How to change video aspect ratio

Do you need to change the size of a video? Here's our guide for how to change video aspect ratios.

Navigating the world of digital media can often feel like a daunting task, especially when it comes to video production. Among the numerous factors to consider, one of the most critical is aspect ratio, a component that heavily influences how your content will be displayed and perceived across various platforms.

This guide will demystify the concept of video aspect ratios, explain why and when you might want to change them, and provide a straightforward tutorial on how to alter your videos' aspect ratio using Speechify Video Studio.

What are some different aspect ratios?

Aspect ratios describe the width of a video in relation to its height. They are typically written as two numbers separated by a colon (4:3, 16:9, etc.). Here are some of the most common aspect ratios used in video production:

• 4:3 - Standard Definition: This used to be the most common aspect ratio for televisions and computer monitors. Many classic films and television shows were shot in 4:3. It's less common today but is still used in some scenarios.
• 16:9 - High Definition: This is the standard aspect ratio for HDTV and is widely used for online video and modern televisions. It's also the standard aspect ratio for YouTube videos.
• 1:1 - Square: This is a common aspect ratio for images on social media platforms like Instagram. However, it's also used for videos on some social platforms.
• 9:16 - Vertical Video: This aspect ratio is used for videos on platforms like Instagram Stories, Snapchat, and TikTok. It's designed for viewing videos on smartphones in portrait orientation.
• 21:9 - Cinema/Widescreen: This is used for cinematic releases and some high-end TVs. It provides a much wider field of view than 16:9.
• 2.39:1 - Anamorphic: This is a very wide aspect ratio used in cinema for widescreen films. It provides a sweeping, panoramic video quality.

Remember, different aspect ratios can create different viewing experiences and can impact the storytelling of your video. Choose the one that best suits your content and your audience's viewing preferences.

Why would you change a video’s aspect ratio?

Changing a video's aspect ratio is often necessary for a variety of reasons, including:

• Platform compatibility: Different social media platforms and display devices use different aspect ratios. For instance, Instagram Stories and TikTok primarily use a 9:16 aspect ratio (vertical video), while Facebook covers and YouTube prefer 16:9 (widescreen). Therefore, you might need to change your video's aspect ratio to ensure it looks good on the platform where it will be shared.
• Avoiding black bars: When a video's aspect ratio doesn't match the display device, you often see black bars on the sides or at the top and bottom of the video. Changing the video's aspect ratio can help the video fill the screen and avoid these black bars.
• Creative choices: Filmmakers often choose specific aspect ratios for aesthetic or storytelling reasons. For instance, a wider aspect ratio can give a more cinematic feel, while a square or vertical aspect ratio might feel more modern and digital.
• Adapting older content: If you're working with older footage that has a 4:3 aspect ratio, you might want to change the aspect ratio to 16:9 to make it more suitable for modern screens.
• Improving view-ability: On smaller screens, like smartphones, a larger aspect ratio video might not be easily viewable. Changing the aspect ratio can help improve the viewing experience on these devices.

Remember that when changing a video's aspect ratio, it's important to consider how it will affect the composition of the frames. You might need to re-frame or crop your video to ensure important elements aren't cut off.

How to resize videos and change aspect ratio

Adjust the aspect ratio of your video with our online video editor, Speechify Video Studio, using a single click. To start, upload your video file and select a preset size from the settings—perfect for resizing your video for popular social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and others. Our video editor allows you to manipulate how your video appears on the canvas. You can stretch your video to fill the frame or ensure it automatically fits the canvas.

Here is a step-by-step tutorial to change your video aspect ratio:

Step 1: Upload or record

Upload your video to Speechify Video Studio or begin recording using our webcam feature. It's as simple as clicking record, making it easy even for beginners.

Step 2: Modify the ratio

In the settings, navigate to the size drop-down menu. Choose from popular aspect ratios suited for different platforms, such as Instagram Stories (9:16), TikTok (9:16), YouTube videos (16:9), Twitter (4:5 or 5:4), LinkedIn, Reels, and more.

Step 3: Export your video

Simply click the export button and download your output video to your device, whether it's an iPhone, Android, Mac, iPad, or any other mobile devices.

Change video aspect ratios with Speechify Video Studio

Along with resizing your video, Speechify Video Studio's video editing software enables you to rotate and crop videos in just a few clicks. Use the drag and drop feature or right-click, depending on what feels most comfortable for you. Stretch your video to eliminate any black bars and ensure a full screen view, or choose the fit to canvas option to retain the aspect ratio while changing the video size.

Our preset sizes allow for a simple, one-click change of the aspect ratio of your video. Choose sizes fit for Instagram stories, square video for Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter, in both landscape and portrait video formats. It's a game changer for content creators posting video content to various social media platforms.

Additionally, our video editor provides a comprehensive toolkit to help you create professional videos swiftly. Beyond changing the aspect ratio, enhance your video using our editing tools. Apply filters, color grading, effects, add text, subtitles, and much more. You can even make GIFs from video content or use our video converter tools to change video file formats.

Discover what you can make with Speechify Video Studio.

FAQ

How do you change aspect ratio of a video?

Upload your video to Speechify Video Studio, and select a size from the settings—it's as simple as one click. You can also choose to fill or fit your video to the canvas.

How can you convert a video to a 16:9 aspect ratio?

Right-click on your video in the timeline, select settings, and choose widescreen (16:9) from the size drop-down menu.

How can you make sure a video fits the screen?

It's easy with Speechify Video Studio. Just click on your video and select the fit to canvas option.

Can we alter the video ratio?

Absolutely. With Speechify Video Studio, change your video’s aspect ratio effortlessly. Select a size from the presets and you're good to go.