How to Make a 9:16 Video on Veo 3 (Without Losing Your Mind)
Veo 3 is one of the most powerful video generation models available. But if you’ve tried to get it to make a vertical (9:16) video for TikTok or Reels, you’ve probably noticed:
It’s not easy.
By default, Veo 3 creates horizontal 16:9 videos. But there are a few ways to try to force it into 9:16, and one tool that makes it incredibly easy without all the trial and error.
🧪 3 Ways to Make 9:16 Work with Veo 3
1. Explicit Prompting (50/50 Success Rate)
This is the most common approach. You try to force vertical output using very specific language.
Sample Prompt:
A selfie-style video of a young woman walking through a sunny park, recorded in real vertical portrait mode (9:16). The phone is handheld and her arm is visible. Natural ambient sounds. Do not simulate vertical. This is a true smartphone video in portrait.
Why it works:
You’re giving Veo 3 direct visual instructions to mimic a vertical shot.
Why it fails:
Even with perfect wording, Veo still often outputs a 16:9 video. It’s unpredictable.
2. Add Negative Prompts (More Control, Still Inconsistent)
Some users have had more luck by layering on strict negatives to rule out horizontal framing or UI elements.
Sample Prompt:
A vertical smartphone video of a baker sprinkling flour onto a tray. Real portrait mode (9:16). The camera is held vertically. No overlays, no UI, no rotated footage, no horizontal output.
Pro Tip:
Mention details like “selfie-style,” “arm visible,” or “for Instagram Story” to increase the chance of vertical framing.
3. The Crop and Reframe Method (Reliable but Time-Consuming)
If the first two don’t work, this method will. It just takes more time.
- Generate a 16:9 video normally.
- Crop the center to get a 9:16 vertical slice.
- Use a tool like Runway, Luma Reframe, or CapCut to outpaint or fill the sides.
Pros:
It always gives you vertical output.
Cons:
You lose quality and spend more time editing.
✅ The Easy Option: Use Pamba (Built on Veo 3)
Pamba is built on top of Veo 3, but gives you a clean interface and automated vertical output.
You don’t need to know prompt tricks or do extra editing. Just:
- Chat with the Pamba agent
- Type what you want: “A barista pouring a latte in a cozy cafe”
- Get back a native 9:16 video that’s ready to post
No cropping. No guessing. No frustration.
🔍 Veo 3 vs Pamba
| Feature | Veo 3 | Pamba |
|---|---|---|
| Uses Veo 3 model | ✅ | ✅ |
| 9:16 output | Sometimes | Always |
| Aspect ratio control | Through prompt | One-click setting |
| Success rate | About 50 percent | 100 percent |
| Extra editing for 9:16 needed | Often | Never |
| Works for TikTok/Reels | Sometimes | Yes, by default |
🏁 Final Thoughts
If you're creating video for social media, especially TikTok or Reels:
- Veo 3 can technically make 9:16 videos, but it's not built for it by default.
- Pamba uses Veo 3 but lets you generate native 9:16 videos with no hacks or extra steps.
Try Pamba at pamba.app and skip the guesswork completely.
