1 Why Vertical Matters
Vertical video isn't a trend - it's how people consume content on mobile. The numbers are clear:
- 90%+ of social media is viewed on phones held vertically
- Vertical videos get 58% more engagement than landscape on mobile feeds
- Platforms actively push vertical content (Reels, Shorts, TikTok)
The Aspect Ratio
Vertical video is 9:16 - the opposite of traditional widescreen (16:9). This means:
- 1080 x 1920 pixels (standard)
- Portrait orientation fills the phone screen
- Horizontal footage must be cropped or reframed
2 Hook Viewers in 1-2 Seconds
On short-form platforms, you have 1-2 seconds before someone swipes away. For surf content:
Start with Action
- Don't start with paddling - start on the wave
- Open with the most exciting moment
- Save "building up" for longer content
Visual Impact First
- Spray, barrels, and airs catch eyes
- Bright colors stand out in the feed
- Movement draws attention over static shots
Pro tip: Surf Buddy Shorts automatically trims to start on the action, removing the paddle-in that loses viewers.
3 Keep Action Centered
In vertical format, the center of the frame is where eyes focus:
Why Centering Matters
- Caption area is at bottom (don't put action there)
- UI elements can overlap edges
- Natural eye focus is center-screen
Dynamic Reframing
The best vertical edits track the surfer and keep them centered throughout the clip. This is called "dynamic reframing" - not a static crop, but one that moves with the action.
Surf Buddy Shorts does this automatically, tracking the surfer through each clip.
4 Optimal Video Length
Each platform has a sweet spot for engagement:
Platform Recommendations
- TikTok: 21-34 seconds (highest average engagement)
- Instagram Reels: 15-30 seconds (algorithm favors completion)
- YouTube Shorts: 30-45 seconds (under 60 required)
Single Wave Sweet Spot
One good wave, well-edited, typically runs 10-25 seconds. This is perfect for shorts - no need to pad with multiple waves or slow-mo everything.
Watch Time > Length
Platforms care about watch time percentage. A 15-second video watched fully beats a 60-second video people skip.
5 Audio Strategy
Audio can make or break your surf shorts:
Trending Sounds
- Using trending audio on TikTok/Reels can boost discovery
- Add audio directly in the platform app for best results
- Sound trends change weekly - stay current
Original Audio
- Wave sounds and ocean ambiance can work
- Good if the audio is clean (no wind noise)
- Creates unique, authentic content
Why Clips Come Without Music
Surf Buddy Shorts delivers clips without music intentionally. This lets you add trending sounds in-app, which is better for discoverability than pre-added music.