#1 Best Format for Amazon Review Videos, Horizontal vs. Vertical: Choosing the Right

In the world of Amazon product reviews and content creation, there is often a question about whether your review video should be horizontal or vertical. Let’s take a closer look at the difference between these video formats, what Amazon requires, and how to make the most of your Amazon Review videos content.

Do Amazon Review Videos Need to Be Horizontal?

The short answer is: no, there is no strict restriction on whether Amazon review videos need to be horizontal or vertical. The key is to ensure that the video clearly features the Amazon product and adheres to Amazon’s content guidelines. Lifestyle content, such as showing how a product fits into a real-world scenario, is highly encouraged, and it can be done in either video orientation. Whether horizontal or vertical, the important thing is the clarity and appeal of the product in the video.

What Video Format Does Amazon Accept?

When submitting videos to Amazon, it’s crucial to know what formats are supported. For product images, the following formats are accepted:

• Photos: JPEG, JPEG XL, BMP, PNG, GIF, TIFF, AVIF, HEIF, and more.
• Videos: MP4, QuickTime, AVI, MTS, MPG, ASF, WMV, Flash, HEIF, HEVC, and OGG.

MP4 is the most common and recommended video format for Amazon, ensuring both high quality and compatibility with the platform.

What is a Vertical Video?

A vertical video is any video that is taller than it is wide. This format is designed for portrait mode, and it’s commonly seen on platforms like Instagram Stories and TikTok. By contrast, horizontal videos are made for landscape mode, typically used for platforms like YouTube and Vimeo.

What are the Amazon Video Requirements?

Amazon has specific video guidelines to maintain consistency and quality across its platform. Here are the essential specifications:

• Video Duration: Between 6 and 45 seconds (20 seconds or less is highly recommended).
• Video Dimensions: 1280x720px, 1920x1080px, or 3840x2160px.
• File Size: 500MB or less.
• File Format: MP4 or MOV.
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (square pixel).

If your video doesn’t meet these requirements, it risks rejection, so ensure your content aligns with these specifications for a smooth submission process.

Should Social Media Videos Be Horizontal or Vertical?

When it comes to social media, the choice between horizontal and vertical video depends on the platform:

• Instagram Stories: Vertical.
• YouTube: Horizontal.
• Multi-Platform: It’s best to film with a horizontal video but leave space on the sides for cropping to fit vertical formats.

This ensures that your content is optimized for each platform’s preferences while keeping the visual quality intact.

What is the Aspect Ratio of Amazon Video?

Amazon strictly requires a 16:9 aspect ratio for all product videos. Common video dimensions include 1280x720px, 1920x1080px, or 3840x2160px. Adhering to this aspect ratio is essential to avoid video rejection.

The Most Accepted Video Format: MP4

MP4 is widely accepted and considered the gold standard for web videos. This format offers high-quality videos with relatively small file sizes, making it perfect for online platforms like Amazon. MP4 videos are also used for TV and streaming services, making them versatile for various content distribution channels.

What is a Sponsored Video?

A sponsored Amazon Review videos is one that is paid for by a brand, though it doesn’t directly include the brand or product in the content. Instead, the product or brand message may be promoted during a brief intermission or segment of the video. Sponsored videos are a great way to incorporate brand partnerships into your content without being overly promotional.

Do Vertical Videos Get More Views?

Interestingly, vertical videos tend to perform better in certain contexts. When used on the right platform, vertical videos often have higher engagement rates. In fact, 90% of vertical videos experience higher watch completion rates compared to horizontal ones. This is especially true on mobile platforms, where users are more likely to engage with content in portrait mode.

How to Make Your Video Vertical?

If you have a horizontal video and want to make it vertical, there are a few approaches you can try:

1. Crop the video: Cut off the sides of your horizontal video to fit it into a vertical frame.
2. Use a vertical background: Add a background or design elements that fill in the space around your cropped video.
3. Rotate the video: You can rotate your video by 90 degrees, though this may affect the overall composition.

What is the Best Size for Vertical Video?

The ideal dimensions for a vertical video are 1080×1920 pixels, with a 9:16 aspect ratio. This size is perfect for most mobile platforms, ensuring your content looks sharp and is optimized for viewing in portrait mode.

Final Thoughts: Which Format Should You Choose for Your Amazon Review Videos?

When it comes to Amazon product videos, horizontal videos are still the most commonly used and widely accepted format, especially for product demonstrations. However, if you’re submitting to other platforms or want to reach a mobile-first audience, vertical videos might be a better choice.

Amazon’s key video requirements emphasize MP4 format, 16:9 aspect ratio, and a size of 500MB or less, regardless of whether the video is horizontal or vertical.

Analytics Snapshot:

• Video completion rates: Vertical videos have a 90% higher watch completion rate on mobile.
• Platform optimization: Horizontal works best for YouTube, vertical for Instagram and TikTok.
• Amazon standards: Always follow Amazon’s video duration, format, and aspect ratio guidelines to avoid rejections.

Ultimately, selecting the right format depends on your target audience, the platform you’re submitting to, and the type of content you’re creating. Choose wisely, and your product videos will stand out in the crowded Amazon marketplace!