Let's talk about one of the most underrated add-ons on Clip:

📱 Size variations.

At first glance, they seem simple: "I'll just crop my 9:16 video and export it again..."

Unfortunately, it's rarely that easy. Different ratios require different framing, and a video that looks perfect in 9:16 can quickly become awkward in 1:1 or 4:5 if it wasn't planned properly.

The good news? With a few simple habits, you can make creating size variations almost effortless - and avoid unnecessary edit requests along the way.

Let's dive in 👇

📋 1. Read The Brief Before You Even Pick Up Your Camera

Every ratio starts with the brief

Before you plan your script, filming or edit, check exactly what the brand has requested. On Clip, you'll always find:

📐 The original delivery ratio

➕ Any additional size variations requested as add-ons

While 9:16 is the most common format, don't assume it's always the final deliverable. Some campaigns are created specifically for:

🖥️ 16:9

📸 1:1

📱 4:5

Knowing this before filming helps you frame every shot correctly from the start.

✅ Top tip:

Treat the brief like your filming guide. A quick check at the beginning can save you hours of editing later.

🎥 2. Always Film And Edit Your Main Version First

Build everything around your primary deliverable

Unless the brief specifically requests a horizontal (16:9) video, always:

✅ Film vertically (9:16)

✅ Edit your main 9:16 version first

This gives you the strongest foundation before adapting it into other formats. Once your main edit is complete, you're ready to create the additional ratios.

Trying to edit multiple formats at the same time usually creates unnecessary confusion.

One polished master edit first. Then build from there.

🎯 3. Think About Every Ratio While You're Shooting

Your framing matters more than you think

This is where most ratio issues actually begin. If your product sits right on the edge of the frame... Or your face is too close to one side...

It might look fantastic in 9:16 - but completely disappear once cropped into 1:1.

✅ The easiest solution?

Turn on your camera Grid and Level if you haven't already.

The grid is one of the most useful tools on your phone.

As you're filming, try to keep the most important part of every shot - whether that's your face, the product or key packaging details - within the centre section of the frame.

This gives you much more flexibility when adapting your content into different ratios later. It's a tiny habit that makes a huge difference.

✂️ 4. Never Crop An Exported Video

Every ratio deserves its own final check

Once your main edit is finished, duplicate the project. Then change the ratio inside your editing software.

Why?

Because every format needs slightly different adjustments. You may need to:

🔍 Reposition clips

🎥 Add a subtle zoom

📍 Move captions or text overlays

✂️ Adjust framing for individual scenes

Simply cropping your already exported video can leave products cut off, faces awkwardly framed or captions outside the safe zone.

Think of it this way:

Your 1:1 and 4:5 versions aren't just resized copies. They're their own deliverables.

Give them the same attention to detail as your main edit.

👀 Want a Deeper Dive? 👀

🎧 If you'd like to dive even deeper into shooting and editing for different formats, we'd highly recommend watching this Clip Collective Podcast episode, where we break down every ratio, common mistakes and our favourite tips for getting them right.💛

Perfect to listen to while planning your next video!

👉 Available on Spotify or YouTube - and don’t forget to DM us your hot takes after! 🎙️

🚀 🛠 Ready to roll with the variations?… Log in to Clip, check out the latest briefs, and start applying today!

Happy Creating,

Team Clip