If you’re not using vertical videos in 2024, then let’s call it like it is—you’re probably getting KO’d on TikTok and Reels. If you’ve been wondering why your reach is falling short, I’m here to tell you why: vertical videos are dominating the social media landscape, and horizontal content is getting left in the dust.

The Rise of Vertical Video

Let’s set the stage: TikTok and Instagram Reels are designed for a vertical, full-screen experience. When you open either app, the content fills your entire screen—immersive, captivating, and almost impossible to look away from. If you’re trying to push horizontal videos on these platforms, you’re shooting yourself in the foot. You’re willingly letting your content sit in a smaller box, surrounded by distracting black bars, and making it way too easy for viewers to swipe away.

Fact Check: Over 80% of all social media browsing is done on mobile devices, and guess what? No one is turning their phone sideways to watch your horizontal video. You’re losing viewers and you’re losing them fast. Vertical video, with its 9:16 aspect ratio, is designed for the way we hold our phones naturally. If you’re not catering to that format, you’re not just ignoring a trend—you’re sabotaging your own content.

The Algorithm Hates Horizontal

Now let’s talk about the algorithms—the all-powerful social media gatekeepers that determine how many people see your video. Spoiler alert: TikTok and Reels’ algorithms LOVE vertical video. The reason? It’s simple. Users are more likely to engage with content that’s vertical because it fills the screen, leading to longer watch times, more likes, shares, and comments. When TikTok sees that your video is engaging, it pushes it to the “For You Page” (FYP). When Reels sees that your content is gaining traction, it surfaces it to a wider audience on Explore.

Brutal Truth: Horizontal videos are often penalized by these algorithms, receiving less reach and lower engagement. Why would TikTok push a horizontal video that breaks the flow of the app when there are thousands of vertical videos just waiting to go viral?

The Power of the Full-Screen Experience

Look, attention spans are short. You’ve got about 5 seconds to grab someone’s attention, and vertical video does just that. Vertical content is personal, it’s intimate, and it draws the viewer in. With full-screen vertical video, there are no distractions. Your viewer isn’t thinking about what’s happening in the comments below or who else is posting at that moment—they’re laser-focused on your content.

That’s why vertical videos have an average 90% completion rate on TikTok and Reels. You can’t compete with that if you’re posting horizontal videos that look like an afterthought.

Know Your Platform, Know Your Audience

Every platform has its format preferences, and if you’re not paying attention, you’re missing the mark:

• TikTok & Reels: Vertical is the undisputed champion. These platforms are designed to host full-screen, vertical videos. Anything less is like bringing a knife to a gunfight.

• YouTube Shorts: Here’s where the game gets interesting. While traditional YouTube favors horizontal content, YouTube Shorts is made for the vertical format, aiming to rival TikTok and Reels. Vertical videos here outperform horizontal videos every time.

• Facebook & LinkedIn: These platforms are a little more neutral, but even here, vertical content is starting to pull ahead. More and more creators are finding success with vertical video as users consume more content on mobile devices.

If you’re still clinging to horizontal videos on platforms optimized for vertical content, you’re doing yourself and your brand a disservice. Your content is more likely to be ignored, and your reach is going to flatline.

Going Viral with Vertical

Alright, so how do you create vertical content that punches above its weight? Here’s how to get started:

1. Resolution is Everything: Use 1080 x 1920 pixels for the optimal 9:16 aspect ratio. Don’t compromise on video quality—it’s the first thing viewers will notice.

2. Leverage In-App Tools: Both TikTok and Reels come with a suite of editing tools, effects, and music that can help your videos look slick and professional. Use them. Not only does this make your content look better, but it also works in your favor algorithmically since these platforms favor content edited in-app.

3. Storytelling, But Vertical: Frame your subject effectively. Keep your message clear and your visuals tight. Vertical videos give you an up-close and personal view, so use that to your advantage. Bring the viewer in; don’t keep them at arm’s length.

But What About Horizontal?

Listen, I’m not saying horizontal video is dead—far from it. But you’ve got to know where and when to use it. Horizontal content works for longer, widescreen productions—think traditional YouTube videos, Facebook watch shows, and professional business content on LinkedIn. But the reality is, if you’re looking to make an impact on mobile-first platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts, vertical is your champion.

Vertical Video Is How You Get Reach

You’re here reading this because you want to grow. You want to get more eyeballs on your content, drive more engagement, and build your brand. And let me tell you—if you’re not creating vertical video, you’re throwing punches at air. Vertical video is how you land those hits. It’s how you get the reach you’re chasing.

The data doesn’t lie. The algorithms don’t lie. And viewer behavior certainly doesn’t lie. So if you want to go viral, if you want to make a real impact, and if you’re tired of being left behind while others dominate, then it’s time to go all-in on vertical video.

So there you have it—vertical versus horizontal in the battle for social media supremacy. Vertical is the undefeated champ, and if you want to step into the ring and win, it’s time to change up your game. Make the switch, embrace the format, and let’s start creating content that’s ready to conquer TikTok and Reels. Your reach depends on it.