Vertical videos are dominating the digital landscape—from Instagram Stories and Reels to TikTok and YouTube Shorts. As a creator, you already know that vertical videos are essential for engaging with your audience in a mobile-first world. But let’s be real—crafting them isn’t just about turning your phone sideways. It’s a whole new creative challenge.
We’re here to guide you through these challenges and help you produce content that doesn’t just stand out but truly captivates. In this post, we’ll break down the most common pain points you might face when making vertical videos and provide you with practical solutions to overcome them. Plus, we’ll introduce you to Creative Market as your go-to resource for high-quality Vertical Stock Videos that can elevate your content with minimal effort.
1. Nailing the Vertical Composition
The Challenge:
Vertical composition can be a tricky beast. In a narrower frame, it’s easy to end up with awkward shots, cut-off subjects, or wasted space. If you’re used to horizontal videos, this adjustment might feel like a whole new ballgame.
The Solution:
To conquer vertical composition, embrace the rule of thirds. Picture your frame divided into nine equal parts by two vertical and two horizontal lines. Position your key elements—whether it’s a subject’s eyes or a focal object—along these lines or at their intersections. Vertical videos excel at close-ups and portraits, so use that tight frame to your advantage.
2. Lighting for the Vertical Frame
The Challenge:
Lighting can become an unexpected hurdle when shooting vertical videos. Your usual setup might not evenly illuminate the entire frame, leading to shadowy corners or poorly lit subjects.
The Solution:
Opt for even, diffused lighting that covers the full vertical frame. Softboxes and ring lights are your best friends here, providing consistent light without harsh shadows. Make sure to adjust your lighting to evenly cover both the top and bottom of the frame, not just the middle.
3. Editing Vertical Videos: Making the Most of a Narrow Canvas
The Challenge:
Editing vertical videos requires a shift in perspective. The smaller, narrower canvas can make arranging elements, adding text, or incorporating effects a bit more complex.
The Solution:
Always keep the end platform in mind when editing. Whether it’s Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts, think about how your video will look on a mobile screen. Use vertical-specific editing tools or presets in your software to scale and position elements correctly. Keep your text minimal and strategic, placing it where it won’t obstruct key visuals.
4. Capturing and Syncing High-Quality Audio For Vertical Videos
The Challenge:
Audio is just as important as visuals, but capturing clear, high-quality sound in a vertical format can be a challenge—especially if you’re relying on your smartphone’s built-in mic. Background noise or muffled audio can easily compromise your content.
The Solution:
Invest in a quality external microphone compatible with your device. Lavalier mics are great for dialogue, while shotgun mics help reduce unwanted background noise. When editing, ensure your audio is synced precisely, and consider layering in background music or sound effects to enhance your production.
5. Consistency Across Multiple Platforms
The Challenge:
Creating vertical videos that perform well across different platforms can feel overwhelming. Each platform has its own specifications and audience expectations, making it tough to keep your content consistent.
The Solution:
Start with a clear content strategy tailored to each platform. Understand what works on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts, and customize your videos accordingly. For example, TikTok favors short, engaging clips with creative effects, while Instagram might call for more polished visuals.
6. Beating the Clock: Creating Quality Vertical Videos Quickly
The Challenge:
Time is always of the essence. The pressure to produce high-quality content quickly can lead to stress, rushed edits, and ultimately, subpar videos.
The Solution:
Batch your content creation process. Plan your shoots, edits, and uploads in one go so you can focus on quality without feeling rushed. Create templates for your videos—intros, outros, branding elements—to streamline the editing process.
7. Overcoming Creative Fatigue
The Challenge:
Even the most creative minds hit a wall sometimes. Creative fatigue can lead to repetitive content that doesn’t capture your audience’s attention.
The Solution:
Switch up your content strategy by experimenting with different formats, styles, and themes. Collaborate with other creators to inject fresh perspectives into your work. And don’t forget to take breaks—sometimes, stepping away is the best way to reignite your creativity.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Vertical Video Game
Vertical videos are a powerful tool in today’s content landscape, and mastering them is essential for any creator looking to engage and grow their audience. By addressing these common challenges head-on, you can produce content that not only stands out but truly resonates.
So dive into the vertical world, tackle these challenges with confidence, and let your creativity soar.