How to Convert Aspect Ratio from 16:9 to 9:16 in Premiere Pro for Social Media Content

As social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok continue to adopt the 9:16 format for vertical video content, you may need to adjust your existing 16:9 footage to match. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of converting your 16:9 videos to 9:16 within Adobe Premiere Pro. If you prefer a simpler solution, we will also cover various online tools and software options that can help you with this transition without losing quality.

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Aspect Ratio in Premiere Pro

Create a New Sequence

Go to File New Sequence. In the New Sequence dialog, click on the Settings tab. Change the Frame Size to 1080 width x 1920 height for a vertical 9:16 aspect ratio. Adjust the Pixel Aspect Ratio to Square Pixels 1.0. Click OK to create the new sequence.

Import Your Footage

Drag your 16:9 footage into the newly created sequence.

Scale and Position Your Footage

Select your video clip in the timeline. Go to the Effect Controls panel. Adjust the Scale and Position properties to fit your footage within the 9:16 frame. You may need to scale up the footage to fill the vertical space or reposition it to focus on the desired area.

Export Your Video

Once you're satisfied with the adjustments, go to File Export Media. Ensure the export settings are set to match the 9:16 aspect ratio (1081920). Choose your desired format and settings then click Export.

This process will give you a video in a 9:16 aspect ratio, suitable for platforms like Instagram Stories or TikTok. By following these steps, you can optimize your content for various social media platforms and enhance its engagement.

Alternative Methods for Changing Aspect Ratio

There are several alternative methods to convert your 16:9 footage to 9:16 without the need for detailed editing in Premiere Pro. These tools can help you adjust the aspect ratio quickly and efficiently while maintaining image quality.

Adobe Premiere Rush

Adobe Premiere Rush is a more user-friendly mobile and desktop app that allows you to make quick edits and adjustments to your footage. It offers a built-in aspect ratio feature that can be customized to fit the 9:16 vertical format.

Windows Movie Maker

Windows Movie Maker is a free and easy-to-use editing software that can help you convert your 16:9 videos to 9:16. While it may lack some advanced features, it is still capable of achieving the desired aspect ratio conversion.

VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is a versatile media player that also includes basic video editing features. You can use VLC to adjust the aspect ratio of your video clips by cropping or scaling them to fit the desired 9:16 format.

For more advanced users, VideoProc Converter and Ezgif are powerful online tools that offer a wide range of editing options, including aspect ratio conversion. These tools use AI to enhance the quality of your videos even when scaling or cropping is required.

Conclusion

Converting your 16:9 videos to 9:16 is a straightforward process that can be done using various methods. Whether you prefer a professional-level software like Adobe Premiere Pro or a simple, user-friendly tool, you can achieve the desired aspect ratio without diminishing the visual quality of your content. Optimize your videos for social media by following the steps outlined in this guide, and boost your engagement across different platforms.