The same listing video can look completely different depending on its aspect ratio, and each platform has a shape it prefers.
The ratios real estate marketers use most
- 16:9 (landscape, 1920 by 1080): the MLS, YouTube, websites, the Facebook feed, LinkedIn and TVs.
- 9:16 (vertical, 1080 by 1920): Instagram Reels and Stories, TikTok, YouTube Shorts and Facebook Reels.
- 1:1 (square): some feed posts and ads.
- 4:5 (portrait): Instagram and Facebook feed posts, where it takes up more of the screen than square.
Why it matters: a horizontal video uploaded to Reels appears small with empty space around it, and a vertical video on the MLS may show large black bars or be rejected. Matching the platform makes the video look native and keeps viewers watching.
A practical approach for listings
- Make a 16:9 version for the MLS, YouTube and your website.
- Make a 9:16 version for social media.
- Keep important details near the center so both crops work.
- Check text placement in the vertical version so platform buttons don't cover it.
Most listing photos are horizontal, so turning them into vertical video means cropping. Good tools let you adjust the crop for each photo so the key feature, such as a fireplace or kitchen island, stays in view.