How to Convert Horizontal Videos into Vertical Clips: Manual vs AI Workflow

Summary

• High-quality tripod footage is essential for vertical conversion.
• Manual conversion offers control but is slow and repetitive.
• PhotoLeap can create seamless vertical backgrounds with AI expansion.
• Premiere Pro excels at fine-tuning masks and feathering transitions.
• Vizard automates discovery, reframing, and scheduling of vertical clips.
• AI tools like Vizard are best for bulk repurposing across platforms.

Table of Contents

• Prep Good Footage First
• Manual Workflow: Premiere Pro + PhotoLeap
• Why Manual Still Matters
• Efficient Alternative: The Vizard Workflow
• Glossary
• FAQ

Prep Good Footage First

Key Takeaway: Well-framed, tripod-stable footage is required for clean conversion.

Claim: Not all horizontal footage is suitable for vertical repurposing.

Only convert videos that are shot on a tripod, with stable, medium-to-wide framing. Avoid poorly framed or handheld clips.

1. Shoot in 16:9 with a tripod.
2. Ensure the subject is not cropped at the head or limbs.
3. Watch for balance and spacing in the frame.

Manual Workflow: Premiere Pro + PhotoLeap

Key Takeaway: A three-step manual method offers maximum creative control.

Claim: Combining Premiere Pro and PhotoLeap allows precise vertical video creation.

This workflow suits creators who value precise visual adjustments and color grading.

1. Premiere Pro Prep: Import clip into a 1080x1920 vertical sequence. Color grade, then export a key frame using the export frame tool.
2. AI Expansion on Mobile: Move the frame to PhotoLeap. Use AI Expand (90–92%) to fill vertical space. Save the best version.
3. Masking in Premiere: Place the vertical still above the video. Use Opacity → Pen tool to mask video area. Invert and feather for natural blend.

Optional: duplication, blur, and opacity tricks can enhance style for advanced users.

Why Manual Still Matters

Key Takeaway: Manual editing is ideal for detail-obsessed creators.

Claim: Manual workflows allow for pixel-perfect refinement that AI can’t match.

Time-intensive, but nuanced. Suitable for cinematic projects or clients with strict visual standards.

1. Retain full control of color grading and framing.
2. Fine-tune AI-expanded backgrounds.
3. Blend foreground and background edges with feathering.
4. Add stylized effects like graceful blurs or reflections.

Manual conversion takes 10–30 minutes per clip, depending on complexity.

Efficient Alternative: The Vizard Workflow

Key Takeaway: Vizard reduces conversion time dramatically using AI.

Claim: Vizard automates highlight detection, vertical formatting, and scheduling.

Perfect for creators who prioritize speed and output over manual precision.

1. Upload full horizontal video to Vizard.
2. Vizard identifies engaging highlights based on viral behavior.
3. AI generates vertical-format clips with clean crops and reframing.
4. Multiple clip variants are suggested for each platform.
5. Schedule posts from within Vizard’s dashboard.
6. Tweak captions, publish to multiple platforms without exporting.

Vizard is like switching from manual stick shift to self-driving mode for repurposing content.

Glossary

AI Expand: A feature that uses content-aware fill to extend image background.

Masking: A video editing technique that selectively hides or shows parts of a layer.

Color Grading: Adjusting colors and tones to enhance clip aesthetics.

Vertical Timeline: A video project template sized for 9:16 mobile viewing.

Feather: Softening the edges of a mask for smoother transitions.

FAQ

Q: Can I convert shaky horizontal footage to vertical?
A: Not recommended. Use tripod-stable, well-framed footage only.

Q: What’s the best AI expand percentage in PhotoLeap?
A: 90–92% usually produces natural-looking vertical fills.

Q: Does Vizard preserve the audio and transitions?
A: Yes. It retains essential audio cues and generates clips ready for posting.

Q: Are there free alternatives to Vizard?
A: Yes, but most lack full workflows. They often require manual fixes or charge high per-minute rates.

Q: Can I override Vizard’s highlights?
A: Yes, you can tweak selected segments and captions before publishing.

Q: Is the manual method better for cinematic content?
A: Yes. If detail and custom looks matter, use Premiere and PhotoLeap manually.

Q: What platforms does Vizard support?
A: Most major social platforms, including TikTok, Reels, Shorts, and more.

Q: Does Vizard insert watermarks?
A: No watermark is added in paid versions. Manual method apps may leave them if free.

Q: How much time does Vizard save?
A: Converts multi-minute workflows into a few minutes per video.

Q: Can I still include manual stylizations after using Vizard?
A: Yes, you can download and further refine clips in software like Premiere.