How to Resize Videos: A Comprehensive Guide for Perfect Dimensions
In today’s digital age, video content reigns supreme. Whether you’re creating content for YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, or your own website, the dimensions of your video matter. Uploading a video with the wrong size can lead to cropping, distortion, black bars, or simply an unprofessional look. Learning how to resize videos correctly ensures your content looks its best on every platform.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the reasons why you need to resize videos, the ideal dimensions for various platforms, and step-by-step instructions on how to resize videos using various software and online tools. Let’s dive in!
Why Resize Your Videos?
There are several compelling reasons to resize your videos before sharing them online:
* **Platform Compatibility:** Each social media platform and video hosting site has specific recommended video dimensions. Using the correct size ensures your video displays properly without being cropped, stretched, or having unwanted borders.
* **Improved User Experience:** Videos that fit the screen well provide a better viewing experience. Users are more likely to engage with content that looks professional and polished.
* **Reduced File Size:** Resizing a video, especially reducing its dimensions, can significantly decrease the file size. This is crucial for faster uploads, smoother streaming, and conserving storage space.
* **Professional Appearance:** Properly sized videos contribute to a professional and consistent brand image. This can enhance your credibility and attract more viewers.
* **Avoiding Distortion:** Incorrectly sized videos often get stretched or squeezed to fit the screen, resulting in a distorted and unpleasant viewing experience. Resizing avoids this issue.
Ideal Video Dimensions for Different Platforms
Knowing the ideal video dimensions for each platform is the first step in ensuring your videos look their best. Here’s a breakdown of the recommended sizes for popular platforms:
* **YouTube:**
* **Recommended:** 1280×720 (720p) or 1920×1080 (1080p) for HD
* **Maximum:** 3840×2160 (4K)
* **Aspect Ratio:** 16:9
* **Instagram:**
* **In-Feed Videos:**
* **Square:** 1080×1080
* **Landscape:** 1080×608
* **Portrait:** 1080×1350
* **Stories & Reels:** 1080×1920 (9:16 aspect ratio)
* **TikTok:**
* **Recommended:** 1080×1920 (9:16 aspect ratio)
* **Facebook:**
* **Recommended:** 1280×720 or 1920×1080
* **Aspect Ratio:** 16:9 (for desktop), 9:16 (for mobile)
* **Twitter:**
* **Recommended:** 1280×720 or 1920×1080
* **Maximum:** 1920×1200
* **Aspect Ratio:** 16:9
* **LinkedIn:**
* **Recommended:** 1920×1080
* **Aspect Ratio:** 16:9
Always check the platform’s latest guidelines, as these recommendations can change. You can usually find this information in their help center or developer documentation.
Methods for Resizing Videos
There are several methods for resizing videos, ranging from free online tools to professional video editing software. The best option for you will depend on your needs, budget, and technical skills.
* **Online Video Resizers:** These are web-based tools that allow you to upload a video, specify the desired dimensions, and download the resized version. They are generally free or offer a limited free plan.
* **Video Editing Software:** Professional video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve offer advanced resizing options and features for more control over the final result.
* **Free Video Editing Software:** There are also several free video editing programs available, such as Shotcut, OpenShot, and HitFilm Express, which provide basic resizing capabilities.
* **Mobile Apps:** Many mobile apps are designed specifically for video editing on smartphones and tablets, including resizing features.
Resizing Videos Using Online Tools (Free & Easy)
Online video resizers are a convenient option for quick and simple resizing tasks. Here are some popular online tools and step-by-step instructions on how to use them:
1. Clideo
Clideo is a user-friendly online video editor with a dedicated resize tool. It supports various video formats and offers preset dimensions for popular social media platforms.
**Steps:**
1. **Go to the Clideo Resize Video Tool:** Navigate to the Clideo resize video page ([https://clideo.com/resize-video](https://clideo.com/resize-video)).
2. **Upload Your Video:** Click the “Choose file” button to upload your video from your computer, Google Drive, or Dropbox.
3. **Select Preset or Custom Dimensions:** Choose a preset option for a specific social media platform (e.g., Instagram Story, YouTube) or enter custom width and height values.
4. **Choose a Resize Option:** Select how you want to handle the aspect ratio:
* **Crop to Fit:** This option crops the video to fit the selected dimensions, potentially removing parts of the image.
* **Fit With Border:** This option adds black bars (letterboxing or pillarboxing) to maintain the original aspect ratio without cropping.
5. **Choose a Format:** Select your desired video format (e.g., MP4, MOV).
6. **Resize and Download:** Click the “Resize” button. Once the resizing is complete, click the “Download” button to save the resized video to your computer.
2. Kapwing
Kapwing is another popular online video editor with a robust set of features, including video resizing. It offers a free plan with some limitations.
**Steps:**
1. **Go to the Kapwing Studio:** Navigate to the Kapwing Studio ([https://www.kapwing.com/studio](https://www.kapwing.com/studio)).
2. **Upload Your Video:** Click the “Click to Upload” button or drag and drop your video file into the Kapwing Studio.
3. **Adjust the Output Size:** In the right-hand panel, under the “Output Size” section, select a preset aspect ratio (e.g., 16:9, 9:16, 1:1) or enter custom width and height values.
4. **Reposition and Crop (If Necessary):** Use the cropping tool to adjust the video’s framing if you selected a different aspect ratio. You can drag the video within the frame to reposition it.
5. **Export Your Video:** Click the “Export” button in the top right corner. Choose your desired export settings (resolution, file type).
6. **Download Your Video:** Once the export is complete, click the “Download” button to save the resized video.
3. VEED.IO
VEED.IO is another powerful and user-friendly online video editor which provides many useful tools including video resizing.
**Steps:**
1. **Go to VEED.IO’s Resize Video Tool:** Navigate to the VEED.IO’s Resize Video page ([https://www.veed.io/tools/resize-video/](https://www.veed.io/tools/resize-video/)).
2. **Upload Your Video:** Drag and drop your video or click ‘Choose Video’ to select a file from your device.
3. **Choose Preset or Custom Dimensions:** Select pre-set canvas sizes for platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and more or define custom dimensions using the width and height fields.
4. **Adjust Scaling Option:** Select one of the following options:
* **Stretch:** Stretches the video to fill the selected canvas size.
* **Zoom and Crop:** Zooms in on the video to fit the canvas and crop the remaining portions.
* **Add Padding:** Adds black bars (or padding) to the top and bottom or sides of the video so that the whole video fits within the selected canvas size.
5. **Export & Download:** Click on ‘Export’. Once your video is rendered, click on ‘Download’.
Resizing Videos Using Video Editing Software (Advanced Control)
For more precise control over the resizing process and additional editing options, using video editing software is recommended. Here’s how to resize videos using Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro:
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is a professional-grade video editing software that offers a wide range of features, including advanced resizing capabilities.
**Steps:**
1. **Create a New Project:** Open Premiere Pro and create a new project. Choose appropriate settings for your project.
2. **Import Your Video:** Import the video you want to resize into your project by dragging and dropping it into the Project panel or using the “File > Import” menu.
3. **Create a New Sequence:** Drag the video from the Project panel onto the “New Item” icon at the bottom to create a new sequence.
4. **Adjust Sequence Settings:** Go to “Sequence > Sequence Settings.” In the Sequence Settings window, adjust the “Frame Size” (width and height) to your desired dimensions. For example, for a 1080×1920 video (Instagram Story), enter 1080 for the horizontal and 1920 for the vertical frame size.
5. **Scaling Options:**
* **Scale to Frame Size:** Right-click on the video clip in the timeline and select “Scale to Frame Size.” This will automatically scale the video to fit the sequence dimensions, potentially distorting the aspect ratio.
* **Set to Frame Size:** Right-click on the video clip in the timeline and select “Set to Frame Size.” This maintains the aspect ratio. Premiere Pro will adjust the video size to fill as much of the sequence as possible, adding black bars if necessary.
6. **Manual Scaling:** If you need more control, select the clip in the timeline, go to the “Effect Controls” panel, and adjust the “Scale” parameter under the “Motion” section. You can also adjust the “Position” parameter to reposition the video within the frame.
7. **Crop if Needed:** Use the “Crop” effect (search for it in the Effects panel) if you need to crop the video to fit the desired dimensions. Drag the handles in the Effect Controls panel to adjust the crop boundaries.
8. **Export Your Video:** Go to “File > Export > Media.” Choose your desired export settings (format, codec, bitrate) and click “Export.”
Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro is a professional video editing software designed for macOS. It offers powerful resizing and editing tools.
**Steps:**
1. **Create a New Library and Project:** Open Final Cut Pro and create a new library. Then, create a new project within the library.
2. **Import Your Video:** Import the video you want to resize into your project by dragging and dropping it into the browser or using the “File > Import > Media” menu.
3. **Adjust Project Settings:** Select the project in the browser, then go to “File > Project Properties.” In the Project Properties window, adjust the “Video” settings. Change the “Resolution” to your desired dimensions (e.g., 1080×1920 for Instagram Story).
4. **Spatial Conform:** Select the video clip in the timeline and go to the “Inspector” panel (if it’s not visible, press Command + 4). Under the “Spatial Conform” section, choose one of the following options:
* **Fit:** This option scales the video to fit within the frame, maintaining the aspect ratio. It may add black bars (letterboxing or pillarboxing).
* **Fill:** This option scales the video to fill the entire frame, potentially cropping the edges of the video.
* **None:** This option displays the video at its original size. If the video is larger than the frame, it will be cropped.
5. **Manual Scaling and Position:** You can manually adjust the scale and position of the video in the “Transform” section of the Inspector panel. Use the “Scale” parameter to resize the video and the “Position” parameter to reposition it within the frame.
6. **Cropping:** Use the ‘Crop’ tool to crop the video if needed to fit into the new dimensions. Select the ‘Crop’ tool in the lower left portion of the viewer. Adjust the edges by dragging in the viewer window.
7. **Export Your Video:** Go to “File > Share > Master File.” Choose your desired export settings (format, codec, resolution) and click “Next.” Then, choose a location to save the exported video and click “Save.”
Resizing Videos Using Free Video Editing Software
If you’re looking for a free alternative to professional video editing software, several options offer basic resizing capabilities. Here are a few popular choices:
Shotcut
Shotcut is a free, open-source video editor that supports a wide range of video formats. It’s a good option for basic video editing tasks, including resizing.
**Steps:**
1. **Open Shotcut and Create a New Project:** Open Shotcut and create a new project. Set the project’s video mode to your desired resolution if known; otherwise you can adjust it later.
2. **Import Your Video:** Import the video you want to resize into your project by dragging and dropping it into the playlist or using the “File > Open File” menu.
3. **Add the Video to the Timeline:** Drag the video clip from the playlist to the timeline.
4. **Adjust the Resolution:** If you did not specify video mode on new project, change the resolution by going to “Settings -> Video Mode.” Choose the desired resolution.
5. **Use the Size, Position & Rotate Filter:** Select the clip on the timeline. Go to “Filters” and add the “Size, Position & Rotate” filter.
6. **Adjust the Size Parameter:** Use the “Size” parameter in the “Size, Position & Rotate” filter to resize the video. Drag the slider to adjust the size. You can also enter a specific percentage value.
7. **Adjust Position and Rotation (Optional):** Use the “Position” and “Rotate” parameters to adjust the video’s position and rotation within the frame.
8. **Export Your Video:** Go to “File > Export > Export File.” Choose your desired export settings (format, codec, bitrate) and click “Export File.”
OpenShot
OpenShot is another free, open-source video editor that is easy to use and offers a range of features, including video resizing.
**Steps:**
1. **Open OpenShot and Create a New Project:** Open OpenShot and create a new project.
2. **Import Your Video:** Import the video you want to resize into your project by dragging and dropping it into the Project Files panel or using the “File > Import Files” menu.
3. **Add the Video to the Timeline:** Drag the video clip from the Project Files panel to the timeline.
4. **Adjust the Profile:** Choose the correct profile by selecting “Profile” button, then choosing a profile with the target resolution and frame rate.
5. **Right-Click and Change Properties:** Right click on the video you placed on the timeline, then select properties. Change the ‘Scale X’ and ‘Scale Y’ properties to resize. Maintaining the same values will maintain aspect ratio. Drag the x and y values until it is to the desired size.
6. **Export Your Video:** Go to “File > Export Video.” Choose your desired export settings (format, codec, bitrate) and click “Export Video.”
Resizing Videos on Mobile Devices (Apps)
Many mobile apps are available for resizing videos on your smartphone or tablet. These apps are convenient for quick edits on the go.
InShot
InShot is a popular mobile video editing app that offers a wide range of features, including video resizing, trimming, adding music, and applying filters.
**Steps:**
1. **Download and Install InShot:** Download and install the InShot app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. **Open InShot and Create a New Project:** Open the InShot app and tap the “Video” button to create a new project.
3. **Select Your Video:** Select the video you want to resize from your device’s gallery.
4. **Tap Canvas:** Tap the “Canvas” icon at the bottom of the screen.
5. **Choose a Preset or Custom Ratio:** Choose a preset aspect ratio for a specific social media platform (e.g., 1:1 for Instagram, 9:16 for TikTok) or tap the “Ratio” icon to enter custom width and height values.
6. **Adjust Position and Scale:** Use your fingers to pinch and zoom to adjust the video’s scale and position within the frame.
7. **Export Your Video:** Tap the “Save” button in the top right corner. Choose your desired export settings (resolution, frame rate) and tap “Save.”
Video Compress – Shrink Vids
This app focuses on video compression, but also offers resizing capabilities to reduce file sizes.
**Steps:**
1. **Download and Install the App:** Install the app from Google Play or the Apple App Store.
2. **Choose a Video:** Open the app and choose the video you want to compress and resize.
3. **Select Resize:** Look for the resize or compression options, depending on the app’s interface, there may be a specific ‘Resize’ button or you may need to choose to compress, and then select a smaller size option.
4. **Select Desired Resolution:** Choose the target dimensions you want from the available list.
5. **Compress and Save:** Start the compression and resizing process, then save the finished video back to your phone.
Tips for Resizing Videos Effectively
* **Maintain Aspect Ratio:** When resizing videos, try to maintain the original aspect ratio to avoid distortion. If you need to change the aspect ratio, consider adding black bars (letterboxing or pillarboxing) instead of stretching or squeezing the video.
* **Use High-Quality Source Files:** Start with high-quality source files to minimize quality loss during the resizing process. Lower-resolution source files will result in even lower quality when resized.
* **Test Your Resized Videos:** Before uploading or sharing your videos, test them on different devices and platforms to ensure they display correctly.
* **Consider Cropping:** If you need to change the aspect ratio significantly, cropping may be a better option than stretching or squeezing. Crop the video to focus on the most important content.
* **Choose the Right File Format:** MP4 is a widely supported video format that is suitable for most platforms. Consider using MP4 for your resized videos.
* **Keep Audio in Mind:** Make sure audio sync is maintained even after resizing. If significant time stretching occurs, resyncing audio may be required.
Conclusion
Resizing videos is an essential skill for anyone creating content for the digital world. By understanding the ideal dimensions for different platforms and mastering the various resizing techniques, you can ensure your videos look their best and engage your audience effectively. Whether you choose a simple online tool or professional video editing software, the steps outlined in this guide will help you resize videos with confidence and achieve the perfect dimensions for your content. Remember to always prioritize maintaining the video’s quality and aspect ratio for the best viewing experience. Now, go forth and create amazing content!