The way audiences consume video has transformed dramatically in just a few years. More than 90% of social video views now happen on mobile devices, and the vast majority of those are in vertical format. What started as a social-media-driven style has now become the new default for how people engage with videos.

Our own analytics speaks to it when we have seen vertical videos +447% increase in views and +392% in ad impressions year on year on one of the platforms. The lower sell out rate (compared with horizontal videos) shows advertisers are catching up targeting audience consuming vertical videos.

What drives Vertical videos growth

1. Mobile-First Behavior

Audiences hold their phones vertically 94% of the time. Vertical video doesn’t just fit the screen; it fits the natural rhythm of mobile use. It’s easy to swipe, quick to digest, and built for short attention spans without sacrificing storytelling power.

2. Higher Retention and Completion Rates

A study published by Mconverter on September shows that vertical videos have 35% higher view-through rates on mobile compared to horizontal formats. Within KameraOne’s own partner ecosystem, we’ve recorded a 1,414% increase in video views and a 1,231% jump in ad impressions since June alone; clear proof that vertical content keeps viewers engaged for longer.

3. Platform Optimization

Every major platform like YouTube, Meta, TikTok and X now prioritize vertical in their discovery feeds and monetization tools. Publishers who invest early in vertical formats see better organic reach and stronger revenue opportunities. The growth in ad impressions shows that advertisers are following where the audience already is.

Built for the Mobile Mindset

Our KameraOne products are created in distinct version to serve both Vertical and Horizontal consumption, they are not cropped or repurposed.

Vertical versions highlights

• Bold, readable captions for quick scanning on smaller screens
• Smooth transitions that keep attention steady
• Dynamic framing that immerses the viewer without distraction

This approach adapts content to mobile and also optimizes the storytelling itself. That way the result is a more emotional and immediate connection between the story and the viewer.

The Takeaway for any Publisher

Vertical video isn’t a passing format now, it’s the language of digital storytelling for 2026 and it’s redefining how publishers connect with audiences, advertisers, and platforms.

At KameraOne, we make that transition seamless. Our ready-to-license vertical video products empower publishers to meet audiences where they are and monetize engagement more effectively than ever.

Want to see how vertical video can elevate your performance? Contact us to explore our content.