Aspect Ratio Explained: 1:1, 16:9, 9:16, and More

Direct answer: Aspect ratio is the shape of your video (width compared with height). The three shapes you will use constantly are 16:9 landscape (YouTube, TVs, computers, many feed posts), 9:16 vertical (TikTok, Reels, Stories, YouTube Shorts, Snapchat), and 1:1 square (many Instagram/Facebook/X/LinkedIn feed posts). Descript supports all three plus custom ratios.

Grounded in the Descript Made Easy lesson “Aspect Ratio — What are 1:1, 16:9, 9:16, etc.?” Work in the editor at web.descript.com.

What is aspect ratio?

1. It is the shape of the frame—not resolution and not frame rate.
2. 16:9 is wider than tall (landscape).
3. 9:16 is taller than wide (vertical phone).
4. 1:1 is a perfect square.

Which ratio should I use for which platform?

1. 16:9 — YouTube standard videos, most TVs/computers, common landscape feeds (Facebook/X/LinkedIn style posts).
2. 9:16 — TikTok, Instagram Reels & Stories, YouTube Shorts, Snapchat—full-screen mobile.
3. 1:1 — Square feed posts on Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn.

These three cover the vast majority of beginner publishing situations. Descript also allows custom aspect ratios when a platform wants something else.

How to think about aspect ratio in Descript

1. Decide the destination before you obsess over polish.
2. Create/export the project in the matching ratio (16:9, 9:16, 1:1, or custom).
3. Remember: changing shape later can crop important heads/text—planning first is easier.

FAQ

Is aspect ratio the same as resolution?
No. Aspect ratio is shape; resolution is how many pixels fill that shape.

Can Descript do vertical video?
Yes—9:16 is a first-class option called out in the lesson.

What if my platform wants a custom size?
Descript supports custom aspect ratios beyond the big three.

Which ratio is “default” for YouTube long-form?
16:9 landscape.

Which ratio for Shorts/Reels/TikTok?
9:16 vertical.

Keep learning

• Descript for Beginners
• Video Resolution Explained: 480p, 720p, 1080p, and 4K
• Frame Rate Explained: What 24, 25, 30, and 60 FPS Mean
• Free getting-started class
• Descript Made Easy

Want live help while you learn? Join the free 1-hour class: https://www.descriptmastery.com/getting-started-with-descript

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