Add a Blurred Background to a Video

Add a blurred background to a video: fill the empty space around a landscape or small clip in a 9:16 frame with a blurred copy. Free, in your browser.

Open the tool — free

Posting a landscape clip to TikTok, Reels or Shorts? Instead of black bars, fill the empty space with a soft, blurred copy of the video — the popular look that keeps the whole picture visible.

How to add a blurred background

1. Click Open the tool above.
2. Click Sequence Settings and choose Vertical 9:16 (1080×1920) (or square 1:1).
3. Import your video and drag it onto the timeline.
4. Drag Background Blur Fill from Effects ▸ Creative Effects onto the clip.
5. Click Export and choose YouTube Shorts / Reels / TikTok (9:16).

Adjust the look

Select the clip and open Effect Controls ▸ Creative Effects to set the strength. Add a title in the blurred area at the top — it is a natural place for a headline.

When to use it

• Reposting landscape videos as Shorts or Reels.
• Screen recordings and slides that would be too small if cropped.
• Photos of a different shape in a vertical slideshow.

Questions

Is this different from blurring a face?

Yes. This fills the background around the video. To hide part of the picture, apply Mosaic with a mask instead.

Can I use a colour instead of blur?

Yes. Put a Color Matte on the track below the clip instead.

Related: resize a video for TikTok and Reels and creative effects.