Video Aspect Ratio Preview

Preview Your Video in Any Aspect Ratio

Creating content for multiple platforms? Each social media platform has its preferred aspect ratio, and what looks great on YouTube might be awkward on TikTok. This Video Aspect Ratio Preview Tool lets you instantly see how your video will appear in different formats—before you spend time editing.

Simply upload your video, select an aspect ratio, and see exactly how your content will be cropped on each platform. Drag to reposition and zoom to find the perfect frame.

Understanding Aspect Ratios in Detail

16:9 - The Landscape Standard

• Used by: YouTube, Vimeo, TV, streaming services
• Resolution: 1920×1080 (Full HD), 3840×2160 (4K), 2560×1440 (2K)
• Best for: Tutorials, vlogs, documentaries, gaming, interviews
• Why it works: Matches widescreen monitors and TVs perfectly

9:16 - Vertical/Portrait

• Used by: TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Snapchat, Pinterest
• Resolution: 1080×1920
• Best for: Short-form content, mobile-first viewing, viral content
• Why it works: Matches how people hold their phones naturally

1:1 - Square

• Used by: Instagram feed, Facebook, some Twitter posts
• Resolution: 1080×1080
• Best for: Product showcases, quotes, art, carousel posts
• Why it works: Clean, symmetrical, works in grid layouts

4:5 - Instagram Portrait

• Used by: Instagram feed (takes up 20% more screen than square)
• Resolution: 1080×1350
• Best for: Instagram feed posts where you want maximum visibility
• Why it works: Largest format Instagram feed allows, more attention-grabbing

4:3 - Classic TV

• Used by: Older content, iPads, some educational platforms
• Resolution: 1440×1080
• Best for: Retro aesthetics, presentations, legacy TV content
• Why it works: Classic feel, some audiences prefer it for talking head videos

21:9 - Cinematic Ultra-Wide

• Used by: Film, trailers, cinematic content, ultra-wide monitors
• Resolution: 2560×1080 or 3440×1440
• Best for: Film-like quality, epic visuals, letterbox effect
• Why it works: Creates dramatic, theatrical feel

Platform-Specific Requirements (2024-2025)

YouTube

• Standard: 16:9 (1920×1080 or 3840×2160)
• Shorts: 9:16 (1080×1920)
• Max file: 256 GB or 12 hours

Instagram

• Feed: 1:1, 4:5, or 16:9
• Reels: 9:16 (1080×1920)
• Stories: 9:16 (1080×1920)
• Max length: Reels up to 90 sec, Feed up to 60 min

TikTok

• Preferred: 9:16 (1080×1920)
• Max length: 10 minutes
• Safe zones: Keep text away from top 150px and bottom 400px

Facebook

• Feed: 16:9, 1:1, or 4:5
• Stories/Reels: 9:16
• Best performing: Square (1:1) gets 35% more engagement

LinkedIn

• Feed: 16:9 or 1:1
• Max length: 10 minutes (native), 30 min (Campaign Manager)

Multi-Platform Repurposing Workflow

Here's a professional workflow for creating content that works everywhere:

Step 1: Film with Cropping in Mind

Keep important action in the center third of your frame. This ensures nothing critical gets cropped when converting from 16:9 to 9:16. Never put text or faces near the edges.

Step 2: Preview Before Editing

Use this tool to check all target aspect ratios before opening your video editor. Identify problem shots early.

Step 3: Edit Your Master Version

Create your main video in 16:9 (or your primary format), knowing which parts will need adjustment for other ratios.

Step 4: Create Platform Exports

Export different versions for each platform, adjusting crop and zoom as needed.

Common Aspect Ratio Mistakes

• Ignoring safe zones: TikTok and Instagram have UI elements that cover parts of your video
• Center-only framing: Not leaving room for cropping in different directions
• Text at edges: Gets cut off when ratio changes
• Forgetting thumbnails: YouTube thumbnail is 16:9, don't upload vertical content and expect good thumbnails
• Stretching instead of cropping: Never stretch video—always crop or add bars

Using the Grid and Safe Zone Overlays

Rule of Thirds Grid

The grid divides your frame into 9 sections. Place key subjects at the intersection points for visually pleasing composition.

Safe Zone Overlay

The yellow dotted border shows the "safe zone"—content here is guaranteed to be visible on all devices and won't be covered by platform UI elements.

Resolution Quick Reference

• 16:9 HD: 1280×720
• 16:9 Full HD: 1920×1080
• 16:9 4K: 3840×2160
• 9:16 Vertical: 1080×1920
• 1:1 Square: 1080×1080
• 4:5 Portrait: 1080×1350

Privacy and Security

Your videos are completely private with our browser-based approach:

• Zero Upload: Videos never leave your device
• 100% Local: All processing happens in your browser
• No Storage: Nothing is saved or logged
• Preview Only: Original files are never modified
• No Watermarks: This is a preview tool, not an editor

Why This Matters for Content Creators

Many aspect ratio tools require uploading your video. For content creators, this means:

• Unreleased content could be exposed
• Large files take forever to upload
• Can't use offline or on slow connections

Our tool runs entirely locally—preview any video instantly without waiting for uploads.