When recording videos on your iPhone, you usually use formats like 16:9 or 4:3, which are ideal for widescreen viewing. However, depending on your needs, you might need to change your iPhone's video aspect ratio to suit different platforms or display requirements.
For instance, you might want to switch to a portrait mode for Instagram Stories or use a square format for improved compatibility with certain apps. Not changing the aspect ratio could distort or crop your video. This might not show your content in the best light.
So how can you change the video aspect ratio on your iPhone without sacrificing quality? That's what we are here for. We'll show you how with a simple, step-by-step guide in this article.
In this article
Part 1. Types of Video Aspect Ratio
Aspect ratio in photography and video refers to the proportional relationship between the width and height of an image or video frame. It is usually shown as two numbers, like 1:1 or 16:9. The first number is the width, while the second is the height. Each media platform has its aspect ratio requirements, you can adjust this aspect ratio to the media you prefer.
Here are common video aspect ratios and its best use:
- 1:1 (square)
Simple and versatile, often used for profile pictures and online content, popularized by social media platforms like Instagram, and it offers a balanced and symmetrical appearance. Ideal for Social media posts, Profile pictures, and Mobile Viewing.
- 16:9 (Widescreen)
The most common aspect ratio for modern TVs, monitors, and smartphones is 16:9. It is widely used in high-definition television (HDTV), online video platforms, and modern digital cameras. It has a wider field of view. So, it's great for landscape photos and cinematic videos. Ideal for online video (YouTube), screen recording, and video game streaming.
- 4:3 (Standard)
It is commonly seen in older digital cameras and camcorders. The frame is almost square, making it suitable for portraits and general use. Ideal for Traditional TV, documentaries, presentations
- 9:16 (Portrait)
Perfect for platforms that prioritize mobile and vertical content. Catch attention in a vertically scrolling setting. Ideal for Mobile content (TikTok, Instagram Stories), vertical ads, live streaming
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Part 2. How to Change Video Aspect Ratio on iPhone
If your video has the wrong aspect ratio, you can change the iPhone's video aspect ratio by using a video editing app. Wondershare Filmora for iOS is an excellent, easy-to-use video editor on the App Store. Both beginners and experienced editors can use a wide range of features offered by the app.
Here's why you should consider using Filmora:
- Filmora's intuitive interface makes it easy for all users to edit their videos.
- Aside from changing aspect ratios, Filmora can trim, cut, split, merge, and rotate videos.
- Add music, sound effects, and voiceovers. Control audio levels and sync them.
- Adjust the speed of your video to create slow-motion or time-lapse effects.
- Export your videos in high quality and share them directly to social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
- Access a wide variety of filters, overlays, transitions, and animations to enhance your video.
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How to change video aspect ratio on iPhone using Filmora
Step 1. Get the app from the AppStore and launch it on your iPhone.
Step 2. Tap the + icon or New Project to import the video you want to change the aspect ratio.
Step 3. Once you've imported the video, on the bottom toolbar look for the Format tool and tap it.
Step 4. In this section, choose from various aspect ratios such as 1:1, 16:9, 9:16, and 4:5. Customize the aspect ratio to suit your needs, then click the checklist icon.
Step 5. Once you're satisfied with the changes, tap Export to save the video in your required format.
Part 3. How to Change Video Aspect Ratio by Cropping
Another way to change the video aspect ratio on iPhone is by cropping the video. This method allows you to manually adjust the framing of your video to fit the desired aspect ratio, you can do this using Filmora mobile as well. Here's how you can do it:
Step 1: After importing the video, select the Crop tool on the bottom toolbar.
Step 2: In the Crop option, you can use preset aspect ratios such as 16:9, 9:16, 4:5, or 1:1, or freely crop the video to your preferred dimensions.
Step 3: Adjust the frame to ensure the most important parts of your video are within the crop.
Step 4: Once you are satisfied with the cropping, tap the Export button. Save the edited video to your device or share it directly on social media platforms.
Part 4. How to Change Video Aspect Ratio While Keeping the Subject in Focus
Sometimes when you crop or adjust the aspect ratio, the changes apply uniformly across the video. If your subject doesn't remain centered or properly framed, you might end up with important parts of your video cut off or distorted. To avoid this, you need to use the Auto Reframe feature that is available on Filmora for desktops.
Key benefits of using the Auto Reframe feature in FIlmora:
- Auto Reframe quickly adjusts your video to different aspect ratios. It does this without manual cropping or repositioning. It saves you a lot of editing time.
- It ensures a consistent look when repurposing your video for platforms like Instagram (1:1 or 9:16), YouTube (16:9), and Facebook (4:5).
- Auto Reframe uses AI to detect and focus on the most important subjects in your video, keeping them in the frame.
- Reduces the risk of distortion or losing important content around the edges, which can happen with manual cropping.
- Provides smooth transitions between different parts of the video, maintaining a professional appearance.
If you would like to use Auto Reframe, here is a step-by-step on how to use the Auto Reframe feature on a computer:
Step 1. Launch Filmora on your desktop and select New Project.
Then, Import the video you want to Auto Reframe.
Step 2. Once you have imported the media, right-click and select Auto Reframe from the pop-up menu. The clip will be automatically added to the Auto Reframe tool.
Step 3. In the Aspect Reframe tool, select the Aspect Ratio (e.g., 1:1, 16:9, 9:16, 4:5) based on the platform you are targeting and Motion Speed (Auto, Fast, or Slow) to suit your needs. Then, click Analyze to process the Auto Reframe feature on your video.
Step 4. After using Auto Reframe, then preview the video. Check that the main subject is framed well and the transition is smooth. Make additional adjustments if necessary.
Step 5. Rename your video file, and then click Export to save the video to the desktop.
Conclusion
Aspect ratio is a common concept in video editing. It typically consists of two numbers representing the width and height of an image or video frame. Sometimes, you must adjust the aspect ratio to the platform you are targeting or specific display requirements.
If you want to change the aspect of your video on iPhone, video editing apps like Wondershare Filmora provide an Aspect Ratio Presets or Crop feature to achieve this. Or, you can also use its Auto Reframe feature on the desktop version to automatically adjust the framing and avoid the key parts in your video being out of frame.
