From Vertical to Vast — The Video Format Revolution
Historical Glimpse into Video Orientations
From the earliest days of cinema, content has been in a state of flux. Remember those old-time movies with their 4:3 aspect ratio? It wasn't until the mid-20th century that widescreen made its grand entrance. The film industry wasn't just changing the format. They were making a bold statement. Widescreen was cinematic, expansive, demanding to be experienced on the big screen. And that shift? It was monumental. Believe it or not, it wasn't that long ago that most households were watching their favourite shows without the luxury of widescreen TVs.
But change is the only constant, isn’t it? When TV began its rise, cinema had to adapt. And now, with the smartphone revolution, we're looking at a game-changing shift. Welcome to the era of vertical video."
Psychology of Viewing
Think about how you hold your phone. Why you watch what you watch. It's not just about the tech. It’s about feeling connected. Vertical videos? They're direct. They're personal. It's like you and the creator, just talking. But then you have widescreen. It's expansive, immersive. It's less about chat and more about being part of a larger world, a broader narrative.
The game changed when mobile came in, especially with platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. Snapchat in 2011? They threw the rulebook out of the window, letting us send vertical photos and videos. This was the future and not just a feature.
Screen Formats
Devices shape content. Period. Now, most phones are portrait-shaped. But innovation doesn’t sleep. Have you seen the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5? Foldable screens, bigger displays. If this catches on, we're not just talking about a tech shift. It's an evolution of content. We might see social media with more widescreen videos, and this transition is going to be epic.
But let’s keep it real. Vertical videos are perfect for today’s quick-scrolling world. Widescreen? It’s not going anywhere. Movies, TV series? They’re built for it.
Storytelling is an art, and the format? It's just the canvas. As creators, we pick what works for the story.
How We Came to Embrace Vertical Video
Let’s talk about perception for a second. There was a time when vertical video was, let’s say, not everyone's favourite. Let’s take a look at the video "Vertical Video Syndrome - A PSA" by The Glove and Boots? It’s a fun poke at the vertical video trend from back in the day. But look where we are now. From humour to a serious content game. Things change. Media changes. We adapt.
Source - https://vimeo.com/gloveandboots
In the grandness of video evolution, from classic cinema to the buzz of vertical video, one truth stands tall: the message is king. We're living in an age brimming with tools and platforms, but the core of storytelling remains steadfast. Stories have the power to connect, inspire, and move us.
For today's content creators, adaptability is the anthem. As new devices emerge, platforms shift, and audiences change, it remains our duty to keep the narrative front and centre. Whether capturing sweeping vistas or intimate moments, always let the story shine brightest.
So, when crafting your next piece of content, welcome the evolving formats and trends. Delve deep into your narrative, challenge the norms, and ensure the story always takes the lead. After all, in the realm of content, a story that resonates is truly unparalleled.
