As a realtor, you know that high-quality visuals are essential to selling homes. But if you’re only getting landscape (horizontal) photos and videos for your listings, you’re missing out on a huge opportunity—especially on social media.
The majority of homebuyers today are searching for homes on their phones, and mobile-first platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok prioritize vertical (portrait) content. If you want to maximize your reach and engagement, it’s time to start thinking beyond traditional website listings and embrace portrait-style visuals.
The Problem with Landscape-Only Content
When real estate photographers or videographers only shoot in landscape, the content is optimized for websites and MLS listings but not for social media. Here’s why that’s a problem:
- Social Media Prioritizes Vertical Content – Platforms like Instagram Reels, Facebook Stories, and TikTok are designed for vertical viewing. Posting landscape videos here often results in awkward cropping or black bars, making your content look less professional.
- Most Buyers Browse on Mobile – According to recent studies, over 70% of homebuyers start their search on a mobile device. Vertical content fills the screen, creating an immersive experience that keeps potential buyers engaged.
- Reels Get More Engagement Than Static Images – Static listing photos are important, but Reels and video tours get significantly more views, shares, and interactions. If your videos aren’t formatted correctly, you’re missing out on organic reach and potential leads.
Why Portrait Content Wins on Social Media
Shooting in portrait format gives your content a major advantage on social media. Here’s why:
✅ Full-Screen Experience – Vertical videos take up the entire screen, eliminating distractions and keeping viewers focused on the home’s best features.
✅ More Engaging & Dynamic – Reels allow you to highlight key selling points with smooth transitions, text overlays, and music, making your listings stand out.
✅ Better Visibility in Algorithms – Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook prioritize Reels in their algorithms, meaning vertical content is more likely to reach potential buyers organically.
✅ Easier to Repurpose – A well-shot vertical video can be used across multiple platforms—Reels, Stories, TikTok, and even YouTube Shorts—maximizing exposure for each listing.
How to Ensure You’re Getting Vertical Content
If you’re hiring a photographer or videographer for your listings, make sure they provide both landscape and portrait shots. This way, you get the best of both worlds: high-quality images for your website and MLS, plus engaging vertical content for social media.
Alternatively, consider working with a marketing team that specializes in real estate social media—one that understands how to create eye-catching Reels that attract buyers.
Final Thoughts
Your listings deserve to be seen in the best possible light, and in today’s mobile-driven world, that means shooting for the platform where buyers are actually looking. By incorporating portrait videos and photos into your marketing strategy, you’ll create more engaging, shareable content that helps homes sell faster.
Looking to take your real estate marketing to the next level? Let’s chat about how we can help you create social media content that captivates buyers and grows your brand!
