Video content has become profoundly pervasive in recent years. Whether for social media, marketing initiatives or recreational purposes, selecting an appropriate video format is critically important. Vertical and horizontal videos are the two primary formats with unique advantages specific to each. Many people do not know that the planning phase of a video aka storyboarding differs from vertical to horizontal videos. Storyboarding is the process of arranging the shots in your video prior to filming. It combines ideation and organization, resulting in a seamless flow during the actual filming. This article aims to discuss the approach taken to storyboard vertical and horizontal videos.
What Are Vertical and Horizontal Video Formats?
Before jumping into storyboarding, let’s first understand the difference between vertical and horizontal videos.
What is Vertical Video?
Vertical video refers to videos that have a greater height than width, specifically with a 9:16 aspect ratio. It is the format of videos posted on Instagram Stories, TikTok, or Snapchat. Vertical videos are designed with mobile phones in mind since users usually hold their devices in portrait mode.
Why Choose Vertical Video?
Mobile-Friendly: It’s easy to watch without rotating your phone.
Quick and Fun: Vertical videos are great for short, engaging content.
Higher Engagement: Many social media platforms favor vertical videos, leading to more views.
What is Horizontal Video?
Horizontal video, on the other hand, is wider than it is tall, with a 16:9 aspect ratio. This format is perfect for traditional platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and most movie or TV productions. Horizontal videos are best for creating detailed, high-quality content that needs a wider view.
Why Choose Horizontal Video?
Cinematic Look: The wide format offers a movie-like feel.
More Space: You can fit more visual details into the shot.
Traditional Format: Most TV shows and films are in this format.
Why Storyboarding is Important for Both Formats
A person working on storyboards for both vertical and horizontal video formats on dual screens.
Storyboarding is important for any video, no matter the format. It helps you organize your ideas and plan the video ahead of time, which makes the filming process faster and easier.
Why Use a Storyboard?
Visualize Your Ideas: A storyboard shows you what your video will look like before filming starts.
Save Time: Planning shots in advance helps avoid mistakes on set.
Boost Creativity: A storyboard allows you to think about how to tell your story creatively.
But the way you storyboard will change depending on whether you're working with a vertical or horizontal format. Let’s see how.
Storyboarding for Vertical Videos
When you storyboard for vertical videos, you have to think about how to use the tall, narrow frame to your advantage. Here’s how to plan your shots:
1. Framing and Composition
As usual, keep your eyes open and pay attention to details, but this time, keep your focus locked in the middle. Because the frame is taller than it is wide, the main subject should be placed dead center. Given that vertical frames are preferred here, don’t paint outside the lines, and polish the edges of the frame.
Tip: Use the rule of thirds to frame your subject. This means dividing your screen into three equal parts (both vertically and horizontally) and placing important elements along these lines.
2. Text and Graphics Placement
Vertical videos have a lot of empty space at the top and bottom of the screen, so you need to be careful where you put text or graphics. Text should be placed in the center or upper part of the screen so it doesn’t get cut off or look awkward.
Tip: Avoid putting text at the bottom of the screen, as it might be hard to read on mobile devices.
3. Camera Movement and Editing
Due to the nature of vertical video, the editing and camera work must be quick and energetic. The use of slow pans is discouraged, as is the use of wide shots; close ups and tight shots are much more effective. Engaging the audience's attention through quick cuts enhances excitement.
Tip: Use quick zoom-ins or dynamic cuts to keep things moving.
4. Mobile Features and Interactions
Orientation of vertical videos is predominantly for mobile usage; hence, they often have features like swiping, tapping, or other interactive elements. If you want your audience to respond to those actions, like swiping to see more, make sure your calls to action are included in your storyboard.
Storyboarding for Horizontal Videos
Horizontal videos give you more space to work with, which means you have more flexibility in how you frame your shots. Here's how to approach storyboarding for horizontal videos:
1. Wide Framing
With horizontal video, you can capture a wider view. This is great for showcasing large scenes, like landscapes or group shots. You have more room to show detail and set the scene, making the video feel bigger.
Tip: Use the wide frame to show large backgrounds, sweeping views, or multiple people in one shot.
2. Multiple Layers and Depth
Horizontal video allows you to use the foreground, middle ground, and background to create depth. This adds interest and helps guide the viewer’s eye through the scene.
Tip: Think about how the different layers of the shot interact with each other to create a more dynamic image.
3. Smooth Transitions and Camera Movement
Horizontal videos facilitate smoother camera pans and zooms. These movements help craft a cinematic feel, guiding the viewer’s attention throughout the various elements contained in the scene.
Tip: Use slow, sweeping camera movements or wide pans to make the video feel more cinematic.
4. Text and Graphics Placement
With more space on the screen, horizontal videos give you more options for where to place text or graphics. Still, it’s important not to clutter the frame, so keep text minimal and position it where it doesn't block the action.
Tip: Use lower-thirds or place text at the top or bottom of the frame to avoid distracting from the main subject.
Key Differences in Storyboarding for Vertical vs. Horizontal Videos
While both vertical and horizontal storyboarding follow some basic principles, there are key differences to consider:
Composition and Space Usage
Vertical: Use the narrow frame effectively by keeping the subject in the center and avoiding clutter.
Horizontal: With more room to work with, you can use wide shots, multiple layers, and detailed backgrounds.
Camera Movement
Vertical: Quick cuts and tight shots work best in vertical videos.
Horizontal: Smoother, wider camera movements are better for horizontal videos.
Text and Graphics
Vertical: Text should be placed thoughtfully in the center or upper third to avoid clutter.
Horizontal: You have more room to place text, but it should still be clear and unobtrusive.
Best Tool for Storyboarding: Story-Boards AI
For those who want assistance with planning their videos, Story-Boards AI is the best one available in the market. It simplifies the organization and creation of storyboards for vertical and horizontal videos. Be it TikTok or YouTube, Story-Boards AI helps you create and manage your storyboard with multiple features.
With Story-Boards AI, you can:
Quickly create and customize storyboards for both vertical and horizontal videos.
Add detailed notes, camera angles, and text placements.
Collaborate with your team to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Conclusion
The shot list is an important aspect of planning a video, as each type of video has its own requirements. Vertical videos focus on one subject; thus, they require quick cuts and rapid pacing. In comparison, horizontal videos are broader and can include more cinematic movements. Recognizing these distinctions and having the correct equipment, for example, Story-Boards AI, will guarantee a seamless workflow, resulting in a polished product.
No matter what type of video you’re capturing next, do not underestimate the power of storyboards when it comes to determining the sequence they need to follow; pre-planning these sequences ahead of time is imperative.
