TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms in recent years, with over a billion active users. However, one of the most common issues users face is having their videos cropped on the platform.
This can be frustrating, especially if you’ve spent time creating and editing your content. In this article, we will explore why TikTok is cropping your videos and discuss different methods to fix the issue.
Why is TikTok cropping my video
TikTok is a platform that is optimized for vertical video content, which means that videos shot in portrait mode are best suited for the platform. When a user uploads a video that is not shot in portrait mode, TikTok crops the video to fit the platform’s aspect ratio.
The standard aspect ratio for TikTok videos is 9:16, which means that the video is 9 units wide and 16 units tall. This aspect ratio is similar to the one used for Instagram stories and Snapchat. If the video uploaded by the user does not match this aspect ratio, TikTok will crop the video to fit the screen, resulting in parts of the video being cut off.
Another reason why TikTok may crop your video is due to its algorithm, which is designed to prioritize content that is visually appealing and engaging. TikTok’s algorithm takes into account various factors, such as video quality, length, and engagement rate, among others, to determine which videos to promote on the app.
Fix: TikTok Cropping Video
Method 1: Shoot your video in portrait mode
The simplest and easiest way to prevent your TikTok videos from being cropped is to shoot them in portrait mode. TikTok is optimized for vertical video content, and shooting your videos in portrait mode ensures that they fit the platform’s aspect ratio. The standard aspect ratio for TikTok videos is 9:16, which means that the video is 9 units wide and 16 units tall. Shooting your video in portrait mode ensures that the entire video is visible on the screen, and you won’t lose any parts of the video.
Method 2: Use TikTok’s built-in camera
TikTok’s built-in camera feature automatically sets the aspect ratio to 9:16, ensuring that your videos fit the platform’s aspect ratio. To use the built-in camera, tap the “+” icon on the bottom of the screen and select the “Record” button. This will open the camera feature, and you can start recording your video in portrait mode.
Method 3: Edit your video
If you have already shot your video in landscape mode or another aspect ratio, you can use a video editing app to adjust the aspect ratio before uploading it to TikTok. You can use apps like iMovie, Adobe Premiere Rush, or FilmoraGo to adjust your video’s aspect ratio. These apps allow you to crop or resize your video to fit TikTok’s aspect ratio, ensuring that your video is not cropped on the platform.
Method 4: Add a background to your video
If your video has already been cropped, you can add a background to your video to make it fit TikTok’s aspect ratio. To do this, open TikTok and select the video that has been cropped. Tap the “Effects” button, then select the “Canvas” option. This will open the canvas editing tool, and you can add a background color or image to your video to fill in the cropped areas.
Method 5: Use text overlays
Another way to fix a cropped video is to use text overlays. Adding text to your video can distract from the cropped areas and make the video more engaging. To add text overlays, open TikTok and select the video that has been cropped. Tap the “Text” button, and you can add text to your video to cover up the cropped areas.
Conclusion
TikTok cropping videos can be frustrating, especially if you spend a lot of time creating high-quality content. However, understanding why TikTok crops videos and how to prevent it can help you create videos that are optimized for the platform. Shooting your videos in portrait mode or using a video editing app to adjust the aspect ratio can help you ensure that your videos fit the platform’s aspect ratio and are not cropped. With these tips, you can create engaging and visually appealing videos that will attract more followers and increase your engagement rate on TikTok.
