Vertical video is where many people discover new creators, apps and shops. Cinematic Recorder gives you 9:16 vertical video export straight from the editor, so the same recording can become a Reel, a YouTube Short or a TikTok. You can also reframe to 16:9 for YouTube and 4:5 for the Instagram or Facebook feed, all from one project.
What 9:16 export does
The editor can export your project in three shapes:
- 9:16 vertical: full-screen on phones, for Reels, Shorts, TikTok and Stories.
- 16:9 horizontal: for YouTube, presentations and websites.
- 4:5 portrait: takes more space in Instagram and Facebook feeds than a square video.
If you are not sure which size each platform expects, our Reels and Shorts size guide lists the common ratios and resolutions.
How reframing works
A phone screen recording held upright is already tall, so it often fits 9:16 nicely. Things get harder when you recorded in landscape, for example a game or a video player, or when you want a horizontal version for YouTube. Reframing chooses which part of the picture stays in the new frame.
Because the editor knows where you tapped, auto zoom and the zoom segments follow the action in the new shape too. Instead of a tiny horizontal video with black bars, viewers see the part of the screen that matters. Every change is non-destructive, so you can export the same project in all three shapes without re-recording. Learn more in how to convert a horizontal video to vertical.
When to use it
- Short tips from a longer tutorial: cut one useful step into a 30–60 second vertical clip. See turning a tutorial into Reels.
- Product demos for f-commerce pages: a quick vertical demo fits naturally in a Facebook or Instagram feed.
- App reviews and quick how-tos: vertical clips are easy to watch and share.
- Teaching snippets: one concept per short video works well for students on their phones.
Step by step in the app
- Record your screen. Hold the phone upright if the main goal is a vertical video.
- Open the project in the editor and add zooms, cursor effects and trims as usual.
- Choose the 9:16 aspect ratio for export, or 16:9 or 4:5 if you need those.
- Play it through and check that buttons and text stay inside the frame. Adjust any zoom that cuts something off.
- Export. The video is saved on your phone, ready to upload wherever you like.
Tips for better vertical videos
- Hook in the first seconds. Show the result first, then the steps.
- One idea per clip. A Short that solves one problem is easier to finish and share.
- Use the camera bubble if your face helps the message, but keep it away from the main content.
- Reuse, don't re-record. Export the full tutorial in 16:9 and short parts in 9:16 from the same project.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to record in vertical to export 9:16?
No. You can reframe a horizontal recording to 9:16. Recording upright usually gives the cleanest vertical result, but reframing lets you reuse landscape footage too.
Can I export the same project in 16:9 and 9:16?
Yes. Edits are non-destructive, so you can export one project in 16:9, 9:16 and 4:5 one after another.
Does Cinematic Recorder post to Reels or TikTok for me?
No. The app saves the exported video on your phone. You then upload it in the Instagram, Facebook, YouTube or TikTok app as usual. We never upload your videos.
Record once, then share everywhere. With 9:16 export and smart reframing, one good screen recording can feed your Reels, Shorts and long videos together.