Creating content for multiple platforms can quickly become a real headache. YouTube requires 16:9 horizontal, TikTok and Instagram Reels favor 9:16 vertical, and some stories or sponsored posts prefer square formats. Reshooting the same scene multiple times in different formats is not only time-consuming, but it also takes away from spontaneity. Fortunately, the Insta360 X5 is changing that: thanks to its ultra-high-definition 360° recording, you can capture a single shot and turn it into vertical, horizontal, or square videos... as much as you like.
With a 360° camera like the X5, you can film everything around you . This frees you from the constraints of framing during filming. In post-production, you can decide:
To adopt a 16:9 format for YouTube or a website
To create a 9:16 version for social platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels or Shorts
To publish a square (1:1) variation for sponsored posts or Instagram carousels
This approach not only allows you to maximize your content production , but also allows you to adapt perfectly to each channel without shooting the same scene multiple times. It's a huge time saver, and a real asset for maintaining the fluidity and spontaneity of your videos.
To get the most out of this feature:
Activate Standard 360° mode for a global capture, or Me mode to keep your subject centered
Shooting in 8K guarantees you excellent detail, even after cropping
Position the camera at eye level for a natural perspective
Use the invisible pole for a "floating camera" effect
Prefer slow, circular movements to enrich the potential cropping field
And most importantly: film with your surroundings in mind. 360° captures everything—ensuring your surroundings are consistent and aesthetically pleasing across all formats.
Once you've finished shooting, you can move on to editing with the Insta360 mobile app or Insta360 Studio on your computer:
Uses Auto Frame mode , which automatically detects the best angles
Manually create your keyframes to simulate tracking, zooming, or tracking.
Change ratio at any time: go from 9:16 to 16:9 in two clicks
Export multiple versions from a single file
The result: the same scene can be used for a long YouTube video, a quick Reel, a story teaser, and an original TikTok clip.
🏞️ A hiking video: a YouTube version to tell your story, a vertical version to share a highlight (jump, summit, panorama)
🚴♀️ An urban cycling vlog: capture the city in 360°, export a vertical story and a cinematic sequence for your channel
📦 A product presentation: long explanatory format on YouTube, dynamic vertical teaser for Reels or Meta Ads
One shoot = 3 to 5 content variations.
Even if the cropping is done afterward, certain good practices significantly improve the result:
Keeps the main subject centered in relation to the camera
Anticipates future framing : avoids visual distractions in the background
Use Me Mode to have the X5 automatically track your location
Quickly preview the scene via the mobile app before launching a long sequence
Avoid angles that are too close to maintain flexibility when cropping
With the Insta360 X5 , you can shoot once to distribute video content in all popular formats . No more need to shoot multiple times or adapt your setup for each channel:
You save precious time with each shoot
You maintain the consistency of your storytelling , whatever the format
You can plan a cross-platform publishing schedule from a single file
You maximize the value of each shooting session without extra effort
In short, this feature is a game changer for all content creators, vloggers, communicators and visual entrepreneurs who want to produce more efficiently, without sacrificing quality or creativity.
