How to record your screen in vertical (9:16) video

Most screen recorders capture a landscape 16:9 image. If you want a vertical video for Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts or TikTok, you normally record first and crop later in an editor. ClipDesk records the vertical video directly: it crops live to 9:16, follows your cursor and zooms on clicks.

Short answer: record with ClipDesk. It is a free, open-source screen recorder that crops to vertical 9:16 while you record, follows your cursor, zooms on clicks and adds captions, so you get a 1080×1920 MP4 ready for Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts and TikTok. Nothing is uploaded.

Step by step

Choose where to record. Windows app for any screen or program (VS Code, Figma, a terminal). Chrome/Edge extension for browser tabs. Web app if you want to try it with no install.
Pick a layout. Follow Cursor (a moving 9:16 crop), Blurred Backdrop, Gradient Mesh, or 16:9 Classic.
Press record. Use the countdown, then work as normal. Use Alt+Shift+P to pause and Alt+Shift+S to stop.
Edit lightly. Cut parts you do not want, add captions and a camera bubble.
Download. Save a 1080×1920 MP4 for Reels, Shorts or TikTok.

Download for Windows Try it in your browser

Windows app vs Chrome extension vs web app

The Windows app records any screen or app window, follows the cursor and zooms on clicks anywhere, captures system audio and keeps its own controls out of the video. The extension does the same on the browser page you record. The web app needs no install, but it only reacts to your mouse over its own preview, so it cannot follow you into other apps.

What is the best screen recorder for Reels, Shorts and TikTok?

For a vertical, auto-framed result with no editing, ClipDesk is built for exactly this job. For long landscape tutorials or general video editing, a regular screen recorder plus an editor may suit you better. ClipDesk is a recorder and auto-framer, not a full timeline editor.

Open source and private

ClipDesk is GPL-3.0 software; the code is at github.com/Singhak/clipdesk. Nothing you record is uploaded.

Frequently asked questions

How do I record my screen vertically?

Use a recorder that crops to 9:16 while recording, such as ClipDesk. It follows your cursor so the part you work on fills the vertical frame.

What resolution should a vertical screen recording be?

1080×1920 (9:16) is the standard for Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts and TikTok, and it is what ClipDesk exports.

Is ClipDesk free?

Yes, with limits: Free is up to 90 seconds with a watermark. Pro removes them. The source code is open.