Understanding how aspect ratios on popular social media came to be can be a long process. Good thing we have a visually pleasing infographic to guide you through it! We discuss the progression of changing video sizes, and how they evolved to what we see on our screens today. For the full infographic click here!
Binocular Vision
Our vision crosses a span of 190 degrees. Only 40-60 degrees of that is the centre for human vision (as you can see in our infographic.) Therefore most of what we see has been optimised for landscape, explaining why landscape was king in the world of video and media.
The Evolution
In the beginning, during the era of silent film, they recorded using a 35mm film. Creating the 4:3 aspect ratio that most films were viewed in. This progressed to 2.3:1, in the blockbuster age of the ’80s and ’90s (as demonstrated by a classic family favourite, E.T.) We are now at the stage of 16:9, the size used for tv and our mobile phones, something we are all familiar with, this is what most people optimise their video content for now.
Social Media
Now everything has become more adaptable; Facebook, YouTube and iPhone take lead in video sharing and mobile viewing. Then in 2010 onwards, the use of multiple aspect ratios to enhance user engagement was introduced. I’m sure we all remember the beloved (and frustrating) days when the Insta 1:1 format only let you post your image in a square.
Instagram found that 70% of millenials do not turn their phone to watch video
Evolving
Then in 2016, as the major social media platforms have become established, they each offer a selection of aspect ratios. Allowing you, their consumer, full control on how to post your content. However, in the midst of all your creation, you may not have optimised it for all aspect ratios! That’s where Cerebriam Studio’ software comes to save you. You’ll be able to edit your content for all aspect ratios simultaneously, so you can optimise it for each social media platforms, with great engagement all round.
For the full infographic click here!
