Editing for portrait videos for social media us: why it works so well

So the title of todays video production blog is pretty self explanatory, today I’m talking about editing portrait videos for social media. Now despite being a business focused on producing video, there are just certain things that we don’t always immediately take on board; it’s easy to get caught up in trends and sometimes they work well but we always like to keep our editing style as something to last a the test of time. I’ll admit that I’ve always been very hesitant of creating portrait videos.

However, saying this, I was recently inspired by the trailers for Steven Bartlett’s “The Diary of a CEO” podcast; they show you just enough of the episode to get you immediately excited to watch it. The elements used to make these trailers so engaging includes fast paced editing, archive footage, animated subtitles and finally a portrait resolution.

Editing in portrait is something we haven’t really delved into until not very long ago. If you follow our socials then you may have seen our videos of myself talking with guests or just myself talking to camera about something videography related. We have recently started to take those videos and create portrait video content with them, summing up key points in the videos into easy to watch sub 60 second clips.

I absolutely love it! But why?

Well, the animated subtitles catch the eyes of anyone scrolling past, so anyone who may have brushed off the video before might become immediately engaged. Portrait videos will fill your whole phone screen as well so they have your full attention as a viewer. The shorter times mean that you’re not making a huge commitment to watch a video through as well. If you fancy doing that then you can always watch the full videos on the channel (this is assuming what you were watching is a clip or trailer from a longer video). The portrait editing simply allows for the video to be seen again in a completely different way and create a more engaging response.

Our expanding library of social media portrait edits on YouTube shorts and Instagram.

We are definitely seeing Instagram as getting the most reach but more enquiries will often come from our YouTube viewers.

I believe that it’s extremely important to not always focus on creating new content but just as we have, repurpose the content you already have, especially if the content is still relevant! Having your videos repurposed in a portrait format can get a great or better response to your clips all over again.

Remember, editing is all about perception; pace, music, framing, colour. These are all element that can radically change how your brand and content is received.

What kind of portrait videos can be created?

Portrait video has seen a rise in popularity with TikTok, Instagram and YouTube Shorts making full use of phone screen space so it’s always going to be useful to see how you can utilise these platforms in your own portrait content. These dedicated portrait platforms are hugely influential, they are online platforms where your customers or clients may be spending a lot of time. In order to ensure they engage with your content make sure it hits the right notes rather than just be portrait for the sake of it.

What I mean is, don’t just going posting the first TikTok dance that comes to mind, re-edit your relevant posts, discuss a case study to camera or give a Q&A. There’s so many ways you can adapt to portrait video content.

Yes, you can create this content yourself or have your marketing department in charge but sometimes it takes an outside view to make that change. I’m not pitching you our services, all I’m saying is that video production companies like oYellow Glove Productions can plan out what will help stand your videos out in the feeds of clients and potential customers. It may very well be that animated subtitles is the way to go, or you just haven’t got the editing pacing down for social media, that is why it is important to speak to pros and find out where you’re going right and wrong.

Don’t worry if you’re not local; remote video editing services is something we are doing more of, particularly re-editing previously filmed content to engage a new response. Although we are based in Leicester we are able to work with companies across the UK and internationally to edit great content and stories. Manufacturing, DIY tooling, charities and fitness are all industries we have worked and had positive video feedback from.

How much does portrait video editing cost?

As for all video projects this depends on what you are looking for, yes we can editing your new or existing content in portrait, but do your want stock imagery? Do you want the animated subtitles? Do you want music underneath? It all starts with getting in touch with us and having a conversation about your wants and needs for the project. I spoke to someone at a shoot the other day who needed over 50 videos editing for socials, in portrait, with music and with animated subtitles. Something we can definitely do!

The long terms game of portrait video

Who needs 50 portrait videos? Well if your looking to be organised with posting then that amount of videos should see you through for a while, depending how often you post of course. Have a good amount of portrait videos ready to post on the regular will allow you to track the change in interaction you receive and also get more of your audience engaged in what you’re doing. Like all marketing tools, you’ve really got to play long term to see the change.

Is portrait here to stay?

Whether you love it or not, I believe that portrait videos are going to be here for a long time. With the standard for phone design being rectangular, the format just lends itself to utilising all the screen space effectively. I don’t believe that portrait will crossover into the longer format of video but you will probably see more and more film and tv trailers adapt to portrait as they are currently doing. Portrait video definitely has great power with the right usage when well done so make sure that it is something you try out in your visual marketing.

If you have an questions at all regarding remote video editing or creating/repurposing content for portrait video then just get in touch and we can help answer any questions you may have!