Best video shape for Reels, TikTok and YouTube
Updated 2026-11-04. By Oluwasegun Michael, who built Oyacut.
The short answer
Use vertical 9:16 for Instagram Reels, TikTok and WhatsApp Status, 4:5 or square (1:1) for feed posts, and 16:9 for YouTube. Oyacut exports all four shapes from the same video, or picks the best one by reading your clip.
Which shape for which place?
These are the usual shapes: 9:16 is full-screen vertical (Reels, TikTok, WhatsApp Status, YouTube Shorts); 4:5 and 1:1 fit the Instagram feed; 16:9 is the standard widescreen shape for YouTube. Platforms change their rules, so check each one before you post.
Which does Oyacut support?
9:16, 4:5, 1:1 and 16:9. If you do not choose, Oyacut reads your clip and picks the best format.