The world of video content is in constant flux, isn’t it? As we head into 2025, one thing’s crystal clear: short-form, vertical video is king. Think about it – you’re scrolling through TikTok, Instagram Reels, even YouTube Shorts, and what do you see? A never-ending stream of vertically oriented content. This tidal wave of verticality is changing how viewers consume video, and as YouTube creators, we need to adapt.

Have you been wondering, “Can I really upload vertical videos to YouTube and make them work?” The answer is a resounding yes, but with a few key tweaks. In this article, I’m going to walk you through the ins and outs of vertical video on YouTube, and give you three actionable fixes you can implement today to make your vertical content shine. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Vertical Video

So, what exactly is vertical video? Simply put, it’s video shot in a 9:16 aspect ratio, optimized for viewing on mobile devices. Remember the days when holding your phone sideways to watch a video was the norm? Those days are fading fast.

The rise of vertical video is directly tied to our mobile-first world. We’re constantly on our phones, consuming content on the go. Vertical video fits perfectly into this lifestyle, allowing us to watch without having to rotate our screens. It’s convenient, immediate, and incredibly engaging.

• The Numbers Speak Volumes: According to Statista, mobile video consumption accounts for over 75% of all online video viewing. And a recent report from HubSpot revealed that vertical videos have a 90% higher completion rate compared to horizontal videos. Those are numbers you can’t ignore!

YouTube has acknowledged this shift in viewer behavior. While they initially focused on traditional landscape videos, they’ve since embraced vertical content, most notably with the introduction of YouTube Shorts. This shows that YouTube is not only aware of the vertical video trend but is actively investing in it.

The Current State of Vertical Video on YouTube

Okay, let’s get down to brass tacks. How does YouTube actually handle vertical videos?

The truth is, YouTube’s support for vertical videos is a bit of a mixed bag outside of YouTube Shorts. Standard YouTube videos uploaded in a vertical format will often appear with black bars on the sides. This isn’t ideal, as it can make your content look unprofessional and less engaging.

Vertical vs. Landscape: A Battle of Engagement?

While landscape videos still hold their own for certain types of content (think cinematic vlogs or detailed tutorials), vertical videos tend to perform better in terms of immediate engagement, especially on mobile. Why? Because they fill the entire screen, eliminating distractions and creating a more immersive viewing experience.

YouTube Shorts: The Vertical Video Haven

YouTube Shorts is where vertical video truly shines on the platform. Shorts are designed specifically for short-form, vertical content, and they’re displayed in a way that maximizes engagement. Unlike standard YouTube videos, Shorts don’t have those pesky black bars.

Success Stories:

• Look at channels like @CookingwithShereen who repurposes her longer form cooking videos into short, engaging Shorts. Her vertical content has exploded her channel’s reach and engagement.
• Another great example is @TheSketchyMoose, an animation channel that uses Shorts to showcase quick, funny animations. Their vertical format is perfectly suited for the platform, and they’ve amassed a huge following as a result.

These examples prove that vertical video, when done right, can be incredibly successful on YouTube.

Why Creators Should Consider Vertical Video

So, why should you, as a YouTube creator, care about vertical video? Here are a few compelling reasons:

• Increased Visibility: YouTube Shorts has its own dedicated shelf on the platform, giving your vertical content a higher chance of being discovered by new viewers.
• Enhanced Engagement: As I mentioned earlier, vertical videos tend to have higher completion rates, meaning viewers are more likely to watch your entire video.
• Targeting Younger Demographics: If you’re trying to reach Gen Z or Millennials, vertical video is a must. These demographics are practically glued to platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, and they’re increasingly consuming short-form content on YouTube as well.
• Monetization Opportunities: While monetization for YouTube Shorts is still evolving, YouTube is actively exploring ways to allow creators to earn revenue from their vertical content. Keep an eye out for updates on this front!

But perhaps the biggest advantage of vertical video is its ability to tell stories in a more personal and immediate way. Because it’s designed for mobile viewing, it feels more intimate and relatable. You can connect with your audience on a deeper level, fostering a stronger sense of community.

3 Fixes for Uploading Vertical Videos to YouTube

Alright, let’s get to the good stuff. Here are three actionable fixes you can implement today to make your vertical videos shine on YouTube:

Fix #1: Optimizing Video Settings

This might seem obvious, but getting your video settings right is crucial for a successful vertical upload.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Resolution: Aim for a resolution of 1080×1920. This is the standard for HD vertical video and will ensure your content looks crisp and clear on mobile devices.
2. Aspect Ratio: This is key! Make sure your video is in a 9:16 aspect ratio. This is the standard for vertical video and will prevent those annoying black bars from appearing.
3. Frame Rate: Stick to a frame rate of 24, 25, 30, or 60 frames per second (fps). Choose the frame rate that best suits your content and shooting style.
4. File Format: MP4 is your best bet. It’s widely supported by YouTube and offers a good balance between quality and file size.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid:

• Filming in Landscape and Cropping: Don’t do it! This will result in a lower-quality video and can make your content look unprofessional. Always film in vertical mode from the start.
• Ignoring Lighting and Audio: Just because it’s vertical doesn’t mean you can skimp on the basics. Good lighting and clear audio are essential for creating engaging content.
• Not Testing Your Video: Before you upload, always watch your video on a mobile device to make sure it looks good and is free of errors.

Pro-Tip: I personally use Adobe Premiere Rush for editing my vertical videos. It’s user-friendly and offers a range of features specifically designed for mobile content creation. DaVinci Resolve is also a great free alternative that I use occasionally.

It’s the platform’s dedicated short-form video format, and it’s designed specifically for mobile viewing.

How to Effectively Use YouTube Shorts:

1. Keep it Short and Sweet: Shorts are limited to 60 seconds, so make every second count. Get straight to the point and keep your content concise.
2. Grab Attention Immediately: You only have a few seconds to hook viewers, so start with a captivating visual or a compelling question.
3. Use Engaging Visuals: Shorts are all about visuals, so make sure your content is visually appealing. Use bright colors, interesting graphics, and dynamic editing techniques.
4. Add Music and Sound Effects: Music and sound effects can add a lot of energy and excitement to your Shorts. Use them to enhance the viewing experience and keep viewers engaged. YouTube provides a whole library of royalty free music and sound effects to use.
5. Use Text Overlays and Captions: Text overlays and captions can help viewers understand your content, especially if they’re watching with the sound off. I always include captions on mine to make it accessible for everyone.
6. Use the #Shorts Hashtag: This is crucial! Adding the #Shorts hashtag to your video title and description will help YouTube identify your content as a Short and make it more likely to be discovered by new viewers.

Integrating Shorts into Your Content Strategy:

• Tease Longer Videos: Use Shorts to promote your longer-form content. Create a short clip that highlights the best moments of your video and encourages viewers to watch the full version.
• Share Behind-the-Scenes Content: Give viewers a glimpse into your creative process with behind-the-scenes Shorts. This can help you build a stronger connection with your audience.
• Create Tutorials and How-Tos: Shorts are a great way to share quick tutorials and how-to tips. Break down complex topics into bite-sized pieces that are easy to understand.
• Run Challenges and Trends: Participate in popular challenges and trends to reach a wider audience. This can help you gain visibility and attract new subscribers.

Pro-Tip: I’ve found that posting Shorts consistently is key to seeing results. Aim to post at least one Short per day, and experiment with different types of content to see what resonates best with your audience.

Fix #3: Engaging with Your Audience through Vertical Content

Creating great vertical content is only half the battle. You also need to engage with your audience to build a loyal following.

Strategies for Driving Audience Interaction:

1. Ask Questions: Encourage viewers to leave comments by asking questions related to your content. This can spark conversations and create a sense of community.
2. Respond to Comments: Take the time to respond to comments, even if it’s just a quick “thank you.” This shows viewers that you value their feedback and are engaged with your audience.
3. Run Polls and Quizzes: Polls and quizzes are a fun way to engage with your audience and get their feedback. Use them to gather insights and learn more about your viewers’ preferences.
4. Host Live Streams: Live streams are a great way to connect with your audience in real-time. Answer questions, share updates, and interact with viewers in a more personal way.
5. Create a Call to Action: Tell viewers what you want them to do next. Encourage them to subscribe to your channel, watch another video, or leave a comment.

Best Practices for Calls to Action:

• Be Clear and Concise: Make sure your call to action is easy to understand and doesn’t leave viewers guessing.
• Make it Relevant: Your call to action should be related to the content of your video.
• Use Visual Cues: Use visual cues, such as text overlays or animations, to draw attention to your call to action.
• Test Different Calls to Action: Experiment with different calls to action to see what works best for your audience.

Pro-Tip: I’ve found that creating a strong sense of community is essential for building a loyal following. Encourage viewers to interact with each other, and create a space where everyone feels welcome and valued.

Conclusion

The rise of vertical video is undeniable, and as YouTube creators, we need to adapt to this evolving landscape. By optimizing your video settings, leveraging YouTube Shorts, and engaging with your audience, you can create vertical content that shines on the platform.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different formats and styles to see what works best for you. The key is to be creative, authentic, and consistent. Embrace vertical video as a viable format within your content arsenal, and you’ll be well-positioned for success in 2025 and beyond.

So, what are you waiting for? Start experimenting with vertical video today and see how it can transform your YouTube channel! I’m excited to see what you create!

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