YouTube Shorts Funny: The Pros and Cons of Square vs Vertical Videos

When it comes to creating YouTube Shorts, many creators are unsure about the ideal aspect ratio. Should you stick with a traditional vertical video or opt for a square shape? In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of both formats to help you make an informed decision.

The Drawbacks of Square Videos

One of the main drawbacks of creating square YouTube Shorts is that they will have black bars at the top and bottom of the frame. This can be unsightly and may not provide the most engaging viewing experience for your audience.

The Advantages of Square Videos

However, there are some benefits to making square Shorts. For example, a large percentage of video views came from the Shorts traffic source in our test video. Additionally, square videos made it to the Shorts shelf, which only displays Shorts. This means that you can create Shorts with a 1:1 aspect ratio and dimensions of 1080x1080 pixels.

YouTube's Rule on Vertical Videos

While YouTube recommends creating vertical videos with an aspect ratio of 9:16 for Shorts, there is a tiny caveat to this rule. Apparently, Shorts don't have to be vertical as long as they're at least square. This means that you can create Shorts in any shape or size, as long as it's at least square.

The Benefits of Vertical Videos

Vertical videos offer several benefits, including a full-screen viewing experience without any black bars, making them ideal for mobile-first audiences. The 9:16 aspect ratio also aligns perfectly with the portrait mode feature inside most smartphones.

In conclusion, creating YouTube Shorts is all about finding the right balance between creativity and technical requirements. While square videos may have their advantages, vertical videos offer a more seamless and engaging experience for your audience. By understanding the pros and cons of both formats, you can make an informed decision about which one to use for your next video.

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