How to Record Webcam in 9:16 Aspect Ratio on PC?

Recording videos in a 9:16 aspect ratio has become incredibly popular, especially with the rise of platforms like TikTok, Instagram Stories, and Snapchat. But what if you’re using a PC, and you don’t have the luxury of a mobile device’s natural portrait orientation? Don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll show you how to record webcam in 9:16 aspect ratio on PC using RecMaster. Whether you want to create tutorials, record your gameplays, or just need a flexible setup, this guide will help you achieve the perfect vertical video without hassle.

Understanding the 9:16 Aspect Ratio

Why Choose 9:16 for Your Webcam Recordings?

Before jumping into the technical steps, it’s essential to understand why the 9:16 aspect ratio is so important. You may have seen this vertical format on social media platforms where vertical videos are preferred. Unlike the traditional 16:9 ratio, which is horizontal, 9:16 gives your video a vertical orientation, which is ideal for smartphones.

In simple terms, 9:16 is the “portrait” mode. While 16:9 is the standard for YouTube videos and widescreen films, 9:16 has been tailored for modern-day social media content. So, if you want to create videos optimized for Instagram, TikTok, or other mobile-first platforms, the 9:16 format will make your content shine.

Why Record Webcam in 9:16 Aspect Ratio on PC?

Recording 9:16 videos on your PC offers a lot of advantages. You’ll be able to view your recording in real-time on a larger screen, making it easier to adjust your setup. You’ll also be able to get more flexible views with the mobile or camera connected to the PC. Plus, PC recording provides access to more powerful editing tools, better storage, and smoother performance compared to mobile devices. This makes it a great option if you want to create high-quality vertical videos with more control over the editing process.

How to Set Up RecMaster for Webcam Recording

Choosing the Right Webcam Mode

Once you’ve decided to go with a 9:16 aspect ratio, the first step is setting up RecMaster. RecMaster is a versatile screen and webcam recording software that can easily handle various aspect ratios. The process is simple:

1. Open RecMaster and choose Other Modes>> Webcam Mode from the main interface.
2. Once you’re in the webcam mode, the next step is selecting the correct settings for your recording.

Selecting the 9:16 Aspect Ratio

RecMaster allows you to adjust the webcam’s aspect ratio under the Parameters list. If your webcam natively supports 9:16, you can directly choose this from the list.

However, not all webcams offer a built-in 9:16 option, which leads us to the next section on adjusting your settings.

How to Adjust Webcam Settings for 9:16 Aspect Ratio

Check Your Webcam’s Aspect Ratio Support

The first thing you need to verify is whether your webcam supports the 9:16 aspect ratio. While many modern webcams support various aspect ratios, some older or basic models may only allow 16:9 (standard widescreen) or 4:3.

To check:

1. Open RecMaster and navigate to Webcam Mode.
2. Check the Parameters list to see if 9:16 is available.
3. If 9:16 is listed, simply select it. However, if it’s not, you may need to adjust the feed manually.

Rotate Your Webcam Feed to 9:16

If your webcam doesn’t directly support 9:16, RecMaster allows you to use the Spin icon. This tool helps you rotate the aspect ratio from 16:9 to 9:16, effectively flipping the video for portrait mode. This is a handy trick when your webcam feed is in the default horizontal mode.

What If 9:16 Isn’t Available?

Using the Spin Icon to Flip to 9:16

If you don’t see the 9:16 option directly in the settings, don’t worry. RecMaster’s Spin icon allows you to rotate the footage from horizontal to vertical. Here’s how to use it:

1. Choose a 16:9 option (e.g., 1280×720 or 1920×1080) from the Parameters list.
2. Click the Spin icon next to the selected resolution, and it will instantly rotate your video into a 9:16 aspect ratio.

Using External Tools (DroidCam and XSplit VCam)

If the built-in tools are still not giving you what you need, you can connect additional tools like DroidCam and XSplit VCam to help facilitate the process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. DroidCam – This app allows you to use your mobile phone as a webcam, giving you more flexibility with the aspect ratio. It can support 9:16 without any issues.
2. XSplit VCam – XSplit is a software that can help you enhance your webcam feed. It also allows you to adjust the aspect ratio to your desired dimensions.

How to Use Your Mobile Phone as a Webcam for 9:16 Recording

Using your mobile phone as a webcam can be a game-changer when it comes to recording in 9:16. Here are the detailed steps to record webcam in 9:16 aspect ratio with a Mobile Phone on PC:

Setting Up DroidCam on Android or iPhone

To turn your mobile phone into a webcam:

1. Install DroidCam from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Connect your phone to your computer either through USB or Wi-Fi.
3. Launch DroidCam on both your phone and PC.

Connecting DroidCam to RecMaster

Once your phone is connected, open RecMaster and choose Webcam Mode. From the Parameters list, select DroidCam as your webcam source. You can then choose 9:16 from the available aspect ratios and start recording. And still, if you only have 16:9 options, for example, 1080*720 in the list, you can use the Spin button to rotate 16:9 to 9:16. And if you selected both the Video and Audio option while connecting DroidCam, you need to select the DroidCam as the Microphone if you hope to record your voice as well.

No 9:16 or 16:9 options with DroidCam?

If your DroidCam or other cameras only offer the 640×480 (4:3) option, or if you prefer an alternative, follow these steps:

1. Download and install XSplit VCam (available at vcam.ai) on your computer.
2. In XSplit VCam, select DroidCam or your other camera under the Device list, and choose a 16:9 aspect ratio (e.g., 1920×1080 or 1280×720).
3. In RecMaster, choose Webcam mode, select Vcam Camera, and set the Parameters list to 9:16. If the 9:16 option is unavailable, select a 16:9 option and rotate it using the Spin icon.
4. With Vcam, you can also set it to blur the background of your webcam recording.

Troubleshooting Common Webcam Recording Issues

Even with the best tools, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are some common issues and how to troubleshoot them:

Webcam Flipping and Orientation Issues

If you notice that your webcam’s image is flipped or mirrored, check for a setting in RecMaster to adjust the image orientation. Sometimes, the automatic rotation doesn’t align perfectly, and you may need to manually rotate the video feed.

Conclusion

To record webcam in 9:16 aspect ratio on PC doesn’t have to be complicated. With RecMaster and a few simple tweaks, you can easily achieve the perfect vertical video for your projects. Whether you’re recording content for social media, tutorials, or streaming, this guide has you covered. By following the steps outlined above, you can use your webcam, mobile phone, or external tools like DroidCam and XSplit VCam to ensure your recordings look professional and perfectly oriented for portrait mode.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use any webcam to record in 9:16?

No, not all webcams support 9:16 natively. If your webcam doesn’t offer it, you can rotate the video manually using the Spin icon in RecMaster.

2. How do I adjust my webcam’s angle if it’s flipped?

You can adjust the webcam’s orientation by using the Spin icon or Flip icon in RecMaster or checking your webcam settings for any rotation options.

3. Can I use my phone as a webcam for RecMaster?

Yes! By using DroidCam, you can turn your Android or iPhone into a webcam and record in 9:16 easily.

4. What’s the best resolution for recording in 9:16?

A common resolution for 9:16 is 720×1280. However, you can use 1080×1920 for higher quality.

5. What if RecMaster doesn’t detect my webcam?

Make sure your webcam is connected correctly and recognized by your system. If RecMaster isn’t detecting your webcam, try these troubleshooting steps:

1. Check the Connections: Ensure that your webcam is properly plugged in or connected via USB or Wi-Fi. If you’re using a mobile phone as a webcam (via DroidCam or another app), verify the connection is stable.

2. Update Drivers: Sometimes outdated drivers can prevent your webcam from working. Go to the Device Manager on your PC, find your webcam under “Imaging Devices,” and check if there are any updates available.

3. Restart RecMaster: Close RecMaster and reopen it. A simple restart of the software can sometimes solve detection issues.

4. Restart Your PC: If restarting RecMaster doesn’t work, try rebooting your computer. This ensures that the operating system recognizes the webcam connection properly.

5. Reinstall Webcam Software: If none of the above steps work, uninstall and reinstall the webcam drivers or software. This can fix corrupted files that may be causing the issue.

6. Check for Conflicting Software: Ensure that other applications like Skype, Zoom, or other video conferencing tools are not using the webcam. Close any conflicting software, as it might prevent RecMaster from accessing the camera.

By following these steps, you should be able to fix any issues preventing RecMaster from detecting your webcam and get back to recording in the 9:16 aspect ratio!