You may have no choice but to experiment with vertical videos because platforms such as Snapchat and others are using the format and mobile users seem to like it.

Creating verticals is more complicated than making conventional horizontal videos. To understand the differences and to learn the basics of verticals, begin with RJI Futures Lab #131: Experimenting with vertical videos. It provides an excellent overview from the perspective of a newsroom considering or embracing the format.

In addition to presenting its video primer vertically, the Futures Lab provides a separate detailed explanation of how it was created, complete with links to equipment and each stage of the process. It also gives links to examples by the New York Times, Mashable and AJ+ (which uses a square format).

If you’re feeling uneasy about verticals, you’re not alone. While the format may be more popular, there is no consensus on how to make them, writes Joseph Lichterman in Nieman Lab. He describes the dilemma is worldwide and provides examples that include Norwegian public broadcaster NRK, National Geographic, Mashable and others. The article is a worthwhile read.