Vertical Video Dimensions and Safe-Zone Checks for Reels and Shorts

A vertical video is commonly prepared at a 9:16 aspect ratio; 1080 × 1920 pixels is one widely used working size. The correct export dimensions and permitted file settings can change by platform and feature, so check the destination's current upload guidance when a specific specification matters.

Check the aspect ratio first

Aspect ratio compares the width and height rather than file size. A 9:16 frame is taller than it is wide. If the source footage is landscape, filling a vertical frame may crop material from the sides; scaling it to fit may leave empty space. Inspect faces, products, text and motion near the edges after reframing.

Use safe-zone overlays as references

Reels, TikTok and YouTube Shorts may place captions, account information and action controls over a video. Their positions and sizes can vary with app version, device, language, account state and feature. A safe-zone overlay is therefore a planning guide, not an official promise that a region will always remain clear.

Workflow

1. Open the Aspect Ratio Calculator and calculate dimensions for the source and target frame.
2. Open the Safe Zone Visualizer and select the relevant reference overlay.
3. Check the overlay against a representative frame from the actual edit. Keep essential text and faces away from areas likely to contain controls.
4. Preview a real upload or draft in the target app when possible. Verify that captions, the account name and action buttons do not cover important content.
5. Adjust the edit and recheck on a phone-sized preview before exporting the final version.

What to keep away from edges

• Important words, prices, disclaimers and calls to action.
• Faces, logos and objects that must remain fully visible.
• Captions that need to be read from the beginning to the end.

Do not use one fixed margin as a guarantee for every platform. A region that looks clear in an editor can be covered after upload. Leave practical breathing room, then inspect the actual destination preview.

When a video is still cropped

Check whether the export dimensions and aspect ratio are correct, whether the platform applies its own preview crop, and whether the video was uploaded to the expected format or post type. Reopen the exported file before upload so you can separate an export problem from an in-app UI overlay.

The tools on this site provide calculations and visual references; they do not publish or certify official platform specifications. Confirm any strict delivery requirement with the platform or client requesting the file.