4:5 Aspect Ratio Video Guide for Social Media Platforms

Mastering the 4:5 Aspect Ratio for Maximum Social Media Impact

The 4:5 aspect ratio has become one of the most effective formats for social media video marketing. Defined by a width of four units and a height of five units—often 1080 pixels by 1350 pixels—this slightly taller-than-square frame is designed to command attention on mobile feeds. Its combination of strong on-screen presence and compatibility with multiple platforms makes it a go-to for creators and brands seeking better reach and engagement.

In this guide, you’ll learn what the 4:5 aspect ratio is, how it compares to alternatives, the best platforms and technical specifications, and how to shoot, edit, and optimize your videos for the highest performance.

Understanding the 4:5 Aspect Ratio and Why It Matters

The 4:5 aspect ratio delivers more vertical space than a square (1:1) format while avoiding the extreme height of 9:16, which often gets cropped in feeds. For mobile users on Instagram, Facebook, and similar platforms, this means your content occupies a larger portion of the screen, keeping it front and center during those critical seconds of attention.

Unlike cinematic 16:9 videos, which appear small in social feeds, the 4:5 format is purpose-built for the balance between visibility and adaptability across both portrait and landscape-friendly platforms.

Comparing Aspect Ratios: 4:5 vs Alternatives

Here’s how 4:5 stacks up against other popular aspect ratios for digital content:

Why 4:5 Works Best for Social Feeds

Social media algorithms and UI elements favor visuals that make strong use of available screen space. In feed mode, 4:5 fills most of the vertical window without cropping, offering a seamless viewing experience. The taller frame translates to increased dwell time, higher engagement, and improved visibility for captions and CTAs.

Ideal Platforms for 4:5 Videos

The Instagram Feed and Facebook Feed are primary placements for 4:5 videos:

• Instagram Feed: Natively supports 4:5 with no cropping, making posts appear more prominent than square content.
• Facebook Feed: Similar mobile feed viewing advantages as Instagram.
• Pinterest: While its standard pins are taller, 4:5 ratios adapt well for video pins.

Other viable placements include LinkedIn mobile feeds and Twitter (X) timelines, which apply similar mobile-first display mechanics.

Technical Specs for 4:5 Aspect Ratio Videos

For best results, stick to these specifications across platforms:

• Resolution: 1080 x 1350 pixels
• Aspect Ratio: 4:5
• Frame Rate: 24, 25, or 30 FPS (match your original footage)
• Format: MP4 with H.264 codec
• Bitrate: 5–10 Mbps for balanced quality and size
• Audio: AAC, 128–320 kbps

Export Preset Example (Adobe Premiere Pro)

Format: H.264
Preset: Match Source – High Bitrate
Width: 1080
Height: 1350
Frame Rate: 29.97 (or as shot)
Field Order: Progressive
Aspect: Square Pixels (1.0)

Framing Your Subjects for 4:5

The extra vertical space of 4:5 allows for creative compositions:

• Portrait imagery with natural headroom.
• Product presentations framed with space for upper or lower overlays.
• Graphic-rich content that guides the eye from top to bottom.

Use the area intentionally: keep visuals uncluttered and balance focal points with supporting elements.

Shooting Tips for Perfect 4:5 Clips

1. Shoot Portrait: Maximize resolution for cropping.
2. Enable Grid Lines: Apply the rule of thirds.
3. Maintain Safe Margins: Prevent cutoff in previews.
4. Record in 4K: Provides flexibility for reframing.

Camera Settings

• ISO: Lowest possible to reduce noise.
• Shutter Speed: Double your frame rate.
• Aperture: Adjust for creative depth while keeping main subjects tack-sharp.

Editing Workflow in Popular Tools

Adobe Premiere Pro

• Custom sequence: 1080x1350.
• Scale and center subjects.
• Safe zone overlays for captions.

Final Cut Pro

• Custom project size: 1080x1350.
• Transform tool for quick reframing.
• Responsive titles aligned to safe areas.

CapCut (Mobile)

• Canvas: 4:5.
• Use built-in, social-optimized templates.

Optimizing Titles, Captions, and CTAs

Strong visuals are amplified by equally strong messaging:

• Titles: Position in the upper third for quicker impact.
• Captions: Crucial for sound-off viewing—add subtitles.
• CTAs: Place prominently above UI elements to avoid obstruction.

Examples of High-Performing 4:5 Videos

• Fashion showcase with logos and messaging in headroom.
• Recipe cuts with vertical ingredient panels.
• Fitness demos with timers and prompts in peripheral space.

They succeed because they leverage vertical space thoughtfully, enhancing flow and focus.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Neglecting safe margins for key visuals.
• Packing too many elements into one frame.
• Exporting non-standard dimensions.
• Underestimating the importance of captions.

Final Checklist for High-Quality 4:5 Videos

1. Confirm 1080 x 1350 size.
2. Keep content within safe zones.
3. Include captions/graphics.
4. Maintain consistent branding.
5. Optimize file size for upload.
6. Test on multiple devices.

---

By combining technical accuracy, creative planning, and platform-specific optimization, you can produce 4:5 aspect ratio videos that both look great and perform exceptionally in social feeds. Start your next campaign with this format in mind, and watch your engagement grow—whether you’re building brand awareness or driving direct conversions.