Vertical-First Layout Rules
Vertical-First Layout Rules
Most ads don’t fail because they look bad.
They fail because they were designed for the wrong viewing behavior.
Feed = scanning
Stories/Reels = immersive
Using the same layout in both guarantees one of them will feel off.
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The Only Artboards You Need
4:5 → Feed master
9:16 → Immersive master
Everything else derives from these.
Never start in square.
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How People Actually See Them
4:5
Fast interruption viewing
Needs a bold hook and instant clarity
9:16
Closer viewing
Allows explanation and breathing room
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The Safe Zone Problem
Story UI covers top and bottom.
Your readable area is the middle, not the canvas edges.
Edge-aligned headlines will get cut.
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Don’t Resize, Re-Prioritize
Instead of scaling the same layout, change hierarchy.
Feed
Headline leads
Story
Visual leads
Same ad, different attention behavior.
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Structure Formula
4:5
Hook → Visual → Proof
9:16
Visual → Explanation → Space
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Quick Checklist
Text centered vertically in 9:16
Nothing important at top or bottom edges
Product readable without headline
Feed readable in under one second
You’re not resizing a design.
You’re adapting attention.