Aspect Ratio Guide for Drawing Videos: Vertical 9:16 vs Widescreen 16:9

Choosing the Right Canvas Geometry

Canvas framing determines where your video can be published and how effectively it commands viewer attention.

---

The 4 Speedpaint Aspect Ratios

1. Vertical (9:16 · 1080x1920)

Primary Platforms: YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, TikTok.

Best Subjects: Full-body portraits, vertical monuments, single product showcases, and mobile-first character art.

Why It Works: Fully fills the smartphone display, eliminating letterboxing and external distractions.

2. Widescreen (16:9 · 1920x1080)

Primary Platforms: Standard YouTube videos, keynote presentations, course modules, desktop websites.

Best Subjects: Wide landscapes, panoramic cityscapes, architectural building elevations, and multi-subject group scenes.

3. Square (1:1 · 1080x1080)

Primary Platforms: Instagram feed posts, LinkedIn carousels, Facebook feeds, profile banners.

Best Subjects: Centered emblems, logos, square profile avatars, and close-up face portraits.

4. Classic (4:3 · 1440x1080)

Primary Platforms: iPad presentations, vintage documentary formats, gallery kiosk displays.

Best Subjects: Academic schematics and vintage editorial drawings.