I am seeing more and more comments being made on Twitter and LinkedIn from consumers who are finally telling content providers what they think about video content using smartphones set to Portrait format.

Here Is What People Are Saying!!!

Comments like…

“Really! You want people to see black stripes on each side of your face. Enough already with posting portrait format videos.”

“If you really want to know what viewers think of your video you will need to turn your smartphone to the landscape.  You WILL get more positive reviews.”

“I’m embarrassed to say I know you and I thought you would take yourself more serious than posting your message using cellphones set to portrait setting.”

“I hate to think of how many people are clicking off your portrait style videos. Please get help with your video..you have a great message”

I know it is easier to hold your phone when shooting portrait videos.  And I know millions have drunk the social media influencer’s Koolaide who say you should shoot in portrait for social media.

True Facebook and Instagram like the portrait format because it is All About Them..and takes up less screen real estate.  But I am here to tell you…consumers do not like portrait videos.  And consumers include your close friends.

People Are Not Telling

Landscape, or even square format, videos open up the viewing screen so viewers can see you better.  Yes, the landscape format also shows your surroundings..which is what consumer’s also want to see.  They want to see if you are serious about what you are talking about and to them if you are taking the time and making the expense to be sitting or standing in a professional environment they accept what you are saying is more trustworthy.

Consumers are people and people are humans..and humans only trust what they see and hear if who is talking is in a trustworthy setting.  Posting videos shot in portrait does not appease people shopping for something and most people who are delivering their message in portraits are selling something..even if what they are selling is themself.

Be Concerned With What Your Consumers Think

So think about it the next time you set up to talk to your followers on LinkedIn and ask yourself this question before you hit the record button.  Am I delivering my message in the high-quality video format I can produce?  And know that if the phone is being set up vertical or in portrait…you are not going to be delivering your message at the highest quality video formation.

Obviously, the higher the quality the video is produced the more viewers it will attract.  And more viewers improve the chance of making a sale.  Even if you are not really out to sell anything, higher quality produced videos improve your brand’s image.

Go for what is best for your image….and let me know how I can help.