Editing for Instagram
For this Darbyshire workshop promo, I created a vertical 9:16 reel version of the workshop promotional film.
I edited the Instagram reel from the original 3840 × 2160 UHD master camera files that I had previously used for the main 16:9 website version.
Because social media platforms require different viewing formats, I re-versioned the original landscape edit specifically for Instagram and mobile viewing.
This process allowed Darbyshire to maintain consistent branding while also optimising the film for vertical social media audiences.
Re-versioning the film in Avid Media Composer
As a professional video editor, I use Avid Media Composer for all major editing and post-production work.
To create vertical Instagram Reels efficiently, I built a separate “Instagram Vertical” project using a 1080 × 1920 raster.
For this project, I first created a new Avid bin inside the Instagram project. Because I had already completed the main 16:9 website version, I could reuse the existing edit structure and timeline.
I then opened the original Avid bin containing the signed-off 16:9 edit and duplicated the final sequence into the new Instagram project.
After renaming the duplicated sequence, I began optimising the landscape edit for the vertical 9:16 format.
Adjusting the edit for vertical video
In the timeline, I used Avid FrameFlex controls to reframe each shot from 16:9 to the taller 9:16 aspect ratio.
Although many shots adapted well to the vertical format, several required additional repositioning and visual adjustments.
For example, the opening shot needed animated keyframe movement to maintain strong composition and visual balance throughout the sequence.
Because vertical video crops a large portion of the horizontal image, careful reframing became essential during the edit.
In addition, I adjusted certain shot timings slightly to improve pacing and visual rhythm.
Most shots remained close to two seconds long. This fast pacing matched the supplied music track while also showcasing as many framing processes as possible within the short-form format.
Instagram text-safe areas
To ensure the branding and text overlays remained readable on Instagram, I repositioned all graphics into the platform’s text-safe area.
This step prevented Instagram interface elements from obscuring important information during playback.
For this edit, I centred most of the text overlays within the frame to maintain clarity and visual consistency.
I created the text titles in Avid Titler+ using the Euclid typeface requested by my client, Darbyshire.
In addition, I re-imported the company branding elements at the correct vertical aspect ratio to maintain sharpness and proper scaling throughout the final export.
There wasn’t much to do to make this 80-second Darbyshire workshop promo video work well.
Delivering vertical social media content
Because modern audiences increasingly watch video on mobile devices, vertical social media versions now play an important role in promotional filmmaking.
By re-versioning the original workshop film for Instagram, I helped Darbyshire extend the reach of their promotional content across multiple platforms while maintaining a consistent visual identity.
If you would like any help with your Instagram editing, please get in touch via my website contact form or call my mobile.
To watch more examples of my work, visit my portfolio.
