-First Audiences
2. Did you know that 94% of people hold their phones vertically? Whether scrolling Instagram, watching TikTok, or reading an email, we rarely flip our phones. Vertical video fits this behavior perfectly, delivering a full-screen experience that’s hard to ignore.
3. Social Media Algorithms Love It
4. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat are built around vertical content. Why? Because it’s what users engage with most. Social media algorithms favor vertical videos, prioritising them in feeds and boosting their visibility. This means your vertical content isn’t just fitting the format; it’s getting noticed by more people.
5. It’s Engaging
6. Vertical video grabs attention because it fills the entire screen. No distractions. No split focus. It creates an immersive experience, which keeps users watching longer. Studies show vertical video gets 130% higher engagement than horizontal content on social media.
7. Better Ad Performance
8. Full-screen vertical ads are hard to skip—and even harder to forget. Viewers are 13 times more likely to remember a vertical video ad than a horizontal one.
9. It Drives Conversions Through UGC
10. User-generated content (UGC) and vertical video are a match made in marketing heaven. By leveraging the relatable, authentic appeal of UGC in a vertical format, brands can create a direct connection with their audience while boosting trust and conversions.
    
    👉 For a deeper dive into why UGC is essential for modern marketing success, check out our guide on The Importance of UGC for Conversion.

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Vertical Video Dimensions: The Ultimate Guide

Creating vertical videos starts with getting the dimensions right. Each platform has its quirks, so here’s your cheat sheet:

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Pro Tip: Stick with the 9:16 ratio for compatibility across all platforms. If your content looks good on TikTok, it’ll shine everywhere else too.

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Platform-Specific Tips and Examples

• TikTok: Focus on quick, engaging content that captures attention immediately. Example: A 15-second TikTok showcasing a fun product feature with trending music.
• Instagram Reels: Use high-quality visuals and incorporate popular hashtags to increase discoverability. Example: An Instagram Reel featuring a tutorial on using a new product, paired with relevant hashtags.
• YouTube Shorts: Repurpose existing content by editing it into vertical format for additional reach. Example: A vertical version of a YouTube video highlighting key product benefits.
• Snapchat Stories: Utilise interactive features like polls and questions to engage viewers. Example: A Snapchat Story with a product launch, including a poll asking viewers which color they prefer.
• Facebook Stories: Keep it concise and visually appealing to maintain viewer interest. Example: A 20-second Facebook Story ad promoting a flash sale with eye-catching graphics.

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Benefits of Vertical Video

Why should you jump on the vertical video bandwagon? Here are the top perks:

• Full-screen Immersion
• Vertical video takes up the entire screen, eliminating distractions and keeping users focused on your content. This immersive experience ensures that your message is delivered effectively without any visual interruptions.
• Example: A full-screen vertical video on Instagram Reels showcasing a step-by-step makeup tutorial keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.
• Higher Engagement Rates
• Users are more likely to watch, like, share, and comment on vertical videos compared to horizontal ones. The format feels more personal and relatable, which naturally drives higher interaction rates.
• Example: A TikTok challenge encouraging users to showcase their skills in a vertical video format results in a surge of user participation and engagement.
• Platform Support
• Social media platforms favor vertical formats in their algorithms, meaning your content is more likely to appear in users’ feeds and reach a broader audience. This increased visibility can significantly boost your brand’s online presence.
• Example: An Instagram Reel using the vertical format receives higher placement in the Explore tab, attracting more views and followers.
• Budget-friendly
• Short-form vertical videos are quick and cost-effective to produce. You don’t need high-end equipment or extensive editing to create impactful vertical content. This makes it accessible for businesses of all sizes to leverage video marketing without breaking the bank.
• Example: A small business owner creates a vertical video using their smartphone to showcase a new product launch, saving time and resources while still achieving high engagement.

Where and How to Use Vertical Video

Vertical video is incredibly versatile. Whether you’re engaging audiences on social media or adding dynamic elements to your website, here’s where vertical videos shine the most:

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Social Media

Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Stories, and YouTube Shorts are built for vertical video. They offer unique opportunities to reach a broad audience with engaging, bite-sized content.

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TikTok: Ideal for viral challenges, dance trends, and creative storytelling.

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Instagram Stories/Reels: Perfect for behind-the-scenes content, quick tutorials, and product sneak peaks and a lot more.

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YouTube Shorts: Great for repurposing existing content or creating quick, impactful videos. They’re especially effective for tutorials, teasers, or even humor-driven clips.

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Websites

Vertical videos can also find a home on your website, enhancing user experience and encouraging visitors to stay engaged longer.

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Use tools like Clipara to embed vertical video carousels, testimonials, or product demos that feel on-brand and responsive. Vertical videos on your website can enhance user experience, keep visitors engaged, and drive conversions.

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Customer Testimonials: Showcase authentic customer stories in a sleek vertical carousel that feels intuitive and modern.

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Vertical videos are also perfect for showcasing product demos, unboxings, or even an artist’s portfolio. Whether it’s a sleek carousel for e-commerce or a gallery for creators, tools like Clipara ensure everything works seamlessly across devices.

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Ads

Platforms like Instagram Stories see better ad performance with vertical video. Full-screen vertical ads capture attention more effectively, leading to higher engagement and conversion rates. Utilise vertical video to promote special offers or new products seamlessly within users’ feeds.

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Email Campaigns

Include short vertical clips in your email campaigns to grab attention and drive clicks. Videos can increase email engagement rates by making your messages more dynamic and visually appealing. Embed a vertical video showcasing a new product or a limited-time offer.

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Tips for Creating the Perfect Vertical Video

Ready to create your own vertical video? Keep these tips in mind:

1. Hook Viewers Instantly
2. Capture attention in the first 3 seconds with bold visuals or an intriguing hook. The beginning of your video should immediately engage the viewer to prevent them from scrolling past.
3. Example: Start with a striking image or a captivating question to draw viewers in right away.
4. Stay Concise
5. Aim for 15 to 60 seconds—shorter videos perform better by maintaining viewer interest without overwhelming them.
6. Example: A 30-second vertical video highlighting the top three features of a new product keeps the message clear and engaging.
7. Add Captions
8. Most people watch videos without sound, so including captions or on-screen text ensures your message is accessible and understood even on mute.
9. Example: A vertical tutorial video with step-by-step text overlays makes it easy for viewers to follow along without sound.
10. Prioritise Quality
11. Crisp visuals and clear messaging make all the difference. Use good lighting and ensure your content is visually appealing to maintain professionalism and viewer interest.
12. Example: A well-lit vertical video showcasing a product in use looks more professional and trustworthy.
13. Be Authentic
14. Raw, relatable content often outperforms overproduced videos. Show your brand’s personality and connect with your audience on a personal level.
15. Example: A behind-the-scenes vertical video featuring team members adds a human touch to your brand.
16. Tell a Story
17. Even in a short clip, make sure there’s a beginning, middle, and end. A compelling narrative keeps viewers engaged and leaves a lasting impression.
18. Example: A vertical video that starts with a problem, showcases a solution, and ends with a call-to-action effectively communicates your message.

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How Clipara Makes Vertical Video Even Better

Here’s where Clipara steps in to help you showcase vertical videos seamlessly on your website.

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Dynamic Video Embeds:

Easily add vertical video carousels or grids to your site with no coding required. Clipara’s intuitive interface allows you to organise your videos in a visually appealing layout that matches your brand’s aesthetics.

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Example: Embed a vertical carousel on your homepage that automatically rotates through customer testimonials, enhancing trust and engagement, just like how Ombe added a sleek video carousel showing how surfers love them.

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Embedding through Clipara won’t let your videos stack awkwardly on mobile. Instead, they’ll remain smooth, fast-loading, and beautifully integrated, ensuring the greatest user experience.

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Shoppable Features:

Take it up a notch with shoppable videos that let customers add items to their carts directly from the video. This seamless integration between content and commerce drives conversions by reducing friction in the buying process.

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Example: A vertical video showcasing a fashion line with clickable tags on each item allows viewers to purchase directly from the video without navigating away. Ugly Pants added a sleek video carousel to their homepage and product pages. When viewers click a video, it transforms into a shoppable experience where they can add items to their cart directly.

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Performance-Optimised:

Clipara ensures your website remains fast and responsive while maintaining high video quality. Optimised loading times prevent user drop-off and keep your site running smoothly.

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Example: Embed multiple vertical videos without slowing down your website, ensuring a smooth user experience even with high traffic. Trip Teaser used Clipara to feature videos in their portfolio, incorporating a pop-up widget in the corner of the screen and multiple carousels on their homepage without compromising site speed.

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Customisation:

Tailor layouts to match your brand’s style effortlessly. Clipara offers customisable templates and design options, allowing you to create a cohesive look that aligns with your overall brand identity.

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Example: Customise the color scheme and layout of your video grid to match your website's branding for a unified, professional look. VideoWalla aligned their carousel's colors perfectly with their brand palette.

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Why Choose Clipara?

• Super Simple to Use: You don’t need to be a tech wizard. Clipara makes adding vertical videos to your site super simple—just a few clicks, and you’re good to go!
• Built for Growth: Whether you’re embedding one video or a whole collection, Clipara keeps your site running smoothly without slowing things down.
• On-Brand and Beautiful: Customise everything to match your vibe. From layouts to colors, your videos will look like they were made just for your brand.
• Boost Engagement: Turn heads with cool features like shoppable videos, clickable grids, and Instagram-like carousels that make visitors want to stick around (and buy!).
• Always Have Backup: Got questions? The Clipara team is there for you, along with handy guides to help you make the most of your videos.

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Conclusion

Vertical video isn’t just a trend; it’s the new standard. By getting the dimensions right, crafting compelling content, and embedding videos effectively, you can transform your video strategy and connect with audiences where it matters most—on their phones.

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Whether you’re creating TikToks, Instagram Reels, or elevating your website with stunning video testimonials and product showcases, Clipara gives you the tools to make it happen seamlessly. The result? A modern, engaging experience that drives visibility and conversions.

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Get started with Clipara for free here.