Can I use a gimbal for vertical video content?

You’re ready to shoot a vertical video—maybe for Instagram Reels, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts. You frame your shot, hit record, and start moving. 

But when you play it back, the footage looks shaky, unsteady, and nothing like the smooth, cinematic videos you see online.

That’s where a gimbal comes in. Handheld shooting, no matter how steady your hands are, can’t match the stability a gimbal provides. 

But can you actually use a gimbal for vertical video? Do all gimbals work the same way? And how do you set one up for the best results?

Many content creators struggle with stabilization, especially when switching from horizontal to vertical formats. 

Some gimbals support vertical mode out of the box, while others need adjustments. Picking the right one and learning how to use it correctly makes all the difference.

This article breaks down everything you need to know—how gimbals work for vertical shooting, which models perform best, how to set them up, and what to watch out for. 

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to get stable, professional-looking vertical footage every time.

Can You Use a Gimbal for Vertical Video?

Yes, most modern gimbals support vertical mode. Whether you’re shooting for Instagram Reels, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts, you need stable footage to grab attention. A shaky video won’t cut it.

Why Vertical Video Needs Stabilization

Vertical content has taken over social media, but holding a phone or camera steady isn’t easy.

Handheld shots often look jittery, especially when you walk or pan. A gimbal fixes that by keeping your camera balanced, making movements look smooth and intentional.

Types of Gimbals That Support Vertical Video

1. Smartphone Gimbals

If you shoot videos on your phone, a gimbal keeps footage steady and lets you create cinematic movements.

Most smartphone gimbals have built-in vertical modes or adjustable clamps that hold your phone upright.

• Best options:
  • DJI Osmo Mobile 6 – Easy to use, strong stabilization, compact design.
  • Zhiyun Smooth 5S – More control over movements, great for creative shots.

2. Mirrorless & DSLR Gimbals

Larger cameras need stronger gimbals with vertical mounting options. Some models allow direct vertical mounting, while others require an L-bracket or side grip adapter.

• Best options:
  • DJI RS 3 Mini – Lightweight, supports vertical mode natively.
  • Zhiyun Weebill 3 – Powerful motors, works with heavier cameras.

3. Action Camera Gimbals

GoPros and other action cams have built-in stabilization, but a gimbal helps when shooting in extreme conditions. Some models work in vertical mode without extra accessories.

• Best options:
  • GoPro Karma Grip – Designed for GoPro, strong stabilization.
  • Hohem iSteady Pro 4 – Affordable, works with multiple action cameras.

How to Choose the Right Gimbal for Vertical Video

Picking the right gimbal for vertical video can make or break your shots. Get the wrong one, and you’ll struggle with awkward mounting, balancing issues, or limited movement. 

Get the right one, and you’ll capture professional-grade footage without the headache.

Check Compatibility First

Not every gimbal supports vertical shooting straight out of the box. Some require adapters, while others don’t support it at all.

Before buying, check if the gimbal can handle your camera or smartphone in portrait mode.

• For smartphones: Most modern phone gimbals have a built-in vertical mode. Just snap your phone in, and you’re ready to shoot.
• For mirrorless or DSLR cameras: Some gimbals, like the DJI RS 3 Mini, support vertical mounting, but others need an L-bracket or counterweight.
• For action cameras: Models like the GoPro Karma Grip don’t always have a vertical mode, so check if an adapter is needed.

Look for Native Vertical Mounting

Some gimbals make vertical video easy. Others turn it into a frustrating experience.

Always check whether the gimbal supports vertical shooting natively or if you need extra accessories.

• Best option: A gimbal with a built-in vertical mount—no extra parts needed.
• Okay option: A gimbal that requires a simple L-bracket or plate.
• Avoid: Gimbals that don’t support vertical mode at all. If the manufacturer doesn’t mention vertical mounting, assume it won’t work.

Consider Weight and Portability

A heavy gimbal might seem fine at first, but after a few minutes of shooting, your arms will say otherwise. Choose a gimbal that balances weight and stability.

• For long shoots: A lightweight model like the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 is ideal for mobile creators.
• For travel: A compact option like the Zhiyun Weebill 3 is easier to pack.
• For heavy cameras: Be ready to carry extra weight, or use a support system to avoid fatigue.

Benefits of Using a Gimbal for Vertical Video

Holding a camera or phone by hand might seem easy, but shaky footage can ruin a great shot. A gimbal takes that problem out of the equation. 

Whether you’re shooting for TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts, smooth and professional-looking videos grab attention. Here’s why a gimbal makes all the difference:

1. Smoother Footage—No More Shaky Hands

Shaky hands and uneven movements make videos look unprofessional. A gimbal stabilizes the camera by counteracting unwanted motion in real time. 

Walk, run, or even pan across a scene—your footage stays steady. Stop relying on software stabilization that crops your frame. Let the gimbal do the work and keep every pixel of your shot intact.

2. Professional Look with Cinematic Motion

Raw footage can look dull without controlled movement. A gimbal helps create fluid pans, tilts, and tracking shots that add depth and visual appeal. 

Want to follow a subject without jerky stops? Use the gimbal’s follow mode. 

Need a slow, dramatic reveal? Set it to a smooth tilt. These techniques instantly give your vertical videos a polished, high-quality feel.

3. More Creative Control Over Angles and Movements

Holding a camera at arm’s length limits your shot choices. A gimbal frees up movement, making it easier to experiment with angles. 

Capture low-to-high transitions, sweeping arcs, or even 360-degree spins without awkward hand movements. 

Try combining a slow-motion setting with a steady gimbal move for a stunning effect. The more you experiment, the more your videos stand out.

4. Higher Engagement on Social Media

People scroll past shaky, low-quality videos. A well-stabilized, visually interesting shot keeps viewers watching longer. 

Platforms like TikTok and Instagram push high-quality content higher in their algorithms, which means better reach and more engagement. 

If you’re serious about growing an audience, investing in smooth footage pays off.

How to Set Up a Gimbal for Vertical Video

Shaky vertical footage looks unprofessional. A gimbal helps, but only if you set it up correctly. 

Rushing leads to balance issues, motor strain, or restricted movement. Take a few minutes to get it right, and your videos will look smooth.

1. Check Compatibility

Not all gimbals support vertical mode. Some have built-in rotation, while others need an adapter.

• Smartphone gimbals – Most newer models, like DJI Osmo Mobile 6, support vertical mounting.
• Mirrorless/DSLR gimbals – Some, like DJI RS 3 Mini, allow vertical setup, but others need an L-bracket.
• Action camera gimbals – Models like Hohem iSteady Pro 4 work natively in vertical mode.

Forcing an unsupported gimbal into vertical mode strains the motors. Always check the manual.

2. Mount Your Camera Properly

Poor mounting throws off balance and causes jitter.

• Smartphones – Center the phone in the clamp. Engage auto-lock if available.
• Mirrorless/DSLRs – Use the designated vertical mount or attach an L-bracket.
• Action cameras – Secure the camera tightly to prevent tilting.

Before turning on the gimbal, move the camera slightly. If it leans too much, rebalance.

3. Adjust Settings

Pick the right stabilization mode:

• Follow mode – Best for tracking shots.
• Lock mode – Keeps the camera fixed for static shots.
• Pan mode – Locks tilt and roll but allows panning.

Use the gimbal’s app to fine-tune speed, responsiveness, and motor strength.

4. Practice Movements

A gimbal stabilizes movement, but bad handling still creates shaky footage.

• Walk heel-to-toe to reduce bounce.
• Ease into pans and tilts—no jerky motions.
• Use your wrist for precision, not just your arms.
• Brace elbows against your body for added control.

Want cinematic shots? Try slow push-ins, orbiting moves, or low-to-high transitions.

5. Use a Counterweight (If Needed)

Some cameras make a gimbal front-heavy, which strains the motors.

• Heavy lenses? Add a counterweight to the back of the gimbal arm.
• Smartphone tilting forward? Adjust its position in the clamp or attach a small weight.
• Action cameras unbalanced? Some mounts come with counterweights.

If the gimbal struggles, rebalance and lower motor sensitivity.

Final Check Before Shooting

• Camera stays level when the gimbal is off? ✅
• No vibrations when moving? ✅
• Gimbal responds smoothly?  ✅

Common Challenges and How to Fix Them

Problem	Why It Happens	How to Fix It
Camera won’t stay balanced in vertical mode	Poor mounting or improper weight distribution	Rebalance the gimbal and adjust the tilt axis. Make sure the camera or phone sits centered. Use counterweights if necessary.
Gimbal motors strain or vibrate	Excessive weight or poor balance causes the motors to work harder	Reduce payload weight. Remove accessories that add stress. Fine-tune the balance until the gimbal runs smoothly.
Limited range of motion in vertical mode	Some gimbals restrict movement when flipped upright	Use an L-bracket or a dedicated vertical mounting plate to improve balance and give the gimbal better range.
Shaky footage despite using a gimbal	Poor walking technique, sudden movements, or incorrect gimbal settings	Move with a slow, controlled “ninja walk” to absorb steps. Adjust gimbal settings for better stabilization. Avoid jerky movements.

FAQs About Using Gimbals for Vertical Video

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Final Thoughts

A gimbal makes a huge difference when shooting vertical video. It stabilizes shaky footage, unlocks creative movements, and gives your content a professional look. 

But it’s not just about mounting your camera and hitting records. The way you balance, move, and control the gimbal determines how smooth your shots turn out.

Start practicing different gimbal modes. Test out pan-follow for controlled movements or lock mode for steady framing. 

Experiment with slow, deliberate camera motions to avoid unnatural jitters. If your gimbal supports it, try tracking modes to keep subjects in focus while moving.

Now it’s your turn. Have you used a gimbal for vertical video? What challenges did you face? Drop a comment below and share your experience. 

And if you want to level up your setup, check out Best Camera Settings for Vertical Video for a deep dive into exposure, frame rates, and color profiles that make your footage stand out.