The aspect ratio of a video refers to the proportional relationship between its width and height. It is expressed as width:height. For example, a 4:5 video has a width of 4 units and height of 5 units.
Some common aspect ratios used for videos include:
- 4:3 – Traditional television screens
- 16:9 – High definition widescreens
- 2.39:1 or 21:9 – Ultra widescreen movies
So a 4:5 video would have a slightly taller orientation than widescreen formats like 16:9. The extra height can allow for things like subtitles without black bars on the top and bottom.
Understanding Aspect Ratios
Aspect ratios are important in video production and consumption because they define the frame and field of view. The aspect ratio has to be consistent throughout a video project. Changing it would distort the image.
Some key points about aspect ratios:
- They are written as width:height.
- Standard definition uses 4:3 aspect ratio while HD uses 16:9.
- Cinematic widescreen is 21:9 or similar ultrawide formats.
- Smartphones and tablets tend to use 9:16 portrait orientation.
- Aspect ratio must remain constant to avoid distortion.
The choice of aspect ratio depends on the goal and platform for the video content. 4:5 is less common but provides extra vertical space compared to widescreen 16:9.
A Closer Look at 4:5 Aspect Ratio
So what exactly is a 4:5 video and what is this aspect ratio used for? Let’s take a closer look:
- A 4:5 aspect ratio means the width is 4 units and height is 5 units.
- This is a taller orientation compared to widescreen 16:9.
- The extra height is sometimes used for subtitles and vertical video.
- 4:5 provides approximately 20% more vertical space than 16:9 HD video.
- Rarely used for mainstream film and TV but some niche applications.
A 4:5 ratio gives a nearly square frame perfect for platforms favoring vertical video. The height also allows subtitles to be added without letterboxing the picture. But it lacks the wide field of view for a cinematic look.
When to Use 4:5 Aspect Ratio
Here are some cases where a 4:5 aspect ratio can be advantageous:
- Vertical video for mobile apps like Snapchat and TikTok.
- Displaying subtitles/captions without black bars.
- Specialty video art projects.
- Web banner ads or social posts that are narrow but tall.
- Security camera footage requiring a vertical vantage point.
For most use cases like TV and movies, mainstream adoptions is 16:9 or wider cinematic ratios. But vertical and square formats are growing in popularity. The extra height of 4:5 can enhance vertical-friendly videos.
Advantages of 4:5 Aspect Ratio
What are some of the potential benefits of working with a 4:5 aspect ratio?
- Ideal for vertical video platforms like mobile and social.
- Additional vertical space for subtitles without letterboxing.
- Near square frame provides balance and symmetry.
- Matches orientation of tall interfaces and web banners.
- Allows unique vertical compositions and camera angles.
The main advantage of 4:5 is providing more room for vertical elements like subtitles without having to shrink and center the picture. It can also unlock creative possibilities with vertical composition and camera movement.
Disadvantages of 4:5 Aspect Ratio
However, there are also some limitations to be aware of with a 4:5 aspect ratio:
- Not compatible with widescreen television and monitors.
- Less horizontal space for wide compositions.
- Not as cinematic as wider ratios like 2.39:1.
- Letterboxing required for playback on 16:9 devices.
- Uncommon format could disorient audience expectations.
The narrower frame excludes expansive horizontal shots. Widescreen devices would need to letterbox a 4:5 video. And most viewers are accustomed to the wider 16:9 HD standard.
Workflows for 4:5 Video Content
Here are some tips for working with 4:5 video content:
- Set sequence/project settings to a matching 4:5 frame size.
- Be mindful of vertical compositions and movement.
- Add subtitles in the extra headroom without black bars.
- Export at appropriate bitrates and codecs for target vertical platforms.
- Letterbox width for 16:9 platforms like YouTube or Vimeo.
The production process remains largely the same. But a narrower frame requires more attention to vertical elements. Export settings would target more mobile platforms versus widescreen TV and cinema.
Examples of 4:5 Video Usage
Some examples of 4:5 video content:
- Instagram and TikTok vertical videos.
- Snapchat stories and mobile app video.
- Subtitled versions of foreign language films.
- Web ad banners in 550×700 pixels dimension.
- Experimental and avant-garde video art.
- Security camera footage monitoring tall environments.
Mobile apps lean heavily into vertical orientation while languages films use the extra space for subs. Niche artsy projects also allow for creativity with a taller frame.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common FAQs about 4:5 videos:
What platforms support 4:5 video?
Mobile apps like Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok are optimized for vertical video. Websites can also embed vertical videos in tall player frames.
How can I watch 4:5 videos on my TV?
Smart TVs with built-in mobile app support will play them natively. Otherwise, a 4:5 video would need to be letterboxed in a 16:9 frame to avoid distortion.
Is 4:5 better than 16:9?
Not universally. 16:9 is the standard for most TV and film. But 4:5 provides more vertical space that can enhance certain use cases like mobile and subtitled videos.
What resolution should I use for 4:5?
720×900 and 1080×1350 are common 4:5 resolutions. But any resolution with equal width and height ratio works. Vertical videos are often lower resolution given smaller mobile screens.
Can I change a 16:9 video to 4:5?
Not without cropping and losing horizontal picture. It’s better to create the content directly in the intended aspect ratio whenever possible.
Conclusion
In summary, a 4:5 aspect ratio in video provides approximately 20% more vertical space compared to widescreen 16:9 format. The taller frame can benefit vertical-friendly platforms like mobile apps. It also allows subtitles without letterboxing the picture. However, a narrower horizontal field of view loses some of the wide cinematic effect. Overall, 4:5 can be advantageous for niche use cases requiring expanded vertical canvas space. But mainstream television and films typically remain wider ratios like 16:9 or 2.39:1. The aspect ratio choice ultimately depends on optimizing for the target viewing platforms.