Multi-Aspect Export Decision Tree: When You Need 9:16, 1:1, 16:9
Epitrite's multi-aspect export gives you 9:16 (vertical), 1:1 (square), and 16:9 (horizontal) from one project. The question is which ones you actually need for any given release. Sometimes you need all three. Sometimes only one.
The Decision Tree
Question 1: Where will the lyric video be posted?
The aspect ratio you need follows the platform.
Question 2: How wide is your audience?
If you're hitting multiple platforms, you need multiple aspects.
Question 3: Is this a marketing piece or distribution piece?
Marketing = multi-aspect. Distribution = single aspect.
Aspect Ratios by Platform
| Platform | Aspect | Required | |---|---|---| | TikTok | 9:16 | Yes | | Instagram Reels | 9:16 | Yes | | YouTube Shorts | 9:16 | Yes | | Snapchat | 9:16 | Yes | | YouTube long-form | 16:9 | Yes | | YouTube playlist watch | 16:9 | Yes | | Spotify Canvas | 9:16 | Yes | | Apple Music Motion | 1:1 | Yes | | Instagram feed | 1:1 (or 4:5) | Optional | | Instagram Story | 9:16 | Yes | | X / Twitter | 16:9 or 9:16 | One needed | | Facebook video | 16:9 or 9:16 | One needed | | Pinterest video | 9:16 or 2:3 | Yes | | Twitch / YouTube Live | 16:9 | Yes | | Discord upload | Any | Optional | | TV / Cinema (sync) | 16:9 | Yes | | Concert / venue projector | 16:9 | Yes |
When You Need All Three
If your release strategy includes:
- TikTok / Reels / Shorts (needs 9:16)
- YouTube long-form (needs 16:9)
- Instagram feed (needs 1:1)
- Apple Music Motion (needs 1:1)
- Spotify Canvas (needs 9:16)
Then yes, all three.
When You Only Need One
For specific use cases:
Single Aspect: 9:16 Only
- Social-only release (TikTok-first, no YouTube)
- Snapchat / TikTok / Reels focus
- Spotify Canvas + TikTok variant strategy
Single Aspect: 16:9 Only
- Documentary / cinema delivery
- Live show backing visuals
- Long-form YouTube only (no Shorts)
- Sync pitch (most agencies want 16:9)
Single Aspect: 1:1 Only
- Apple Music Motion only
- Instagram feed only (no Reels)
- Very rare to need 1:1 alone
Workflow with Multi-Aspect
In Epitrite:
- Create project at 9:16 (default)
- Configure all settings (template, lyrics, beat sync, color)
- Export → check all aspect ratio boxes (9:16, 1:1, 16:9)
- Epitrite renders all three simultaneously
- Use each file for its respective platform
Total render time: 2-5 minutes for all three.
Cropping Considerations
When converting between aspects, content gets cropped:
- 9:16 → 16:9: top and bottom cropped (or letterboxed)
- 16:9 → 9:16: left and right cropped (or letterboxed)
- 9:16 → 1:1: top and bottom slightly cropped
Epitrite handles this automatically — template-aware cropping ensures lyrics stay visible.
Aspect-Specific Templates
Some templates work better in specific aspects:
| Template | Best Aspect | Works in Other | |---|---|---| | Brat | 9:16 | Yes (1:1, 16:9) | | Magazine Cover | All three | All work | | Triple Strip | 9:16 only | Doesn't translate | | Y2K Chrome | All three | All work | | Album Art Story | All three | All work | | Bauhaus Type | All three | All work | | Retro TV | 9:16 only | Limited |
Triple Strip and Retro TV are 9:16-specific. Other templates flex across all three aspects.
Sync / Documentary Specifically
For sync pitches and documentary use:
- 16:9 only is usually correct
- 1920×1080 or 4K (3840×2160)
- ProRes 422 MOV preferred over MP4 (Pro feature)
- Match cinematic standards
Common Questions
Should I always export all three?
If you're posting across TikTok + YouTube + Instagram: yes. Other cases vary.
Are multi-aspect exports free?
Yes — multi-aspect export is included on Free tier. Pro adds 4K resolution.
Will quality vary between aspects?
No — Epitrite renders each aspect at its native resolution from your source.
Can I export 4:5 (Instagram portrait) too?
Currently 9:16, 1:1, 16:9 are the standard outputs. 4:5 isn't separate; use 1:1 for Instagram feed instead.
Takeaway
Multi-aspect export is included on Epitrite Free. Decide which aspects you need based on platform strategy. Most professional releases need all three. Niche use cases (documentary, single-platform) need only one or two.
Try Epitrite free — multi-aspect export on every tier.
