How to Turn Horizontal Video to Vertical in Filmora Using AI

Key takeaways:

• Use Filmora’s Auto Reframe to convert videos fast
• AI tracks the subject for smart cropping
• Export or edit the new vertical video right away

Turning a horizontal video into a vertical one can be a pain, especially if you want it to look good on TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts. Most of us don’t want to re-shoot everything just for a new aspect ratio. I’ll show you how to use Filmora’s AI-powered tool to get it done in less than a minute—no stress, no manual cropping.

Why You’d Want to Convert Horizontal to Vertical for Social Media

If you’re making content for TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube Shorts, vertical video is the only way to go. Those platforms are built for 9:16. Posting horizontal clips just looks off—black bars, awkward cropping, and viewers scroll right past. Re-editing or shooting new footage eats up time. That’s where Filmora’s Auto Reframe comes in clutch.

Getting Started with Filmora’s Auto Reframe Feature

Open up Filmora and import your horizontal video. Don’t drag it to the timeline yet. Instead, right-click the video in your media library. You’ll see an option called Auto Reframe. Click it, and a new window pops up.

You get to pick your aspect ratio here. For vertical, go with 9:16. There are other options like 1:1 or 4:3, but for TikTok and Reels, 9:16 is king. Motion speed is set to Auto by default, which works for most videos. It helps the AI track movement and keeps the subject centered as much as possible.

How the AI in Filmora Auto Reframe Actually Works

Once you hit Analyze, Filmora’s AI scans the video, finds the main subject, and reframes every shot for vertical. If your subject moves, the AI follows them. No need to manually keyframe or crop. The process is quick—just a few seconds for short clips, maybe a minute or two for longer videos. If your computer’s a potato, it might take longer, but most modern machines breeze through.

Reviewing and Adjusting the Vertical Crop

When the analysis is done, you’ll see a preview. The AI tries to keep the action in frame. If you’re happy with it, you can export right away. If you want to tweak, you can drag the frame around or adjust motion speed for more or less aggressive tracking. But honestly, the AI usually nails it.

Exporting or Editing Your New Vertical Video

Now you’ve got two choices. You can export the vertical video as a new file, ready to upload to TikTok or Instagram. Or, you can drag the reframed version to your timeline and keep editing—add music, text, or transitions.

If you want to polish the video more, check out how to add text in Filmora or how to add transitions in Filmora. These guides help you make your vertical video pop.

Why Auto Reframe Is a Time Saver for Creators

Manually cropping and tracking is a nightmare, especially for long videos or if your subject moves around. AI does the heavy lifting. You don’t have to mess with keyframes or guess where to crop. The tool is built for speed, so you can focus on making content, not fighting with software.

If you’re new to Filmora, you might want to see how to know if Filmora is registered or how to update Filmora, so you’re always running the latest version with all the AI features.

Tips for Better Results When Using Auto Reframe

• Use high-res source videos. AI does better with clear footage.
• If your subject is off-center, check the preview and adjust if needed.
• For videos with lots of movement, try different motion speed settings.
• Always preview before exporting. Sometimes, a quick tweak makes a big difference.

What If You Want to Edit More After Reframing?

You’re not stuck with the AI crop. Once the video’s in your timeline, you can add effects, trim, or even rotate the video in Filmora if you need to fix orientation issues. Want to add a zoom effect? There’s a guide for how to make a zoom effect in Filmora too.

Common Problems and Quick Fixes

• Video looks blurry after export: Make sure you export in high resolution.
• Subject gets cropped out: Try adjusting the motion speed or manually moving the frame.
• Export takes too long: Close other apps or use a shorter clip.

If you run into other issues, check out how to improve video quality in Filmora.

When You Shouldn’t Use Auto Reframe

If your video has multiple subjects or the action happens all over the frame, the AI might not always pick the right spot. For these, manual editing could still be better. But for most talking head, vlog, or dance videos, Auto Reframe is a lifesaver.

Final Thoughts

Turning a horizontal video into a vertical one is no longer a hassle with Filmora’s Auto Reframe. The AI does the tough work, so you can get your content ready for TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube Shorts in no time. Just import, right-click, Auto Reframe, and export. That’s it. 🎬

If you want to learn more about editing tricks, check out how to blur face in Filmora or how to add audio crossfade effect in Filmora.

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FAQs

How do I access Auto Reframe in Filmora?

Right-click your imported video in the media library and select Auto Reframe. Don’t add it to the timeline first.

What aspect ratio should I pick for TikTok or Instagram Reels?

Go with 9:16 for vertical video. That’s the standard for most mobile platforms.

Can I edit the video after using Auto Reframe?

Yes, you can drag the reframed video to the timeline and keep editing—add text, music, effects, whatever you want.

Does Auto Reframe work on long videos?

It works, but longer videos take more time to analyze and export. Make sure your computer has enough power.

What if the AI crops out something important?

You can adjust the frame manually in the preview before exporting, or tweak the motion speed setting for better tracking.