Simple Guide To Changing Video Aspect Ratio

Simple Guide To Changing Video Aspect Ratio

September 13, 2023

Video aspect ratio is a term that we often encounter in today's modern technological life. This is a factor of top concern, especially in advertising videos. So what is the aspect ratio of the video, what ratios are popular today and how does it impact? Let's look at the following article of Viewfinder Media to understand it better!

1. What is video aspect ratio?

The aspect ratio is also known as the image ratio. This is the ratio representing the width and height of a video frame. This video frame can be square or rectangular.

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Concept of aspect ratio

The video aspect ratio is usually expressed as two consecutive positive digits separated by a colon. For example, a video frame has an aspect ratio of 16:9, where 16 represents the width, and 9 represents the height of the frame. They are usually measured in pixels.

>>>> CLICK NOW: What is frame rate? Meaning and parameters of frame rate

2. The most popular video aspect ratio

Today's technology manufacturers are constantly innovating and creating more and more different video aspect ratios. This is done in order to satisfy the needs and give the customers the best experience. Here are 4 widely used aspect ratios:

2.1. Aspect Ratio 4:3 

The 4:3 video aspect ratio, also known as the standard four-three ratio, is commonly used when users watch videos through a computer. This ratio is suitable for office work or for use in standard television videos with camcorders. However, now the 4:3 aspect ratio is gradually being limited by the introduction of the 16:9 aspect ratio.

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Aspect ratio 4:3

Although the 4:3 ratio is not as popular as it used to be. But when compared to other ratios, 4:3 is still one of the most widely used ratios. This rate is still used internationally for European digital and high-definition television video.

>>>> SEE MORE: What is VFX? VFX techniques revealed

2.2. Aspect Ratio 16:10

The 16:10 ratio is one of the video aspect ratio that are often displayed in wide screens, full, clear and without the appearance of black borders on and below the screen. We often see this ratio when watching videos on large LCD and plasma televisions, computer monitors or gaming laptops.

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Aspect Ratio 16:10

2.3. Aspect Ratio 16:9

Currently, the most popular and international standard is the 16:9 video aspect ratio. The 16:9 aspect ratio allows the video to display the full screen sharply, losing the black borders and being more upgraded. Since 2009, this ratio has gradually become the standard ratio for televisions and computer monitors. It gradually replaces the 4:3 ratio and becomes the international standard format and is widely used on technology devices and screens such as phones, televisions, LED screens, advertising screens,... In addition, it is also used to standardize videos on the YouTube platform.

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Aspect ratio 16:9

2.4. Aspect Ratio 18:9

We can often see an 18:9 video aspect ratio in high-end phone products. With this screen size, it will contribute to increasing the aesthetic value and make the structure neater and more convenient. Not only that, users will be able to watch videos with the full screen in high quality and sharp when viewed at this aspect ratio.

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Aspect Ratio 18:9

3. Aspect ratio of videos on social media channels

In fact, video aspect ratio has a great influence on the effectiveness of your Marketing campaign when promoting on social media channels. When your video content is good, but the video image quality is not clear. This will give the viewer a bad experience.

Therefore, you need to choose an aspect ratio that matches the size standards of the respective social networking platform. Here are the aspect ratios of videos on some social media channels that you can refer to:

3.1. Youtube video aspect ratio

Youtube is a video social network that is too familiar to Internet users. For Youtube, the standard video aspect ratio on computers is 16:9. In case the video is not the correct size, the player will automatically resize it to fit the video and the playing device.

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Aspect ratio of videos on Youtube

In addition, when playing videos in other Youtube aspect ratios on computers such as 9:16 vertical videos, there will be padding to optimize the viewer's experience. This padding can be white or dark gray in a dark theme.

3.2. Facebook video aspect ratio

News Feed on Facebook is a place to display the posts, photos, and videos of your friends and people you follow. Currently, Facebook is the most widely used social network in the world. Therefore, the video aspect ratio in Facebook is very diverse, specifically:

  • Width: 16:9
  • Square: 1:1
  • Vertical: 4:5, 2:3
  • Portrait: 9:16
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The aspect ratio of videos on Facebook

3.3. Instagram video aspect ratio

Instagram is also one of the social networking platforms used to share videos and photos. With about 1 billion users worldwide, Instagram is an extremely effective communication channel and has the ability to drive strong engagement. Here are the standard video parameters specified by Instagram:

  • Video aspect ratio: Normally it will be 1:1
  • Video frame rate: At least 30 FPS (fps)
  • Video resolution: Minimum 720 pixels
  • Maximum file size: 650MB for videos of 10 minutes or less, and 3.6GB for videos up to 60 minutes.
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Aspect ratio of videos on Instagram platform

3.4. Video aspect ratio on tiktok

TikTok is a Chinese music video platform and social networking site. It was not until 2017 that the Tiktok platform began to launch and develop in markets outside of China. This is an application that brings personalization to the user. It allows users to record videos and edit with a large "super" music store. Therefore, you should know the video aspect ratio of TikTok so that your videos can be more attractive to viewers and easier to trend.

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The aspect ratio of the video when posted on the Tiktok platform

The aspect ratios on the Tiktok platform include:

  • 16:9 aspect ratio: This is the standard size of a TikTok video, it is compatible with many popular smartphones today.
  • 4:3 ratio: TikTok also supports users uploading videos in a 4:3 ratio format. This is the frame size that the user uploads from the video available on the phone instead of recording directly with the application.

4. Instructions to change the video aspect ratio

Two websites that help you easily change the aspect ratio of online videos for free are Online Converter and FileConverto.

4.1. Online Converter

Online Convert is a service that helps you convert multiple formats online. You can quickly change the format of many different file types and completely free through Online Converter. Here are the steps to change the video aspect ratio through this website:

  • Step 1: You proceed to access the website www.online-convert.com in the browser.
  • Step 2: You proceed to select the Video Converter ➜ Resize Video section in the All Tools section.
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Change the aspect ratio of a video quickly using the Online Converter website

  • Step 3: Log in to the Resize Video page, then you can upload the video you need to change or paste the video's link directly.
  • Step 4: In the size box, select the appropriate aspect ratio or enter an arbitrary size in the Width and Height boxes.
  • Step 5: After the aspect ratio conversion is done, you can download the video without watermark insertion.

4.2. FileConverto

In addition to the Online Converter website, you can also convert the aspect ratio of your videos simply through FileConverto. How to change the video aspect ratio as follows:

  • Step 1: You proceed to access the website www.fileconverto.com in the browser.
  • Step 2: Click on the Video Tools category and then select Change Aspect Ratio in the drop-down list.
  • Step 3: Proceed to upload the video you want to change the aspect ratio by clicking the Browse button.
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Steps to change video scale through FileConverto

  • Step 4: FileConverto will give you a choice of different aspect ratios for the video and 2 types of resizing. You proceed to select the desired scale and type of size.
  • Step 5: You choose submit Now.
  • Step 6: Proceed to download the video to your device after the scaling process is complete.

5. Difference between resolution and aspect ratio

Here is a table comparing the difference between video resolution and video aspect ratio:

Video resolution
The aspect ratio of the video
Concept
It is an index that represents the number of pixels (pixels) on the screen.
Is the ratio representing the relationship between the width and height of the video frame.
Sign
X x Y (Example: 1920 x 1080 resolution)
X:Y (Example: Aspect Ratio 16:9)
Common rates
Video resolution 4k (3840 x 2160 or 4096 x 2160)HD (1280 x 720 or 1366 x 768)Full HD (1920 x 1080)
16:9 Ratio, 4:3 Ratio, 16:10 Ratio 18:9 Ration
Characteristic
When the video has a higher resolution, the ability to display the image will be smoother, sharper and more realistic.
With videos with a larger aspect ratio, it will be able to display a full and sharp image.
Application
Resolution can be applied on TV screens, laptops, phones, ...
The aspect ratio can be applied on most TV screens, laptops, phones,...
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Compare video resolution and frame rate

6. Impact of video aspect ratio on-screen display quality

Video aspect ratio and resolution are correlated with each other. Each video will have an aspect ratio corresponding to a certain resolution. The aspect ratio of the video is always improving. The larger the ratio, the sharper and more complete the image display on the TV will be, without the appearance of black borders on the screen. This helps bring a pleasant feeling, and vivid and realistic images to viewers.

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The following is a table of aspect ratios with corresponding resolutions:​

Describe
Resolution
Aspect Ratio
Width (Pixels)
Height (Pixels)
Standard Definition (SD)
480i or 480p
4:3
640
480
High Definition (HD)
720p
16:9
1280
720
High Definition ( Full HD)
1080i or 1080p
16:9
1920
1080
Ultra High Definition (UHD) or 4K
2160p
16:9
3840
2160

The above article has provided you with information about the concept of video aspect ratio, common ratios and how to change the ratio quickly. Hope this article has brought you useful information. If you still have any questions, please contact Viewfinder Media immediately for the fastest answer!

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Founded in 2008, we specialize in producing TV shows, ad videos, TV commercials, and other types of content. We have continuously improved our services to become one of the top production houses in Vietnam. We offer our clients the perfect service and deliver the most effective creativity.

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