Our mobile phones have become more than just communication tools; they’ve become our personal movie theaters. The vertical storytelling format, which has been on the rise in recent years, is one of the most obvious reflections of this new order. So, how does watching films or creating content in a vertical format change our traditional cinematic experience?
The traditional world of film and television is built on a horizontal (landscape) format. However, as smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, a desire to consume content without the hassle of rotating our phones has emerged. Platforms like Instagram Stories, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts have fundamentally changed viewing habits by standardizing vertical video.
The Impact of Vertical Storytelling on Cinema
- Natural User Experience: For many people, watching a vertical video is now more natural and easier than turning the phone sideways. This is especially critical for fast-paced mobile content.
- New Shooting Techniques: Directors and cameramen are forced to develop new shooting languages with the limitations and opportunities offered by vertical framing. A narrower field of view can favor character-focused close-ups or dramatic use of vertical spaces.
- Innovative Narrative Forms: The vertical format enables new narrative styles, such as presenting information in multiple layers, integrating text-based story elements, or dynamic transitions that encourage the viewer to scroll. A dialogue at the bottom of a scene can be supported by a different visual at the top.
- Increased Reach and Engagement: Vertical content that is easily accessible via mobile devices appeals to a wider audience and encourages viewers to participate more actively in the content through comments, likes or shares.
Will the Future Be Vertical?
Of course, traditional movie theaters and horizontally formatted films will always exist. However, vertical storytelling offers a powerful alternative, particularly for short-form content, mobile film festivals, and social media-specific projects. A new generation of filmmakers and content creators continues to explore the potential of this format.
The small screens on our phones are becoming a massive canvas for content creators. Vertical storytelling is reshaping how we use it and already transforming the cinematic experiences of the future.
