How-to guides · Updated
How to frame a vertical video
Short answer
In vertical video, place your eyes about a third from the top, leave a little headroom and fill the frame without cutting off the chin. Keep space above your head for a title or graphic and below your chest for captions. Look at the lens, not the screen, and keep the camera steady.
What is a good frame?
- Eyes about a third down from the top
- A small gap above your head
- Shoulders in frame
- Space for text above and captions below
- Camera at eye level
Why leave space?
Skills place text and graphics around you. Explainer adds a title above your head and captions under your chin; crowding the frame makes them overlap you.
What mistakes are common?
Holding the camera too low, framing too far away or moving the phone during takes.
Frequently asked questions
How far should I be from the camera?
Close enough to fill the frame naturally.
Should I look at the lens?
Yes. Looking at the lens creates eye contact with the viewer, so place your script or notes close to the camera.
Do I need a tripod?
A tripod or stable mount is better than a handheld phone, because steady footage looks more professional and edits more cleanly.
What if I use a laptop?
Raise it to eye level.
Can I reframe later?
A little, with cropping.
Skills mentioned on this page
Explainer
Turns a talking clip into a clear lesson with gold word-by-word captions and points on screen.
Layers
A full motion-graphics edit from one plain clip: words behind your head, plates, charts and cards.
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Keep reading
How-to guides
Safe zones for captions in vertical video
ReadHow-to guides
Export settings for vertical video
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How to reframe horizontal video to vertical
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What is frame rate?
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