Vertical vs. Horizontal Storyboarding: Choosing the Best Format
Storyboarding is the foundation of any great video, helping creators map out scenes before production begins. When working with different formats, vertical vs horizontal storyboarding ensures your scenes are tailored to fit the viewing experience—vertical (9:16) for social platforms or horizontal (16:9) for YouTube and presentations.
Vertical storyboards prioritize close-ups, bold visuals, and short, engaging scenes, while horizontal storyboards allow for wide shots, multiple subjects, and more detailed storytelling. To make this process easier, using an online storyboard maker can save time, ensure accuracy, and provide templates designed for both vertical and horizontal layouts—helping you create videos that look polished across every platform.
At Murphy, we simplify the entire storyboarding process with the power of AI. Our Digital AI storyboard creator helps creators, marketers, and businesses quickly generate scene layouts, shot sequences, and visual references tailored for both vertical and horizontal formats.
Instead of spending hours sketching or rearranging frames, Murphy provides smart storyboard templates, AI-driven suggestions, and instant previews—so you can focus more on creativity and less on manual planning. Whether it’s a short social media ad or a long-form explainer video, Murphy ensures your storyboard is fast, accurate, and production-ready
Storyboarding for Vertical Videos (9:16)
Vertical videos are shot in a 9:16 aspect ratio, making them taller than they are wide. This format is designed for mobile viewing, as it naturally fits how people hold their smartphones. In storyboarding, vertical frames focus on centered subjects, bold visuals, and fast-paced scenes that grab attention quickly on social platforms.
Where Vertical Videos Are Used
TikTok – Short, fast-paced, highly engaging clips
Instagram Reels & Stories – Quick content designed for mobile browsing
YouTube Shorts – Vertical format for quick entertainment and learning
Snapchat – Vertical-first platform for stories and ads
How to Plan Vertical Storyboards
Keep the focus centered – Place the subject in the middle of the frame.
Use close-ups – Small screens make wide shots less effective.
Bold, minimal text – Ensure graphics and captions are legible.
Quick cuts – Storyboard short scenes that grab attention instantly.
Pros of Vertical Storyboarding
Optimized for mobile-first audiences
Feels personal and immersive
Better engagement on social media platforms
Cons of Vertical Storyboarding
Limited space for wider or group shots
Less cinematic appeal compared to horizontal
Best for short content, not long narratives
Storyboarding for Horizontal Videos (16:9)
Horizontal videos use a 16:9 aspect ratio, which is wider than it is tall. This is the traditional widescreen format used in film, television, and online platforms like YouTube. In storyboarding, horizontal layouts allow for wider shots, detailed environments, and longer narratives, making them ideal for storytelling and professional content.
Where Horizontal Videos Are Used
YouTube – Standard format for longer videos and tutorials
Websites & Landing Pages – Explainer videos and product demos
Television & Film – Traditional viewing experience
Business Presentations – Corporate training or promotional videos
How to Plan Horizontal Storyboards
Use wide frames – Great for landscapes, group scenes, or product shots.
Plan cinematic transitions – Smooth cuts enhance storytelling.
Allow narrative flow – Storyboard longer arcs with clear sequencing.
Utilize background space – Add details, text, or supporting visuals.
Pros of Horizontal Storyboarding
Best for cinematic, narrative-driven videos
Provides room for multiple characters and details
Widely compatible with TV, web, and presentations
Cons of Horizontal Storyboarding
Less engaging for mobile-first users
May feel distant compared to vertical’s intimacy
Longer production time due to wider frames and complex shots
Key Difference Comparison Table for Vertical vs Horizontal Video Storyboarding
| Aspect | Vertical Video Storyboarding (9:16) | Horizontal Video Storyboarding (16:9) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Definition | Storyboarding designed for vertical (portrait) screens, optimized for mobile-first platforms. | Storyboarding created for horizontal (landscape) viewing, optimized for cinema, TV, and desktops. |
| Primary Platforms | TikTok, Instagram Reels, Stories, YouTube Shorts, Snapchat. | YouTube, Websites, TV, Films, Business presentations. |
| Planning Focus | Center subject, close-ups, bold text, fast cuts for attention. | Wide frames, cinematic transitions, narrative arcs, background details. |
| Strengths (Pros) | Mobile-first, immersive, personal feel, higher engagement on social apps. | Cinematic, narrative-rich, suitable for group scenes and detailed visuals. |
| Limitations (Cons) | Limited for wide/group shots, less cinematic, best for short content only. | Less engaging on mobile, longer production effort, can feel distant. |
| Best Suited For | Short, snappy, social-first content. | Long-form, cinematic, detailed, and professional storytelling. |
How Storyboards Save Time and Money in Video Production
Storyboarding is like a roadmap for your video. By sketching out each scene in advance, you save both time and money during production.
Saves Time
Everyone knows what needs to be filmed, so there are fewer mistakes, reshoots, or last-minute changes. Editors also work faster because the sequence is already planned.
Saves Money
No wasted crew hours, no extra location costs, and fewer editing revisions. A clear storyboard keeps production lean and cost-efficient.
Think of it as an investment — a good storyboard cuts down on expensive surprises later.
The Importance of Storyboarding in Marketing Videos and Ads
When it comes to marketing, every second matters. A storyboarding tool helps brands plan exactly what viewers will see and feel.
Clear Messaging: The storyboard ensures the ad delivers one strong message.
Brand Consistency: Colors, tone, and style are mapped out before shooting.
Audience Engagement: Hooks and emotional moments are placed early in the video.
Conversion Ready: Call-to-actions like “Shop Now” or “Sign Up” are storyboarded at the right spots.
For example, a 30-second ad might be planned as:
Hook in the first 3 seconds
- Show the problem
- Introduce the product as the solution
- End with a strong CTA
With a digital storyboard creator or storyboard video maker, you can easily adjust layouts for TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Ads.
The 8 Step Process of Creating a Storyboard
Step 1: Define Your Goal and Audience
Before you start sketching, ask yourself:
What is the purpose of the video? (marketing, training, film, ad, explainer)
Who is the target audience? (mobile-first users, professionals, casual viewers)
Where will it be published? (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, TV, websites)
This step ensures that your storyboard matches the platform and viewer expectations.
Step 2: Write a Simple Script
Your storyboard is built around a script. Write down:
Key messages
Dialogue or voice-over lines
Calls to action (CTA) like “Buy Now” or “Subscribe”
Keep the script short and focused. A storyboard video maker can help you match each line to a visual scene.
Step 3: Break the Script into Scenes
Divide the script into scenes or shots. Each scene should represent one visual idea. For example:
Scene 1: Show the problem
Scene 2: Introduce the solution (product or service)
Scene 3: Highlight benefits
Scene 4: Strong CTA
This structure makes videos clear and engaging.
Step 4: Sketch the Frames (Visualize Each Shot)
Now comes the creative part — sketching frames. You don’t need to be an artist; even stick figures work.
Use a storyboard template (or a digital storyboard creator for clean visuals).
Draw what the camera will see — close-ups, wide shots, text overlays.
Add arrows to show movements or transitions.
If you’re making ads or explainer videos, tools like a film storyboard maker or AI-powered storyboard platforms can speed up this step.
Step 5: Add Notes for Text, Sound, and Camera Movements
A storyboard isn’t just about pictures. Add details like:
Dialogue or voice-over lines for that frame
On-screen text or captions
Music, sound effects, or silence
Camera movements (zoom in, pan, cut)
These notes help the production team know exactly what to do.
Step 6: Choose the Format (Vertical vs. Horizontal)
Vertical (9:16): Best for TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Snapchat. Focus on close-ups, centered subjects, and minimal text.
Horizontal (16:9): Best for YouTube, websites, films, and presentations. Allows for wide shots, group scenes, and cinematic storytelling.
Planning this early avoids having to re-shoot later.
Step 7: Review and Revise
Show your storyboard to your team, clients, or stakeholders. Check:
- Is the message clear?
- Does it fit the time limit?
- Is it engaging for the target audience?
- Does the flow make sense?
Revise where needed before moving to production.
Step 8: Finalize and Use During Production
Once approved, your storyboard becomes the production guide.
- Directors follow it for framing and timing.
- Editors use it to assemble footage.
- Marketers know exactly where CTAs will appear.
With a storyboarding tool like Murphy, this process becomes even faster because AI can generate draft frames, suggest timing, and optimize for vertical or horizontal formats.
Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a Storyboard
Even with the best film storyboard maker, creators often make errors. Here are common ones to avoid:
Too much detail: Don’t clutter your storyboard. Simple sketches work best.
Forgetting the audience: Plan vertical formats for mobile-first users, horizontal for cinematic content.
Skipping sound and text notes: Always add dialogue, captions, and sound effects to your storyboard.
Not syncing with the script: Visuals should follow the script closely.
Ignoring timing: Each scene should have a clear time duration.
By avoiding these mistakes, your storyboard becomes a powerful tool for smooth, professional production.
Murphy: The Smarter Way to Storyboard Your Videos
When it comes to video production, choosing the right storyboarding website makes all the difference. Traditional methods like pen and paper or basic templates can be slow and limiting. That’s where Murphy steps in.
Murphy is more than just an AI character maker — it’s an AI-powered storyboard video maker designed to make the process faster, smarter, and more creative. Whether you’re planning vertical videos for TikTok or horizontal explainers for YouTube, Murphy helps you map out your ideas visually in minutes.
Why Murphy Stands Out
AI-Powered Frames
Quickly turn scripts into visual storyboards without sketching everything by hand.
Flexible Formats
Create vertical (9:16) and horizontal (16:9) layouts tailored for each platform.
Collaboration Made Easy
Share and edit with your team in real time.
Time & Cost Savings
Cuts down on production delays, reshoots, and editing revisions.
All-in-One Use
Works for ads, marketing videos, films, animations, and training content.
With Murphy, you don’t need to be a professional illustrator or a film director. It acts as your film storyboard maker and storyboard video maker in one, helping you plan content that is both professional and engaging.
Key Takeaway: Murphy is the smartest way to plan your videos — simple, fast, and tailored for today’s multi-format content world.
FAQs: Storyboarding for Vertical vs. Horizontal Videos
1. What is the difference between vertical and horizontal videos?
- Vertical videos (9:16) are optimized for mobile-first platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts.
- Horizontal videos (16:9) are best for YouTube, films, and presentations where wide frames and cinematic visuals matter.
2. Why does format matter in storyboarding?
The format shapes how you plan your shots. Vertical storyboards focus on close-ups and centered subjects, while horizontal storyboards allow wide frames, group shots, and background details.
3. How do I storyboard for vertical videos?
- Keep the subject in the center
- Use bold, minimal text for mobile readability
- Plan quick cuts to grab attention
- Focus on immersive, personal shots
4. How do I storyboard for horizontal videos?
- Use wide frames for landscapes or groups
- Plan smooth transitions for narrative flow
- Add supporting details in the background
- Allow longer arcs and storytelling sequences
5. Which is better: vertical or horizontal storyboarding?
Neither is “better” — it depends on your goal. Vertical works best for short, mobile-friendly content, while horizontal is ideal for cinematic, detailed storytelling. Many brands use both to reach wider audiences.
6. Can I convert a vertical storyboard into horizontal (and vice versa)?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust framing. A close-up in vertical may look too empty in horizontal. Tools like Murphy make it easier by helping you adapt storyboards across multiple formats.
7. Can I reuse storyboard templates across formats?
Yes, but with adjustments. A horizontal storyboard may not work perfectly in vertical form because of framing differences. Tools like Murphy make it easier to adapt one storyboard into multiple formats without starting from scratch.
8. How detailed should each storyboard frame be?
It depends on your project. For quick social videos, simple sketches with notes may be enough. For films or ads, more detail — including backgrounds, camera angles, and timing — is helpful for accuracy.
9. Which tools are best for storyboarding?
Some creators use free templates or drawing tools, but AI-powered solutions like Murphy make the process much faster. Murphy lets you turn scripts into storyboards instantly, adjust for vertical or horizontal formats, and collaborate with teams in real time.
