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Social Media Intermediate 5 min read Updated Pluto Photos 2.5.2

How to Export a Vertical 9:16 Video for TikTok, Reels and Shorts

Short answer

Trim your clip and add it to the timeline, set Orientation to Portrait and Resolution to 1080p FHD in the bar above the preview, then click Save Video Edit. The result is a 1080×1920 MP4. A landscape clip is fitted inside the frame with black bars.

Requires Pluto Photos Pro (one-time $29, no subscription). The free download includes a 30-day trial of every Pro feature.

#1. Trim the clip and add it to the timeline

Open the video in the editor, drag the handles to choose the part you want and click Add, as in how to trim a video. Short-form video works best when it's short, so cut hard.

The video editor timeline with a landscape street clip trimmed and added
A landscape clip on the timeline.

#2. Set Orientation to Portrait

In the bar above the preview, open Orientation (it starts on Auto (Match Source)) and choose Portrait. The other choices are Landscape and Auto.

The export bar above the preview with Orientation, Resolution, Codec and Quality menus
The export bar.

#3. Choose 1080p resolution

Set Resolution to 1080p FHD. In portrait that means 1080 pixels wide by 1920 tall, which is the standard 9:16 shape. Leave Codec on H.264 for the widest compatibility.

The export bar with Orientation set to Portrait and Resolution set to 1080p FHD
Portrait at 1080p.

#4. Click Save Video Edit and check the result

Click Save Video Edit. The exported file is a 1080 × 1920 H.264 MP4 with AAC audio. A landscape clip is fitted inside the tall frame with black bars above and below, as in this frame from the exported file. This tutorial tested a landscape clip, so check a vertical one in your own export.

A frame from the exported 1080 by 1920 video showing a landscape street scene with black bars above and below
A frame from the exported file. The landscape clip sits in the middle of the 9:16 frame.

#Tips

  • Landscape footage always leaves bars in a vertical video. If you plan to post vertically, film vertically.
  • Many people watch with the sound off, so import subtitles or add text in the middle of the frame, away from the platform buttons.
  • You can add music with Add Audio. Check the platform's rules on music before you post.
  • Each platform sets its own maximum length and file size, so check the current limits.

#Questions

What size is a vertical video for TikTok, Reels and Shorts?
The usual shape is 9:16, which at 1080p is 1080 × 1920 pixels. That is what Orientation: Portrait with Resolution: 1080p FHD exports.
Why are there black bars on my vertical video?
The source clip is landscape, so it is fitted inside the tall frame, with bars above and below.

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