Can the space stay empty?

It can, and it usually looks like an oversight rather than a choice. There is more height here than a face needs, so something has to justify it.

Should the face be bigger instead?

Filling the height with a face works and it removes the room the words need. On a silent feed that is an expensive trade.

Where exactly do the words go?

Position is draggable and visible in the preview, so it is settled by looking rather than by rule.

What about a logo up there?

It occupies the most valuable region of the frame for something viewers ignore. The hook earns that space more.

Does this apply to 4:5?

Less, because there is less spare height. The taller the shape, the more this matters.

What to Put in the Empty Half of a Tall Frame

What should the spare height hold?

Words, in most cases. A hook line across the top and the running text in the lower middle uses the height for something the viewer needs, and it keeps both clear of the face. Leaving the space genuinely empty is the option that reads as unfinished, because nothing explains why the frame is that tall.

What each band is for

A face does not need the whole height of a 9:16 frame, and what fills the rest is the difference between a clip that looks made and one that looks cropped.

Band	Best occupant	Avoid
Top fifth	A hook line	A logo, which viewers ignore
Upper middle	The face	Text, it competes with the subject
Lower middle	The running words	Nothing, this is prime space
Bottom fifth	Nothing	Anything essential, the app covers it
Left and right edges	Nothing	Anything essential, screens vary

Using the top band

The space above the speaker's head is the natural home for a headline or hook. It is visible from the first frame and does not cover the face. Keep it short and clear, with enough margin from the very top edge, where apps may show their own elements.

A consistent hook position helps a series look designed.

Using the lower middle

Subtitles sit best in the lower middle, below the face but above the app's buttons and captions. That keeps them readable and away from interface overlays.

Test positions on each platform you post to.

Filling space from a wide source

When a vertical clip is made from a landscape recording with the picture kept smaller, the areas above and below can hold a blurred copy of the picture, a brand colour or text. Each option looks more intentional than empty black.

Choose one style and use it consistently.

Enlarging the face instead

Sometimes the better option is framing the speaker larger so there is less empty space. A closer frame feels more personal, though it leaves less room for text.

Balance face size with space for words.

Logos and branding

A small logo or handle can sit in the top band, but keep it subtle so it does not compete with the hook.

One brand element is enough.

Checking the balance

Look at the clip on a phone and ask whether it feels crowded or empty.

Adjust text size and position until it feels balanced.

Use the height you were given

Give the top to a hook. It is the region no app covers and the first place the eye lands.
Keep the middle for the face. It is where attention rests by default.
Leave the lowest band alone. The app claims it for its own controls.

Make one clip and look at what fills the top third.

Questions people ask

Can the space stay empty?: It can, and it usually looks like an oversight rather than a choice. There is more height here than a face needs, so something has to justify it.
Should the face be bigger instead?: Filling the height with a face works and it removes the room the words need. On a silent feed that is an expensive trade.
Where exactly do the words go?: Position is draggable and visible in the preview, so it is settled by looking rather than by rule.
What about a logo up there?: It occupies the most valuable region of the frame for something viewers ignore. The hook earns that space more.
Does this apply to 4:5?: Less, because there is less spare height. The taller the shape, the more this matters.