Context & Challenge
Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts require vertical 9:16 aspect ratio video for optimal viewing. However, most professional video content is shot in horizontal 16:9 format. Manually cropping each video for social distribution is time-consuming and risks cutting off important subjects or visual elements.
The challenge was to automate the conversion process while ensuring the crop stays centered on the main subject, properly positions branded overlays, and maintains professional quality output for social media distribution.
Before: Manual Video Editing
- Manual cropping in video editing software for each clip
- Risk of cutting off important subjects or text
- Inconsistent framing across multiple videos
- Time intensive process (15-30 minutes per video)
- Brand overlay positioning errors
- Difficulty maintaining quality with resolution changes
After: Automated Processing
- Automated subject detection and intelligent crop centering
- Preserves important visual elements and on-screen text
- Consistent 9:16 framing across all outputs
- Processing time: 2-5 minutes per video
- Automatic brand overlay positioning to avoid subject
- Optimized output for vertical social platforms
Solution & Approach
The solution uses AI powered video analysis to detect subjects in horizontal video, intelligently crop to 9:16 aspect ratio while keeping the subject centered, and automatically position branded overlays in non-intrusive locations.
Workflow Components
Subject Detection
AI analyzes each frame to identify the primary subject and track its position throughout the video.
Intelligent Cropping
Automatically crops to 9:16 format while keeping the subject centered and preserving important visual elements.
Overlay Positioning
Places branded graphics and watermarks in optimal locations that do not obscure the main subject.
Processing Pipeline
AI processes the horizontal video to identify subjects, faces, and important visual elements throughout the timeline.
Algorithm determines optimal 9:16 crop window that keeps the subject centered while preserving maximum context.
Crop window dynamically adjusts frame by frame to follow subject movement and maintain proper framing.
Branded graphics are positioned based on subject location heatmap to ensure visibility without obstruction.
Video is encoded with platform-specific settings for TikTok, Reels, and Shorts optimal quality.
Results & Outcomes
The automated workflow transformed vertical video production from a manual bottleneck into a streamlined process, enabling faster social media distribution with consistent quality.
Measurable Outcomes
- 85% time savings — Processing reduced from 15-30 minutes to 2-5 minutes per video
- Consistent framing — Subject always properly centered with optimal crop boundaries
- Professional quality — Clean vertical videos ready for TikTok, Reels, and Shorts
- Brand consistency — Overlays positioned intelligently to maximize visibility
- Batch processing support — Convert multiple videos in a single automated workflow
Manual Process
- Import horizontal video to editing software
- Manually adjust crop window frame by frame
- Position brand overlay without covering subject
- Export and verify quality
- Repeat for each platform format variation
- Total Time: 15-30 minutes
Automated Process
- Upload horizontal video to automation tool
- AI automatically detects and tracks subject
- Intelligent crop applied with subject centered
- Brand overlay positioned automatically
- Platform optimized export delivered
- Total Time: 2-5 minutes
Findings & Insights
What Worked Well
- Accurate subject tracking: AI successfully kept speakers and important elements centered throughout videos
- Dramatic time savings: Process that took 15-30 minutes now completes in 2-5 minutes
- Batch processing capability: Can process multiple videos sequentially without manual intervention
- Consistent output quality: Every video follows the same framing and overlay positioning standards
- Easy iteration: Can quickly adjust crop parameters or overlay positioning for entire batches
Challenges & Limitations
- Source quality dependency: Low resolution source videos result in lower-quality vertical outputs
- Complex scene handling: Videos with multiple moving subjects require manual crop adjustment
- Video length limitation: Would not recommend for videos over 5 minutes
- Quality review still needed: Automated output benefits from spot checking before publishing
- Platform format variations: Different platforms have slightly different optimal encoding settings
Key Takeaways
This project demonstrates how AI powered video analysis can automate repetitive creative tasks while maintaining professional quality standards. The workflow eliminates manual frame by frame editing without sacrificing subject framing quality.
Success Factors
- Subject aware intelligence: AI tracking ensures the crop follows the main subject throughout the video
- Significant time reduction: 85% faster processing enables rapid social media distribution
- Brand consistency maintained: Automated overlay positioning ensures visual identity across all outputs
- Quality awareness: Understanding source quality limitations prevents unrealistic expectations
- Scalable workflow: Batch processing capability supports high-volume content production
