# Set duration and aspect ratio Source: https://www.ngram.com/docs/duration-and-aspect-ratio Published: 2026-08-06T00:00:00Z Updated: 2026-10-21T00:00:00Z Set overall video or individual scene duration and choose landscape, vertical, or square output without unnecessary regeneration. Create a video Choose a target length and orientation that fit the message, destination, and limits shown for your current plan. [Set video options](https://www.ngram.com/app) [All docs](https://www.ngram.com/docs) ## Read before this Read these direct prerequisites in order. Each guide lists any earlier context it assumes. 1. [1 Create your first video Go from prompt and sources to a reviewable first video.](https://www.ngram.com/docs/creating-your-first-video) Choose the target length and frame shape before creating a video. For an existing video, describe the timing change and what should stay in the same conversation. ## Before you start Open Home and prepare your brief and sources. Decide where the video will be watched and which message must fit. Check the available settings and credit estimate before starting. With Auto, the estimate starts as credits per second; choosing a length gives a total estimate. Final charges follow the finished duration. On Free, you can create one premium video per calendar month (UTC), up to 60 seconds, using your credits. After using that allowance, choose ngram-flash or upgrade to Basic or higher for another premium video. ## Set length and format 1. Open Home and choose Prompt to video. 2. Write the audience, message and destination in Video brief. 3. Open Length and choose Auto or one of the durations shown. 4. Open Format and choose the available landscape, vertical or square layout for your destination. 5. Review the settings and choose Create video. 6. Check that the proposed script fits the requested runtime. Request changes if it contains too much, then choose Approve plan. ## Choose a useful length - A short teaser works best with one message and a clear closing action. - A lesson or walkthrough needs enough time to understand each step and read its labels. - Use Auto when covering the source matters more than a fixed runtime. For a fixed runtime, state the limit and the priorities in the brief. ## Choose a useful frame Use 16:9 for landscape presentations, demos and embeds; 9:16 for phone-first vertical viewing; and 1:1 for square feeds. Follow the choices shown in Format. Check that important text and visuals remain inside the frame. ## Change timing in an existing video Name the scene or timestamp and the desired result. For example: “Hold the closing card for two more seconds. Keep the wording and all earlier scenes.” Review the next result and the transitions around the changed moment. Length is a target; the completed runtime can differ. To try a shorter version while keeping the current direction, fork a checkpoint from Saved versions first and make the request in the new conversation. ## What you should see The plan should fit your priorities, and the preview should use the selected frame. Play the result to check pacing, readability and total runtime before sharing. ## If a setting or result does not match Check the selection in Length or Format and read any compatibility or credit message. Keep the same conversation and request one targeted correction. Contact Support if the selection does not persist or the correction repeatedly fails; include the project URL, chosen settings and approximate time. ## Duration and aspect ratio FAQ ### How can I make a shorter version while keeping the original? Fork a checkpoint from Saved versions, then request the shorter runtime in the new conversation. Name the message, visuals and closing action that must remain. ### Can I change the timing of one scene? Ask in the conversation or use Make changes to identify the moment. State the desired timing and what must stay, then check the updated scene and its neighboring transitions. ### Which aspect ratio should I choose? Use 16:9 for landscape viewing, 9:16 for vertical phone viewing, or 1:1 for a square feed. Choose the option shown in Format and check the preview for cropped text or visuals. ### Why is a setting unavailable? Read the current options and any eligibility message in the composer. Contact Support if an expected setting remains missing, including your account context and the setting you were trying to use. ## Keep going [Create your first video Create a first ngram video from the current Home and agentic workflow.](https://www.ngram.com/docs/creating-your-first-video) [Understand credits Understand credit estimates, reservations, charges, plan grants, top-ups, and auto top-up.](https://www.ngram.com/docs/credits) [Share, embed, publish, and update a video Use the current Share control and understand the curated Made with ngram gallery.](https://www.ngram.com/docs/sharing-and-publishing) ## Continue in ngram Open the relevant Studio surface and follow the current controls shown in your account. [Set video options](https://www.ngram.com/app)