A master asset is the starting point, not a finished multi-channel post
If you export a single image for all platforms, you leave the most important section to the automatic crop. This means that the product, logo or text can lie outside the visible area. It is better to have a high-quality master asset with sufficient margins and separate layout variants for vertical, square and horizontal surfaces.
Plan important items in an inner safe area. Platforms place controls, account name, description or CTA over the medium. Especially with vertical videos, the core message should not be at the top or bottom. A preview must simulate this overlay rather than just displaying the file.
A small format matrix for production
For TikTok and vertical short videos, 9:16 is the most important starting point. YouTube classifies square or vertical videos as shorts up to the applicable maximum length; classic long form mostly stays horizontal. Pinterest recommends 2:3 for standard pins because very tall pins in the feed can be cropped. Depending on the goal, Instagram needs feed, story or reel variants.
These ratios are production goals, not a guarantee of unchanged display on every device. Platforms change interfaces and specifications. Therefore, teams should check the official documentation before larger campaigns and test their own previews for actual safe areas.
- TikTok and Vertical Shorts: 9:16 as a full screen base
- Pinterest standard pin: 2:3, typically 1000 × 1500
- Instagram feed: 4:5 for vertical presence, 1:1 for square design
- Stories and Reels: 9:16 with a spacious safe area
- X or LinkedIn: horizontal or square depending on the content; Text-only may appear without empty media space
Text and hook are part of the format
A vertical video needs an understandable introduction before the user scrolls further. A Pinterest Pin must also convey its idea as a still image. A LinkedIn post can give more context, while a short TikTok text tends to complement the scene. Just shortening the character length isn't a real adjustment.
Write a separate first line for each channel and then decide whether the same CTA remains useful. A product link can fit on Pinterest, a question can spark better discussion on LinkedIn, and a short visual proof can be stronger in video than a detailed claim.
Before sharing, every post needs a real preview
The preview shows the logo, account, text, medium, aspect ratio and optional cover as the post is actually prepared. A black video area, an incorrect logo or an empty large image area are not cosmetic errors: they prevent reliable release.
Check desktop and mobile. On small displays, buttons must not be cut off, long texts must be wrapped and media must not create horizontal overflow. If a channel supports text-only, the map should remain compact.
Export and release checklist
Before planning, each variant should pass the same minimum checks. The list is intentionally channel-independent and is supplemented by platform-specific limits.
- correct target channel and account
- appropriate aspect ratio and sufficient resolution
- Core motif and text within the safe area
- correct logo and cover
- readable hook without truncated words
- Alt text or description where supported
- no internal URLs, file names or technical IDs
- Preview checked for smartphone width
FAQ
Can I use a 9:16 video anywhere?
Technically, some platforms accept multiple ratios. However, a separate variant can be useful for feed, preview and desktop. What matters is the visible composition, not just an accepted upload.
Why is a Pinterest Pin cut off?
Pinterest recommends 2:3 for standard pins. Higher formats can be displayed shortened in the feed, which is why important content should be within this format.