Choosing the Right Aspect Ratio for Your Corporate Video (and Why It Matters More Than You Think)

Charlie Puritano
Sep 2
2 min read

You’ve booked your video shoot, got your script ready, and even picked out your best blazer. But here’s a question that could make or break your project’s impact: what aspect ratio are you shooting in?

Think of aspect ratio as your video’s frame—it’s the difference between looking cinematic or like you just filmed on your old laptop webcam. The wrong choice can make your content feel dated, awkward on certain platforms, or completely miss your audience where they actually watch.

Let’s break it down.

The Classics: 16:9

This is your go-to, traditional widescreen format. It’s perfect for:

YouTube videos
Website embeds
Conference presentations
Anything meant for a laptop or TV screen

If your video is going to live primarily on your company site or in big-screen presentations, 16:9 keeps it polished and professional.

Vertical Video: 9:16

Love it or hate it, vertical video isn’t going anywhere. It dominates:

TikTok
Instagram Reels
YouTube Shorts
LinkedIn Stories

If your target audience is scrolling social feeds, vertical is non-negotiable. You’ll take up more screen space, stop thumbs mid-scroll, and keep your brand front and center.

Square Video: 1:1

Square content still has a place, especially for:

Instagram feeds
Facebook ads
LinkedIn posts

It’s a versatile middle ground that looks good on both desktop and mobile, but it’s less common now with the rise of vertical video.

Cinematic Vibes: 2.39:1 (Letterbox)

Want your brand film or recruitment video to feel like a movie trailer? Cinematic letterbox ratios add instant drama and polish. This is a fantastic choice for brand storytelling, high-end campaigns, or content meant to wow viewers in a theater or at an event.

Here’s the Real Trick: Plan for Multiple Formats

Today’s audiences watch on every screen imaginable—phones, laptops, TVs, and even projectors. If you’re not planning for multiple aspect ratios up front, you’re either leaving views on the table or spending double later in post-production.

Why Work With Puritano Media Group

At Puritano Media Group, we don’t just shoot a video; we craft a multi-platform content strategy. We plan every frame so your video looks perfect on TikTok, LinkedIn, your company website, and that 30-foot jumbotron at your next conference.

With nearly three decades in video production, we know: