How to achieve the Portrait Mode

Link Series: Switching to Portrait Mode

Applicable Models: Link, Link 2, Link 2C, Link 2 Pro, and Link 2C Pro

The Link series cameras support shooting in the Portrait Mode. This article outlines how to enable the Portrait Mode for different camera models, and provides operating instructions for various scenarios along with some FAQ answers, helping you quickly adapt to the Portrait Mode shooting for live streaming, everyday recording, and more.

---

How to achieve the Portrait Mode

The Link series cameras can achieve the Portrait Mode through different methods, all providing native image quality. Please refer to the table below:

Model	Gimbal Axes	How to enable the Portrait Mode	Description
Link	3	Gimbal rotation	The camera can directly switch to the 9:16 Portrait Mode via gimbal axis control without a tripod
Link 2 and Link 2 Pro	2	Mounted vertically on a tripod	The camera needs to be mounted on a tripod and placed sideways to achieve the 9:16 Portrait Mode
Link 2C and Link 2C Pro	None	Mounted vertically on a tripod	The camera needs to be mounted on a tripod and placed sideways to manually adjust its angle to achieve the Portrait Mode

Please note:

• A tripod is required for enabling the Portrait Mode on Link 2, Link 2C, Link 2 Pro, and Link 2C Pro cameras, while Link cameras can achieve it directly via the gimbal.
• Cropping or compressing a landscape image to achieve the Portrait Mode is not currently supported.

How to set up the Portrait Mode via Insta360 Link Controller and third-party platforms

This method is suitable for local preview and basic portrait shooting scenarios. Please ensure that Insta360 Link Controller has been installed.

1. Mount the camera sideways on a tripod (this step can be skipped for Link).

1. Open the Insta360 Link Controller client and enable portrait resolution. Please follow the corresponding paths based on your client version to activate the feature:
   • For older versions (below Insta360 Link Controller v2.2.1): Click "More" > scroll down to find "Compatibility Settings" > turn on Enable "Portrait Resolution and High Frame Rate" > click "Confirm".

   

   

   • For newer versions (v2.2.1 and above): Click the "…" icon in the top control bar > "Settings" > "Camera" > scroll down to find "Compatibility Settings" > enable "Portrait Resolution and High Frame Rate".

   

2. After the camera restarts, click the "Resolution Settings" icon in the lower left corner of the Insta360 Link Controller, and select the 9:16 aspect ratio to complete the setup.

Please note:

• When selecting the portrait resolution for Link, only resolutions of 1080p or 720p in 9:16 aspect ratio are supported; 4K resolution is not supported.
• Link 2, Link 2C, Link 2 Pro, and Link 2C Pro support 4K, 1080p, and 720p portrait resolutions in 9:16 aspect ratio.
• To use the portrait mode on a third-party platform, you must select a 1080p resolution within that platform.
• Link 2C Pro has certain requirements for placement direction. If the image appears upside down, you can open the Insta360 Link Controller client, click the "^" icon to the right of the "Resolution Settings" icon in the lower left corner, and turn "Horizontal Flip" and "Vertical Flip" on or off as needed to adjust.

Method 2: Set up the 4K portrait mode on a third-party platform (e.g., OBS, for Link only)

OBS offers flexible image settings and multi-platform streaming capabilities. Link users can achieve the 4K portrait resolution by following these steps.

1. Open the Insta360 Link Controller client and enable portrait resolution. Please enable the feature according to the following paths based on your client version:
   • For older versions (below Link Controller v2.2.1): Click "More" > scroll down to find "Compatibility Settings" > enable "Portrait Resolution and High Frame Rate" as well as "Lock vertical shot".

• For newer versions (Link Controller v2.2.1 and above): Click the "…" icon in the top control bar > "Settings" > "Camera" > "Compatibility Settings" > enable "Portrait Resolution and High Frame Rate" and "Lock vertical shot".

1. Go to Resolution Settings, select "Landscape Resolution" > "16:9", "4K", "30". After setting the resolution, Windows users should close the preview window in the client.

1. Open OBS software, add a camera, and select Link.
2. Right-click on the camera image, and select "Transform" > "Rotate 90 degrees CW".

1. In OBS Settings, set the output resolution to 4K.

FAQ

Why can’t Link 2 and Link 2 Pro shoot in the Portrait Mode directly?

Link 2 and Link 2 Pro feature a newly upgraded 2-axis gimbal design, which greatly improves tracking stability and flexibility while achieving extreme lightweightness and portability. Due to the physical characteristics of the 2-axis gimbal, the camera does not support direct rotation to switch to the Portrait Mode. It is recommended to use it with a Mini 2-in-1 Tripod or selfie stick; by adjusting the overall angle of the device, you can easily achieve stable and flexible portrait shooting.