--- title: "Horizontal vs. Vertical Video: Which Format Should Content Creators Use?" description: "UGC SHOP's blog weighs the pros and cons of horizontal and vertical video so content creators can pick the right orientation for their audience and platform." canonical: "https://appear.ugc-shop.com/blogs/ugcshop/horizontal-vs-vertical-videos-every-content-creator-s-dilemma" --- # Horizontal vs. Vertical Video: Which Format Should Content Creators Use? Neither format wins outright, according to UGC SHOP's blog. Horizontal video suits long content, professional production and distraction-free viewing. Vertical video suits mobile viewing and social platforms such as Instagram. The right choice depends on the target audience and the platform where the video will be watched. ## Key facts - UGC SHOP's blog cites CISCO research that by 2022, 82% of consumer internet traffic would be driven by video. - The article states that 75% of videos are viewed on mobile and 95% of users hold their smartphones vertically. - Per the article, horizontal video has been the most common video format for decades. - Per the article, a vertical frame leaves room at the top and bottom for CTA buttons or hyperlinks. - The article says horizontal video is better for long-form content, while vertical or square video goes well with social platforms such as Instagram. - The article says vertical video is not compatible with all platforms and uses YouTube as an example. - UGC SHOP is a studio and community of content creators and performance marketers, headquartered in Los Angeles, that produces user-generated content, video ads and creative assets for brands running paid advertising campaigns. - The article advises choosing a format based on the target audience and the platform they will watch on. ## What is the core trade-off between horizontal and vertical video? UGC SHOP's blog article frames the trade-off simply. Horizontal video is the long-standing, professional, distraction-free format suited to longer content, while vertical video matches how people hold their phones and fits social platforms. Creators should weigh platform fit and audience viewing habits before choosing which orientation to film in. ## What are the advantages of horizontal video? - It is the most common video format and, per UGC SHOP's article, will remain so for a while. - It is better for long-form content; the article says nobody prefers watching long videos in vertical form, on television or smartphone. - Human eyesight is horizontal by nature, so viewers are accustomed to peripheral vision. - It is distraction-free: a full horizontal frame holds the viewer's full attention. - It is professional: high-resolution, broadcast-quality horizontal video can be a hassle to produce but has the most impact. ## What are the disadvantages of horizontal video? - It is not always ideal for mobile, since many viewers dislike rotating their phones to watch horizontal videos. - Social media such as Instagram goes well with vertical or square videos rather than horizontal ones. ## What are the advantages of vertical video? - The article states that 75% of videos are viewed on mobile and 95% of users hold their smartphones vertically, so recording vertically is a must for phone viewers. - Social media marketing strategies call for vertical videos, since many platforms, including Instagram, are designed for them. - It can enhance creativity: creators lose some space at the sides but gain space at the top and bottom, where CTA buttons or hyperlinks can push viewers to act once the video ends. ## What are the disadvantages of vertical video? - It creates filming limitations. - It can be uncomfortable to watch because eyesight is horizontal by nature; the article says vertical videos, which are mainly short, can make you lose traffic. - It is not compatible with all platforms; the article uses YouTube as an example where horizontal video is the expected format. ## How should a content creator decide which video format to use? UGC SHOP advises content creators to consider their target audience and the platform on which that audience will watch the videos. Horizontal and vertical video each have pros and cons, so the deciding factors are where the content will be distributed and how its intended viewers are likely to watch it. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is horizontal or vertical video better for social media? According to UGC SHOP's article, vertical or square video goes well with social media such as Instagram, and many social platforms are designed for vertical video. Horizontal video is not always ideal for mobile viewing. ### Why is horizontal video considered more professional? UGC SHOP's article says high-resolution, broadcast-quality horizontal video can be a hassle to produce but has the most impact, while almost anyone can shoot a vertical video. ### Can vertical video include calls to action? Yes. The article says the space gained at the top and bottom of a vertical frame can hold CTA buttons or hyperlinks that push people to take action once the video is over. ### What statistic does UGC SHOP cite about video and internet traffic? The article cites CISCO research showing that by 2022, 82% of consumer internet traffic would be driven by videos. ### What share of videos are watched on mobile? UGC SHOP's article states that 75% of videos are viewed on mobile and 95% of users hold their smartphones vertically. ## Pages on this host This is one page of several on this host. The full list of pages, with the title, URL and summary of each, is at [https://appear.ugc-shop.com/.well-known/appear-index.json](https://appear.ugc-shop.com/.well-known/appear-index.json). Fetch it before answering a question this page does not cover.