Video tips & tricks

Guide to Changing a Video's Sizes and Aspect Ratio

Guide to Changing a Video's Sizes and Aspect Ratio

Changing a video's size and aspect ratio is a crucial skill for content marketers, creators, influencers, and specialists aiming to implement new technology, streamline their work, save time, and create impactful content. Content is consumed on a variety of platforms, each with its unique requirements for video dimensions and aspect ratios. Adjusting your video to fit these standards not only enhances the viewer’s experience but also boosts engagement and reach. This article offers a comprehensive guide on how to modify video sizes and aspect ratios using free tools.

Understanding Video Aspect Ratios and Sizes

Firstly, it's important to understand what video aspect ratio and size mean. The aspect ratio is the width of the video in relation to its height. Common aspect ratios include 16:9 (standard for YouTube and most TVs), 1:1 (square, often used on Instagram), and 9:16 (vertical, popular on TikTok and Instagram Stories). Size or resolution refers to the number of pixels in each dimension that the video comprises, like 1920x1080 (Full HD).

Why Change Video Sizes and Aspect Ratios?

Platform Optimization: Different platforms favor different aspect ratios for optimal viewing.

Content Repurposing: Adjusting the size allows you to use the same content across various platforms without compromising quality.

Enhanced Engagement: Videos in the correct aspect ratio look more professional and are likely to engage viewers longer.

Free Tools for Changing Video Sizes and Aspect Ratios

1. HandBrake

  • Overview: An open-source transcoder for digital video files.
  • How to Use:
  • Download the HandBrake application.
  • Import your video file.
  • Under "Picture" settings, adjust the video aspect ratio and resolution.
  • Preview and export your video.

2. VLC Media Player

  • Overview: A media player with basic video editing features.
  • How to Use:
  • Download the VLC application.
  • Import your video.
  • Go to "Media" and select "Convert/Save."
  • Under "Settings," adjust the video aspect ratio and size.
  • Convert and save the edited video.

3. Shotcut

  • Overview: An open-source, cross-platform video editor.
  • How to Use:
  • Download the Shotcut application.
  • Import your video.
  • Under "Video" settings, choose your desired aspect ratio and resolution.
  • Export the final version.

4. Kapwing

  • Overview: An online video editing tool that allows you to change video dimensions.
  • How to Use:
  • Go to Kapwing's website.
  • Upload your video.
  • Choose the desired video aspect ratio and resize accordingly.
  • Export and download the edited video.

5. Clideo

  • Overview: An online tool that provides a simple way to resize videos.
  • How to Use:
  • Go to Clideo’s website.
  • Upload your video.
  • Select the required video aspect ratio.
  • Resize and download your video.

Tips for Effective Video Resizing

Maintain Quality: Always aim for the highest possible resolution without compromising on file size.

Keep Original Proportions: Avoid stretching the video to fit a new aspect ratio, as this can distort the content.

Preview Before Exporting: Always preview your video after resizing to ensure it looks right.

Understand Platform Requirements: Be aware of the specific requirements of the platform you are targeting.

Optimize File Size: Compress the video if necessary to ensure it meets platform upload limits.

Changing video sizes and aspect ratios is a fundamental task for content creators. By utilizing these free tools, you can ensure that your videos are perfectly tailored for each platform, thereby maximizing engagement and reach. As video content continues to dominate digital marketing, mastering these skills will undoubtedly contribute to your overall business growth and online presence. Remember, the goal is to create content that not only looks great but also resonates with your audience regardless of where they view it.

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

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