Make vertical videos for Reels, Shorts and TikTok

Screens are wide, phones are tall. Here’s how to turn the same recording into a 9:16 video that still reads on a phone.

Steps

1. 1

   Start from your edited project

   Make your cuts first, so every format shares the same edit.

2. 2

   Switch to 9:16

   Choose 9:16 in the format buttons at the top of the editor.

3. 3

   Choose a layout

   Use a layout that gives the screen the space it needs. Camera and screen stacked often works best in vertical.

4. 4

   Move in close on the detail

   Zoom in on the part of the screen that matters, so small text is readable on a phone.

5. 5

   Add captions

   Most vertical video is watched muted. Keep captions clear of where platform buttons sit.

6. 6

   Export the MP4

   Choose Export (⌘E) and save it. Make a 16:9 version from the same project for YouTube.

Formats at a glance

16:9 for YouTube and tutorials, 9:16 for Reels, Shorts and TikTok, 1:1 for feeds, and 4:5 for portrait posts. All four come from the same project. More about formats.