VSLs should be filmed horizontally.
16:9.

But if you already shot it vertical..
there’s a clean workaround.

Drop the video into CapCut.
Drag the clip onto the timeline.

Find the Ratio button
and select 16:9.

Resize the video so it fills as much of the frame as possible
without cutting off your head.

Now click on the video again
and find the Canvas setting.

Turn it on.
Choose Blur.

This adds blurred bars on the sides
and instantly makes the video feel intentional.

Now you’ve got a horizontal video
that actually looks good.

While you’re there..
add captions.

Drop in some light background music.

Done.

No reshoots.
No excuses.

Ship it!

🚀

- James