Difference Between 9:16 and 16:9 Video Formats

The aspect ratio describes the proportions between the width and height of a video’s resolution. Instead of using the exact resolution in pixels, we can group these values using their aspect ratios.

This way, we can standardize how to categorize displays and video resolutions across various platforms. This also makes it easier for creators to resize videos and optimise content for different social media platforms.

Back then, the 16:9 aspect ratio used to be the most popular format. Creators didn’t have to change the video aspect ratio back and forth. This is because people didn’t use mobile devices just as much. They relied on monitors and TVs to engage with social media, sticking mostly to Facebook and older YouTube.

That said, times have changed and people browse social media more on mobile devices. Because of this, the 9:16 aspect ratio has become a standard. This is especially true for mobile-friendly platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts.

Resizing videos for different social media platforms is important for content creators nowadays. This is especially true if you’re working with regular YouTube, YouTube Shorts, TikTok and Instagram. When you understand each platform's aspect ratio requirements, you can make them look good anywhere you post.

Converting 9:16 to 16:9 Video in Content Creation

Resizing videos into different aspect ratio formats is important for content creators. Whenever you post the same piece on TikTok, Instagram or YouTube, you need to make sure the video fits without those annoying black bars.

When you resize and optimise your videos this way, your videos will look consistent and professional. People will prefer watching your content and this will boost engagement. Ultimately getting you more views, subscribers and opportunities for monetisation.

Challenges When Resizing the Ratio of a Video

That said, resizing videos online from one aspect ratio to another can be challenging. You can run into issues with scaling, cropping and maintaining video quality. Some videos can pixelate when you convert 9:16 to 16:9. Meanwhile, important visual elements can get cropped out and look messy.

With cropping and trimming errors, an actor, object or landscape shot might be too wide or too narrow to fit correctly. To fix this, you’ll have to go in manually and adjust each frame to make. Sometimes, things will be too wide and out of frame. Eventually, you’ll have to zoom out a bit or discard the project entirely.

Being Creative With Resizing Videos

But this mostly depends on the type of content and how it’s shot. So if you plan and record your videos to resize better on Instagram, you’ll run into fewer issues down the line.

On top of that, you can use several creative techniques to make things consistent in each aspect ratio format. You can, for instance, do things like:

• Blur backgrounds so they don’t look too distracting or out of place.
• Split screens vertically or horizontally. This way, you can add text or other elements to block out the black bars and keep things engaging.
• Add filler visuals instead of the black bars. This way, you can boost retention for most dialogue-heavy pieces.

How to Convert 9:16 to 16:9 VideoConverting videos to fit your preferred social media platform is pretty straightforward. You only need to find the right tool for the job and make sure everything is clean and consistent.With LiveLink, converting the aspect ratio from 9:16 to 16:9 is pretty straightforward. You only have to do things like:

• Upload or link your video to LiveLink
• Pick the aspect ratio you prefer
• Let LiveLink’s AI clip and crop videos automatically using it’s AI
• Review the AI edits and make any manual changes if you need
• Download or publish the video on YouTube, Instagram or TikTok.