Chapter 1: The Shift in Video Orientation

It was around 2010 when we collectively decided that videos should be recorded in a horizontal format. This consensus was widely accepted, with many sharing memes that mocked the idea of vertical video. After all, our vision is naturally horizontal!

However, here we are in 2023, and it appears we've missed the mark. The rise of short-form social media videos is embracing the vertical format, sweeping through all major platforms. In fact, there are even films being developed with a vertical shooting style, and AI is being utilized to create vertical edits of classic movies such as Star Wars.

So, what led us to this transformation? Let's investigate!

One of the earliest forms of artistic expression can be traced back to prehistoric cave drawings. Examining these artifacts reveals that our ancestors primarily depicted their surroundings in a horizontal manner.

They likely chose this format because they were often illustrating animals, which are predominantly horizontal in shape, or perhaps because they were limited to the long, horizontal walls of caves. This suggests that for much of our history, we operated within a horizontal framework.

But have we truly abandoned this orientation in just over a decade? The reality is more intricate.

Section 1.1: Ancient Expression

Moving forward in time, we encounter Egyptian hieroglyphs. While most of these symbols are vertical, there are numerous examples of horizontal arrangements as well. This inconsistency raises questions: Did Egyptian scribes debate the "correct" format, or were they simply indifferent to it?

It’s amusing to think that the scribes may have had spirited discussions about this, akin to modern debates among programmers concerning semicolons in JavaScript.

Subsection 1.1.1: Babylonian Influence

Babylonian clay tablets predominantly feature vertical text, contrasting with the Egyptians who favored more pictorial representations. These tablets even documented customer grievances, showcasing one of the earliest uses of written language.

From these ancient cultures, we can deduce that there was no definitive victor in the orientation debate—both vertical and horizontal were utilized in different contexts.

Chapter 2: The Functional Aspect of Orientation

The first video, Why I DON'T Shoot Vertical Video (what to do instead), discusses the implications of vertical video recording and presents alternative approaches for content creation.

The second video, STOP Shooting Vertical Videos! Do THIS Instead!, emphasizes the challenges of vertical video and suggests effective solutions.

To determine which orientation prevails, we must categorize forms of expression. The first category includes static displays—cave paintings, posters, and TV shows. Given that our eyes align horizontally, it makes sense that these forms typically adopt a horizontal format. However, artistic expression can vary depending on the subject matter.

In contrast, expressions that are mobile, like Babylonian tablets, lend themselves better to vertical formats. Our evolutionary development, particularly the opposable thumb, has influenced how we interact with devices. This anatomical feature allows us to hold a smartphone vertically with greater ease, even if it’s not the optimal orientation for all types of content.