If you're into video content creation and have ever wondered how to transform a horizontal video into a vertical video, you're in the right place!

Want to watch a video version of this post? We've got you covered!

Jessica Winter is here to guide you through the simple steps to make this conversion. But first, let's explore why you might want to do this in the first place.

Why Go Vertical?

Horizontal videos are great for platforms like YouTube, where landscape orientation is the norm. However, if you want to reach a wider audience on social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, it's essential to adapt to the vertical format. Why? Because people typically hold their smartphones vertically, and it's more user-friendly and engaging for them. So, if you want to repurpose your content and make it more accessible, going vertical is the way to go.

The Tool of Choice: VideoLeap

To make this process simple and efficient, we'll be using the VideoLeap app. It's my all-time favorite video editing app, and I've mentioned it in previous videos. If you don't have it yet, you can download it and follow along with me.

Let's Get Started

1. Import Your Video: Open the VideoLeap app and tap the bright red plus sign at the bottom center to create a new project. Import the horizontal video you want to convert by selecting “Add Project.”
2. Choose the Aspect Ratio: VideoLeap will automatically detect that your video is in horizontal format, but you can change the aspect ratio. For vertical videos suitable for platforms like TikTok or Instagram, select the 9:16 aspect ratio.
3. Adjust Your Video: Now that you have imported your video, you can choose the portion you want to include in the vertical version. You can trim it down to the most engaging part or keep it as is.
4. Create a Blurry Background: To enhance the visual appeal and avoid blocking important content, you can add a blurry background. Go to the “Effects” tab, select “Blur,” and then choose the “Blurry” effect.
5. Overlay Your Video: Return to the main editing screen and tap the “Overlay” option. Insert your video clip a second time and resize it to fit the screen. You can adjust the size to ensure it looks clean and provides space for text or other elements.
6. Add Text and Finishing Touches: If you wish to add text or other elements to your video, you can do so within VideoLeap or use the native platform's editing tools after exporting.
7. Export Your Vertical Video: Once you're satisfied with your vertical video, it's time to export it. Choose your export settings, and then save the video.

Closing Thoughts

There you have it—converting a horizontal video into a vertical format is as easy as that! Whether you're looking to repurpose content for different platforms or create user-friendly vertical videos from the start, VideoLeap is a fantastic tool to have in your video editing arsenal.

Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you play around with VideoLeap and experiment with different video elements, the more proficient you'll become at making engaging vertical videos for your audience.

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