When it comes to creating videos for Facebook, one of the most common questions is what aspect ratio to use. Facebook supports a few different aspect ratios, but the most common ones are 16:9, 1:1, and 9:16. So is 16:9 a good choice for Facebook videos? Here are some things to consider.
The Pros of 16:9 for Facebook
16:9 is one of the standard widescreen aspect ratios used for TVs, computer monitors, and many videos. Here are some of the benefits of using 16:9 for Facebook videos:
- 16:9 is familiar to viewers. People are used to seeing videos in this aspect ratio from TV, YouTube, etc. So it will feel natural to them.
- 16:9 works well for landscape video. If you are filming something with a horizontal orientation, like scenery or action, 16:9 is a good fit.
- 16:9 takes advantage of larger screens. Most computers and phones nowadays have widescreen displays that suit the 16:9 aspect ratio.
- 16:9 is adaptable. Facebook reformats 16:9 videos to fit different layouts. So 16:9 gives you flexibility across Facebook’s platforms.
Overall, 16:9 is a safe standard choice for Facebook. It works well for horizontal video and fits nicely on most modern screens. Many creators opt for 16:9 because it’s so widely used and flexible.
The Cons of 16:9 for Facebook
However, there are some downsides to be aware of with 16:9 video on Facebook:
- 16:9 causes big black bars vertically. When viewers watch 16:9 videos on phones in portrait orientation, large black bars appear on the top and bottom.
- 16:9 isn’t optimized for mobile. Most people browse Facebook on their phones these days. But 16:9 isn’t tailored specifically for vertical mobile viewing.
- Facebook prioritizes vertical video. Facebook’s algorithm gives more exposure to vertical 9:16 videos that take up more screen space on mobile.
- You may lose sides of frame. Facebook’s reformatting of 16:9 video for different layouts could result in sides of the frame being cropped.
So while 16:9 works, it’s not perfectly optimized for Facebook’s mobile environment. You have to weigh carefully if the downsides are worth it for your particular video content.
When 16:9 Works Best on Facebook
In general, 16:9 is a good Facebook video choice when:
- You have horizontal/landscape oriented video footage
- You want a familiar, flexible aspect ratio for a general audience
- Your video contains important visual information on the sides that can’t be cropped
- You prioritize reach on desktop feeds over mobile
- You don’t mind having black bars on mobile as a tradeoff
Scenic footage, action sports videos, news clips, and other horizontal subjects fit well in 16:9. The widescreen aspect ratio captures the full field of view.
When 9:16 Works Best on Facebook
Alternatively, consider 9:16 vertical video for Facebook when:
- You’re filming specifically for mobile users
- Your content focuses on a centralized subject or action
- You want to maximize exposure in mobile feeds
- You don’t mind top/bottom cropping on desktop
- You want to join larger social video trends
Portraits, product demos, Q&As, recipes, and other vertical subjects tend to suit 9:16 better. The portrait orientation fills mobile screens.
Tips for Choosing an Aspect Ratio
When deciding between 16:9 vs 9:16, keep these tips in mind:
- Consider your content subject and composition first. Let the natural framing guide your choice.
- Weigh the priorities of mobile vs desktop and vertical vs landscape.
- Look at competitors and influencers in your niche. What ratios seem most common?
- Test different ratios and see which ones perform better for your audience.
- Use 16:9 for YouTube too to be efficient. But customize 9:16 expressly for Facebook mobile users.
Analyze metrics like completion rate and engagement for further insight into ideal orientations. The right aspect ratio can help you connect with more viewers.
Tools for 16:9 and Other Aspect Ratios
To produce videos in 16:9 and other custom aspect ratios for Facebook, you have several options:
- Set camera/phone settings to desired ratio when filming
- Use editing software to scale, add effects, crop, etc.
- Convert landscape video to portrait-friendly ratios
- Design animations, text videos expressly for vertical
Handy tools include Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, iMovie, InShot, Kapwing, Canva, Animaker, and more. Plan ahead to make sizing and editing easier.
Facebook’s Video Specs
Beyond aspect ratio, keep these core Facebook video specs in mind:
- Minimum resolution of 600 x 315 (1.9:1)
- Ideal resolution of 1280 x 720 (16:9 HD)
- Maximum resolution of 4096 x 4096 (1:1)
- Minimum length of 1 minute for monetization
- Maximum length of 240 minutes (4 hours)
- Maximum file size of 4GB
- Recommended video formats: .MOV, .MPEG4, .MP4, .AVI
Follow Facebook’s developing creator best practices for optimal quality and performance too.
Sample Aspect Ratio Comparison
Here is a sample comparison of the same video scene in different aspect ratios:
| Aspect Ratio | Example Frame | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16:9 |
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| 9:16 |
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| 1:1 |
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This gives you an idea of how the viewer experience can change based on the aspect ratio used. Consider your goals and audience viewing habits to select the best option.
Conclusion
16:9 is a reliable standard aspect ratio for Facebook videos, but it does have drawbacks on mobile feeds. 9:16 vertical video often performs better for Facebook mobile users if you don’t mind top/bottom cropping on desktop. Consider the subject matter, audience, and goals to choose the ideal orientation. With the right aspect ratio, you can engage more viewers and make an impact on Facebook.