What is Aspect Ratio?

Aspect ratio is the width-to-height proportion of video (9:16, 16:9, 1:1). Learn which aspect ratios each social media platform requires.

  • Video Formats & Codecs
  • 3 related terms
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Definition

Aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between a video's width and height, expressed as two numbers separated by a colon (e.g., 16:9 for landscape, 9:16 for vertical, 1:1 for square).

Aspect Ratio explained

Aspect ratio determines how video content fills the screen on different devices and platforms. The three most common aspect ratios in social media video are: 9:16 (vertical, 1080x1920px) for TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels; 16:9 (landscape, 1920x1080px) for YouTube, courses, and presentations; and 1:1 (square, 1080x1080px) for Instagram feed and LinkedIn. Choosing the correct aspect ratio for each platform is critical because mismatched ratios result in letterboxing (black bars) that reduces visual impact and algorithmic reach. BlitzReels supports all major aspect ratios with platform-specific presets, safe zone overlays, and automatic reframing when converting between formats.

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BlitzReels provides the tools and automation to put these concepts into practice.

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