How to Change Horizontal Video to Vertical on iPhone

In today’s digital age, videos are an integral part of our lives. Whether it’s capturing precious moments or creating content for social media, videos allow us to express ourselves in a dynamic and engaging way. However, there is often a challenge when it comes to video orientation. Many videos are shot horizontally, but with the rising popularity of vertical platforms such as Instagram Stories and TikTok, there is a need to convert horizontal videos to vertical on mobile devices like the iPhone.

In this blog post, we will explore different methods to change horizontal videos to vertical on an iPhone. We will discuss step-by-step instructions for each method, along with the pros and cons of using them. Additionally, we will also provide alternative solutions and bonus tips to help you achieve the best results. So, if you’re ready to transform your horizontal videos into vertical masterpieces, keep reading!

The Challenge of Changing Horizontal Video to Vertical

When it comes to sharing videos on social media platforms, the orientation plays a crucial role. Horizontal videos are great for platforms like YouTube or traditional TV screens, but vertical videos are better suited for mobile viewing. However, converting horizontal videos to vertical can be a challenge due to the difference in aspect ratios and dimensions. Here are a few key challenges you may encounter:

  • Aspect Ratio: Horizontal videos typically have a 16:9 aspect ratio, while vertical videos have a 9:16 aspect ratio. This means the width and height of the video need to be adjusted accordingly to fit the new orientation.
  • Content Cropping: When converting a horizontal video to vertical, you may face the issue of cropping out parts of the original video. This can potentially result in losing important details or altering the composition of the video.
  • Resolution and Quality: Converting videos from one orientation to another can sometimes lead to a decrease in resolution and overall video quality. It’s important to find methods that minimize this loss and maintain the video’s clarity and sharpness.
  • Dealing with Text or Graphics: If your video contains text or graphics that are oriented horizontally, they may need to be repositioned or adjusted to fit the vertical format. This can be time-consuming and require careful editing.

Now that we understand the challenges involved, let’s explore different methods to change horizontal videos to vertical on an iPhone.

Video Tutorial:

Method 1. How to Change Horizontal Video to Vertical using iMovie

One of the most popular video editing apps available for iPhone is iMovie. It provides a simple and intuitive interface for editing and transforming videos. Here’s how you can use iMovie to change horizontal videos to vertical:

Step 1: Download and install the iMovie app from the App Store if you don’t have it already.

Step 2: Open iMovie and create a new project. Choose the "Movie" option.

Step 3: Select the horizontal video you want to convert from your iPhone’s library and import it into your iMovie project.

Step 4: Rotate the video to a vertical orientation by tapping on the video clip in the timeline and selecting the "Crop to Fill" option.

Step 5: Adjust the cropping by pinching and dragging the corners of the video frame. Make sure to position the video appropriately and avoid cutting out essential elements.

Step 6: Preview the video and make any additional edits necessary, such as adding music, filters, or text overlays.

Pros:
1. iMovie is free to download and use, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
2. It provides a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls for editing videos.
3. iMovie offers various features like adding transitions, effects, and music, which can enhance your final vertical video.

Cons:
1. While iMovie is a powerful editing tool, it may not have as many advanced features as professional video editing software.
2. The cropping process may result in a loss of resolution or quality, depending on the original video’s dimensions.
3. Working with large video files in iMovie can sometimes be slow or require significant device storage space.

Method 2. How to Change Horizontal Video to Vertical using Adobe Premiere Rush

Another popular video editing app that allows you to convert horizontal videos to vertical on an iPhone is Adobe Premiere Rush. It offers a comprehensive set of editing tools and features for mobile devices. Here’s how you can use Adobe Premiere Rush to change the orientation of your videos:

Step 1: Download and install the Adobe Premiere Rush app from the App Store if you haven’t already.

Step 2: Open the app and create a new project by tapping on the "+" icon.

Step 3: Import the horizontal video you want to convert by selecting it from your iPhone’s library.

Step 4: Tap on the video clip in the timeline and go to the "Transform" tab.

Step 5: Rotate the video to a vertical orientation by adjusting the "Rotation" slider to 90 degrees or -90 degrees, depending on your desired direction.

Step 6: Preview the video and make any additional edits you want, like trimming the clip, adding text, or applying filters.

Pros:
1. Adobe Premiere Rush offers more advanced editing features compared to iMovie, making it a suitable choice for users who require professional-level capabilities.
2. It allows for precise adjustments, including rotation, aspect ratio, and resizing, to achieve the desired vertical orientation.
3. Adobe Premiere Rush integrates seamlessly with other Adobe products, facilitating a smooth workflow across different platforms.

Cons:
1. The app requires a subscription to access all its features, which may not be ideal for occasional or infrequent video editing needs.
2. Adobe Premiere Rush has a steeper learning curve compared to simpler video editing apps, making it less beginner-friendly.
3. Exporting videos may take longer compared to other apps, especially for larger or higher-resolution videos.

Method 3. How to Change Horizontal Video to Vertical using Video Rotate & Flip

If you prefer a dedicated app specifically designed for rotating and flipping videos, Video Rotate & Flip is worth considering. This app allows you to change the orientation of your horizontal videos easily. Here’s how you can use Video Rotate & Flip to convert your videos to a vertical format:

Step 1: Download and install the Video Rotate & Flip app from the App Store if you haven’t already.

Step 2: Open the app and select the horizontal video you want to convert from your iPhone’s library.

Step 3: Tap on the "Rotate" button to rotate the video to a vertical orientation. You can choose between clockwise and counterclockwise rotations.

Step 4: Optionally, you can use the "Crop" or "Resize" features to adjust the video’s aspect ratio and cropping.

Step 5: Preview the video and make any additional adjustments if needed.

Pros:
1. Video Rotate & Flip is a dedicated app for video rotation, making it straightforward and efficient for changing video orientation.
2. The app provides additional tools like cropping and resizing, allowing for more flexible adjustments to fit the new vertical format.
3. It has a user-friendly interface and offers reliable performance for rotating and flipping videos.

Cons:
1. Video Rotate & Flip may have a limited feature set compared to comprehensive video editing apps like iMovie or Adobe Premiere Rush.
2. While the app’s rotation feature is convenient, it may not offer as many advanced options or controls for precise adjustments.
3. Some users may find the additional features, such as cropping or resizing, unnecessary for their specific needs, resulting in a cluttered interface.

Method 4. How to Change Horizontal Video to Vertical using Kapwing

Kapwing is an online video editor that offers a wide range of tools and features for editing and transforming videos. It can also be used to convert horizontal videos to vertical format. Here’s how you can use Kapwing to achieve the desired orientation:

Step 1: Visit the Kapwing website on your iPhone’s browser.

Step 2: Click on the "Get Started" button to access the editor.

Step 3: Upload the horizontal video you want to convert by clicking on the "Upload" button or dragging and dropping the file into the editor.

Step 4: Once the video is uploaded, click on the "Resize" option in the toolbar.

Step 5: Choose the vertical orientation preset or enter the desired dimensions manually.

Step 6: Preview the video and make any additional edits, like adding text, filters, or transitions.

Pros:
1. Kapwing is a web-based editor, eliminating the need to download and install an app on your iPhone.
2. The platform offers a wide range of editing features, allowing for comprehensive transformations of your videos.
3. It supports various aspect ratios and custom dimensions, giving you full control over the final video orientation.

Cons:
1. The online nature of Kapwing requires an active internet connection to access and use the editor.
2. The free version of Kapwing includes a watermark on the exported videos, which can be removed by subscribing to a paid plan.
3. Depending on your internet connection speed and the size of the video, the process of uploading and exporting the video may take longer compared to local editing apps.

Alternatives: What to Do If You Can’t Change Video Orientation

While the methods mentioned above should cover most scenarios, some situations may pose challenges that prevent you from changing the video orientation on your iPhone. Here are a few alternative solutions you can explore:

Q1: Rotate Your Phone While Recording

A: If you haven’t captured the video yet, consider rotating your phone to a vertical orientation before recording. This way, you won’t have to go through the process of converting the video later.

Q2: Crop the Video to Fit Vertical Format

A: Instead of converting the entire video to a vertical orientation, you can crop it to fit a vertical aspect ratio. This way, you can retain the original resolution and composition while still adapting it for vertical platforms.

Q3: Use Third-Party Video Editing Software

A: If you have access to more robust video editing software on a computer, consider transferring the video to your computer and using professional editing software to change the video orientation.

Bonus Tips

To help you achieve the best results when converting horizontal videos to vertical, here are a few bonus tips:

1. Consider the Composition: Before converting the video, analyze the composition and framing of the original. Adjust the orientation, cropping, and resizing to maintain a visually pleasing composition in the vertical format.

2. Choose the Right Platform: Different social media platforms have specific guidelines for video orientation and dimensions. Make sure to research the platform’s requirements before converting your videos to ensure optimal compatibility and viewing experience.

3. Preserve Quality: To minimize the loss of resolution and video quality, choose the highest possible export settings or use apps and software that offer high-quality output. This will help retain the clarity and sharpness of your video.

5 FAQs about Changing Horizontal Video to Vertical

Q1: Can I convert a vertical video to horizontal on an iPhone using these methods?

A: The methods discussed in this blog post are focused on converting horizontal videos to vertical on an iPhone. To convert a vertical video to horizontal, you may need to use additional apps or software.

Q2: Will changing the video orientation affect its quality?

A: Converting the video orientation can potentially affect its quality, especially if the new aspect ratio requires cropping or resizing. However, using high-quality video editing apps and following best practices can help minimize any noticeable loss in quality.

Q3: Are there any limitations to the video length or file size when using these methods?

A: The video length and file size limitations may vary depending on the app or software you choose. Some apps may have restrictions on video length or impose limitations on file size due to device capabilities or storage constraints. It’s advisable to check the specifications of the app or software beforehand.

Q4: Can I change the video orientation without losing any parts of the original video?

A: When converting horizontal videos to vertical, there is a possibility of losing some parts of the original video due to cropping or resizing. To minimize this, carefully adjust the cropping and resizing parameters while considering the video’s composition and content.

Q5: Which method is the best for changing horizontal video to vertical on an iPhone?

A: The best method for changing horizontal video to vertical depends on your specific needs and preferences. iMovie and Adobe Premiere Rush offer comprehensive video editing features, whereas Video Rotate & Flip is a dedicated app for video orientation changes. Kapwing provides an online platform for editing and transforming your videos. Choose the method that suits your requirements and level of expertise.

In Conclusion

Converting horizontal videos to vertical on an iPhone allows you to adapt your content for platforms that favor vertical orientation, such as Instagram Stories and TikTok. By following the methods outlined in this blog post and considering the alternative solutions and bonus tips, you can confidently transform your horizontal videos into engaging vertical content. Remember to choose the method that best aligns with your editing skills and needs, and always strive to preserve the video’s quality and composition in the conversion process. So, get ready to take your videos to new heights by embracing the vertical format on your iPhone!