How to Resize a Video: Step-by-Step Guide

Sometimes, your video content might be too large for its intended platform. That's where video resizing comes in.

Here, we'll show you how to resize your video without reducing its quality or ending up with watermarks.

Why Resize Your Videos? 

There are two main reasons why resizing videos is important for video creators:

Optimizing for Different Platforms

Social media platforms all have specific requirements for video uploads, including things like aspect ratio (vertical vs horizontal) and file size. 

Resizing your videos ensures they fit each platform's format, maximizing reach and avoiding weird cropping or upload errors. 

For example, a video shot for landscape viewing on YouTube won't look right if you just upload it to TikTok, which is designed for vertical video.

Making Videos Easier to Share

Large video files can be cumbersome to share via email or text message. Resizing the video to a smaller file size makes it more convenient to send and upload.

This is especially important for creators who want to share snippets of their work or use their videos in marketing campaigns. 

Hipclip.AI allows you to break long videos into bite-sized clips for your audience. 

Traditional Video Resizing Methods

Traditionally, two main approaches to resizing videos are using video editing software or online resizing tools.

Using Video Editing Software

Video editing software is your best bet if you're looking for better precision and additional editing options. 

Here's a breakdown of the steps involved:

Choose Your Software

Popular options include Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve (free version available), and HitFilm Express (free). Each software offers different features, so pick one that suits your needs.

Import Your Video

Locate the video you want to resize and import it into your chosen editing software. Most software allows dragging and dropping the file or using the "Import" function.

Access the Resize Settings

Navigate to the editing options within your software. Look for terms like "Resize," "Scale," or "Export Settings." The specific function might vary slightly depending on the software.

Define Your New Dimensions

You'll have two main options for defining your new video size:

Preset Ratios

Most software offer a selection of preset aspect ratios like 16:9 (widescreen), 1:1 (square), or 9:16 (ideal for mobile viewing). Choose the one that best suits your target platform or desired format.

Custom Dimensions

To customize your video even further, enter specific width and height values in pixels. Ensure these values maintain the correct aspect ratio to avoid distortion.

Resizing Methods (Optional)

Some software lets you choose how the video scales to fit the new dimensions. Common methods include:

Scale to Fit

This ensures the entire video fits within the new frame, potentially adding black bars if the aspect ratios differ.

Crop

This method fills the new frame by cropping excess portions of the video. Make sure the cropped area doesn't remove crucial content.

Export Your Video

Once you are satisfied with the resized video, choose the "Export" function. Select the desired output format (commonly MP4) and adjust any additional export settings, such as video quality.

Hit "Export," and your software will render the resized video.

Using Online Resizing Tools

For quick and simple resizing needs, online tools offer a convenient alternative. Here's a general guide:

• Find a Reputable Resizing Tool: Numerous online video resizing tools exist. Search for reliable options with positive user reviews and clear terms of service.
• Upload Your Video: Most online tools allow direct upload from your computer. Some might have file size limitations, so check beforehand.
• Choose Your Resize Option: Online tools offer preset ratios or custom dimension input like editing software. Select the option that suits your needs.
• Additional Options (Optional): Depending on the tool, you might have limited options for adjusting video quality or output format.
• Download the Resized Video: Once the resizing process is complete, download the new video file to your computer.

Factors to Consider Before Using Traditional Resizing

Here are some factors to consider before opting for traditional resizing tools:

Video Quality

Resizing can sometimes affect video quality, especially when shrinking drastically. Experiment with different tools to find the best balance between size and quality. 

Aspect Ratio

Maintaining the original aspect ratio is crucial to avoid a distorted or stretched video. 

Output Format

Ensure the chosen output format is compatible with your intended use. 

How to Use Hipclip.AI to Resize Social Media Videos

Hipclip.AI is an online tool designed specifically for video editing and is a great resizing tool. It shines in its user-friendly interface and features perfect for quick resizing tasks.

Let's see how to resize your video with Hipclip.AI effortlessly:

Sign Up or Login

Head over to the Hipclip.AI website and create a free account if you don’t have one. Existing users can simply log in.

Upload Your Video

Click the upload button and select the video you want to resize. Hipclip.AI supports various video formats commonly used on popular social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

There is no need to worry about compatibility issues with your final upload.

Use Presets

Hipclip.AI offers preset resizing options specifically designed for different social media platforms. 

With a single click, you can resize your video to the ideal dimensions for Instagram Stories, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or Facebook Reels. No more guesswork or wasted time calculating pixel ratios.

Maintain Aspect Ratio

Worried about distorted videos? Hipclip.AI includes a handy "Maintain aspect ratio" toggle. This ensures your video resizes proportionally, preventing any unwanted stretching or squishing. This way, you can avoid distorted faces or funky-looking objects in your final video.

Fine-Tuning Your Video

While presets are fantastic for most users, Hipclip.AI offers flexibility to give you more control.

Clicking the "Custom" option allows you to enter specific width and height values if you have a unique format in mind.

Preview and Download

Once you've chosen your resizing method, Hipclip.AI provides a preview window to ensure you're happy with the results.

When you’re satisfied, click the "Download" button and choose the appropriate output format for your social media platform.

Hipclip.AI ensures your resized video is compatible with your chosen destination.

Save Time for Video Resizing Edits with HipClip.AI

With Hipclip.AI's intuitive interface and social media-specific presets you can resize your videos for various platforms in seconds. 

This frees up valuable time to focus on the creative aspects of your content, like creating engaging captions or adding eye-catching effects.

So, the next time you need to resize a video for social media, ditch the complex editing software and use Hipclip.AI.

Get started with a free account today.

‍