The Unnatural Rise of the 9:16 Vertical Video Format: A Descent into Visual Mediocrity
In the history of human sight and storytelling, the horizontal, or landscape, orientation has reigned supreme. From the panoramic vistas of ancient cave paintings to the widescreen marvels of modern cinema, our natural field of vision has always been wider than it is tall. Yet, in a baffling and infuriating twist, the vertical video format, epitomized by the 9:16 aspect ratio, has gained a disturbing foothold in our digital age. This trend is not just a passing phase; it represents a fundamental shift in how we consume and interpret visual content, one that starkly contradicts millennia of visual tradition.
Historically, the horizontal format has been the canvas of choice for the world’s greatest storytellers. Consider the epic murals of the Renaissance, such as Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” which stretch across vast walls, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a scene that unfolds from left to right. This lateral expansion mirrors how we naturally observe the world, allowing for a more comprehensive and engaging narrative experience.
Fast forward to the birth of film, and we see the same principle applied. The advent of widescreen cinema was a revelation, offering audiences a more immersive and lifelike experience. Classics like “Lawrence of Arabia” and “2001: A Space Odyssey” leveraged the width of the screen to create breathtaking scenes that would be impossible to convey in a vertical format. Imagine the iconic horizon shot in “Gone with the Wind” crammed into a narrow, vertical frame—its grandeur and emotional impact would be utterly lost.
Yet, despite this rich heritage, the vertical video format has surged in popularity, driven by the proliferation of smartphones and social media platforms. Apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat have normalized the practice of shooting and viewing videos vertically, catering to the convenience of single-hand usage over visual quality. The result? A generation raised on a diet of cropped, constrained, and claustrophobic content, where the grandeur of cinematic storytelling is sacrificed on the altar of expedience.
Consider the implications for professional content. Documentaries that once spanned the horizon to capture the vastness of their subjects are now reduced to narrow glimpses. Music videos, which traditionally used widescreen formats to enhance the storytelling and visual dynamics, are now often shot vertically to fit within the scrolling feeds of social media platforms. The artistic possibilities shrink as the vertical format restricts the depth and breadth of visual composition.
Moreover, the dominance of vertical video has begun to spill over into areas where it has no rightful place. Alarmingly, some music venues have started to adopt vertical screens for their IMAG (image magnification) displays. This misguided move is a travesty for live music experiences. Concerts are inherently wide and immersive events, with stages designed to be viewed horizontally to encompass the full range of performers and stage design. By switching to vertical screens, venues not only diminish the visual experience but also undermine the very essence of the performance, reducing the majestic sweep of a live show to a cramped, phone-sized snippet.
While the 9:16 vertical video format has its advantages, particularly in the context of mobile content and social media, its application should be considered carefully. Every format has its place and its applications. The vertical format is undeniably useful for spontaneous, on-the-go recording and for content specifically designed for mobile viewing. However, it's essential to recognize that it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The unique demands and nuances of different forms of content should dictate their optimal presentation format. We must appreciate the diversity of visual media, ensuring that the full breadth of human creativity and storytelling is preserved. Only by respecting the natural and historical ways we have seen and shared stories can we maintain the richness of our visual heritage for future generations.
