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The Best Lotions for Eczema in 2023 on September 28, 2023 at 1:35 pm Us Weekly

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Do you have eczema? If so, you aren’t alone. According to the National Eczema Association, millions of Americans have this skin condition, which can affect people of all ages, including children. Whether you have mild symptoms or are dealing with severe eczema, it is almost always uncomfortable. And if you can’t find a good solution to ease your symptoms, you may feel frustrated and defeated. The good news is that there are lotions you can purchase without a prescription to give your skin the nourishment it needs.

If you are hoping to get relief from your eczema symptoms, you have many options to choose from. However, as with any other skincare product, it’s a good idea to shop with care. By carefully evaluating the products that are out there, you can find the one that will give you the results you need. Below are some tips, along with a list of the best lotions for eczema that are also good for your skin.

What Is Eczema?

Eczema is a common problem that affects the skin, causing symptoms like dryness and itchiness. It can also lead to rashes, swelling and scaly skin. These symptoms can occur just about anywhere on the body, including on the face.

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It’s important to note that there isn’t just one type of eczema; in fact, there are seven types. If your skin doesn’t look or feel right, consult with a dermatologist to get an accurate diagnosis. That way, you will know if eczema is to blame, and you’ll also know which type of eczema you need to treat.

How Is Eczema Treated?

Once you know what type of eczema you are experiencing, you can more easily find a solution that will relieve your symptoms and help your skin heal. Plus, with the help of a dermatologist, you may be able to figure out what triggers your eczema flare-ups so you can take steps to avoid the triggers.

You and your dermatologist can then come up with a treatment plan. This might include oral or topical medications, or you may just need to take steps to avoid the triggers. For instance, if scented soaps and detergents cause your flare-ups, switching to fragrance-free or unscented products can make a difference.

A high-quality lotion with the right ingredients might also be beneficial if you have eczema. By providing moisture, a lotion can make your dry skin feel softer and smoother. Soothing ingredients can help irritated skin. And when your skin is no longer itchy, you won’t feel the need to scratch it and potentially cause additional irritation or breaks in the skin that can make you susceptible to skin infections.

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How to Find the Right Lotion for Eczema

There are plenty of great reasons to use a lotion if you have been diagnosed with eczema. But don’t just reach for any moisturizer that you find on a store shelf. Ask your dermatologist for recommendations. Also, when shopping for a lotion, read each product’s label carefully to learn what’s in it. That way, you can figure out if the ingredients are right for your sensitive skin.

Choose gentle formulations for skin like yours. Generally, it’s a good idea to go with hypoallergenic lotions that are formulated to be gentle. Some products are made specifically for those who have sensitive skin or who have eczema, so looking for that information when browsing lotions can help you narrow your options a lot faster. Plus, you might find products with ingredients that can support the skin’s barrier.
Choose lotions that have soothing oil. When it comes to tackling eczema, a lotion containing oil is helpful. The goal is to help your skin retain moisture so you can prevent dryness, itchiness and other symptoms of eczema. Simply applying this type of lotion after your shower and as needed throughout the day might be just what you need.
Avoid fragrances and other ingredients that can cause irritation. You already know you should avoid lotions with ingredients that cause allergic reactions. In addition, consider that fragrances, especially if they are synthetic, might also be a bad choice for skin that is prone to eczema flare-ups. You know your skin best, so if you find that you don’t get irritated by natural fragrances, you might be able to find a lotion that smells amazing and will relieve your symptoms. However, if your skin tends to get irritated by fragrance, even a natural one, rest assured that there are plenty of options available that are not scented at all. Also, keep in mind that there are other ingredients that can lead to irritated skin. For example, you might want to avoid lotions that contain preservatives, or you might want to stick with products that only contain ingredients that are derived from natural sources.

Ultimately, the right lotion will make a big difference in the way your skin looks and feels. Just bear in mind that it can take a bit of time to find the ideal product if you have eczema, and you might need to go through a bit of trial and error with multiple products before you are able to find the one that gives you exactly what you need. While this can get frustrating, it will be worth all of the effort. Once you find a lotion that you can use every day to relieve symptoms or keep them at bay, you won’t want to stop using it.

A List of the Best Lotions for Eczema

Finding the best lotions for eczema can be a bit of a challenge. You might be surprised by the multitude of options available, and you might feel overwhelmed if you don’t know where to begin. To help you out, here is a short list of stellar products. Remember to talk to your dermatologist if you aren’t sure about which direction to take when it comes to a lotion that will soothe, protect and moisturize your skin.

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1. Blu Atlas Body Lotion

Blu Atlas

The Body Lotion from Blu Atlas is a great choice no matter what your skin type is. If you have eczema, it’s wise to go with their fragrance-free option. However, this lotion is also available in two scents – coconut apricot and classic – so you can go with a scented version if your skin isn’t sensitive to fragrances. Plus, this brand does not use any artificial fragrances, which is helpful if your skin is sensitive but you don’t want to give up smelling amazing.

What makes this lotion such a great choice? It contains ingredients like shea butter, seaweed and jojoba oil. The shea butter can soothe irritated skin, while the jojoba oil can help ensure your skin is moisturized.

The Blu Atlas Body Lotion is sulfate-free, phthalate-free, paraben-free, vegan and cruelty-free. If you’re looking for a general moisturizing lotion that you can use all over your body every day, check this one out.

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2. Aveeno Eczema Therapy Soothing Cream, Steroid-Free

The Eczema Therapy Soothing Cream from Aveeno is another excellent option for those who have eczema. It can help you tackle various symptoms, and it’s free of steroids. Instead, it contains ingredients like ceramide and colloidal oatmeal to moisturize and soothe skin that is itchy, irritated and dry from eczema.

You can use this cream daily. It has a rich, creamy texture, and it gets to work quickly to relieve dry skin. This product is formulated for sensitive skin, and is fragrance-free as well as free of parabens and dyes. Plus, this cream has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, so you can rest assured that it’s suitable for your skin.

If you’re looking for a daily moisturizing cream that will help your skin feel healthy, this might be just what you’ve been waiting for.

3. CeraVe Eczema Relief Creamy Oil

The Eczema Relief Creamy Oil from CeraVe is another product that is specifically made for people who have been diagnosed with eczema. It contains ingredients like ceramides for the skin barrier, hyaluronic acid for moisture, niacinamide, colloidal oatmeal and safflower oil.

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If you’re looking for a lotion that is lightweight yet effective, this is an excellent option. It’s capable of moisturizing your skin in a gentle way so you can fight your eczema symptoms. Plus, this is free of fragrance, so it’s a good choice if you’re sensitive to scented skin-care products.

You can also rest easy knowing that this product is free of dyes and parabens, and will not clog your pores. It was developed with the help of dermatologists, and has been accepted by the National Eczema Association, so you know it’s good for those who have eczema. Consider giving this oil a try if other products have proven too heavy or cause flare-ups.

4. Cetaphil Eczema Restoraderm Flare-Up Relief Cream

Cetaphil is a popular brand in the world of skin-care products that can benefit various types of skin. Their Eczema Restoraderm Flare-Up Relief Cream is dermatologist tested, and is made for individuals who have sensitive skin and eczema-prone skin.

This hypoallergenic cream’s consistency is rich, so if that is what you prefer, it might be perfect for you. You can apply it to support your skin’s barrier, moisturize and hydrate, and relieve symptoms like dryness. It can also be helpful if you have irritated, rough, scaly or itchy skin because of eczema.

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The nice thing about this product is that it works fast. You might not need to wait long at all to get relief from annoying and embarrassing eczema symptoms. Plus, it’s steroid-free, fragrance-free and paraben-free, and it won’t clog your pores. This cream has the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association.

5. Honest Eczema Soothing Therapy Balm

If you want a lotion that’s super gentle, check out the Eczema Soothing Therapy Balm from Honest. It can be used on skin that’s dry and irritated because of eczema, and will provide the soothing relief you so badly need. Its ingredients include colloidal oatmeal, safflower oil, coconut oil and prebiotics, which can help relieve symptoms like itchiness and protect your skin.

After applying this cream, you will probably feel a difference right away. And if you use it daily, you may also note that your skin looks and feels better over time. This just might become your go-to moisturizer if you have eczema and want to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.

This product is dermatologist-approved and has been accepted by the National Eczema Association. It’s hypoallergenic and free of steroids, and it’s gentle enough to use on a baby’s skin. This super-clean formula doesn’t contain mineral oil, petrolatum, silicones, lanolin or parabens.

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6. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Eczema Cream

La Roche-Posay is a highly regarded skin-care brand, and it’s worth checking out their Lipikar Eczema Cream. Like other creams and lotions that are made for people with eczema-prone skin, this one contains colloidal oatmeal, but it also contains shea butter and La Roche-Posay Prebiotic Thermal Spring Water.

This dermatologist-tested product doesn’t contain any antibiotics or steroids, and it’s free of parabens and fragrances. Naturally, adults can use this cream, but you can also use it on children who are three years and older, so if you’ve been looking for an eczema lotion or cream for your kids, consider looking into what this one has to offer. It has been tested by pediatricians, and has been allergy tested.

This non-greasy cream won’t clog your pores, and has been accepted by the National Eczema Association. It may be just what you need if you want your eczema-prone skin to feel hydrated, soft, nourished and smooth.

7. Curel Itch Defense Fragrance-Free Lotion for Dry, Itchy Skin

These days, you can find a lot of lotions that are fragrance-free, and that’s fantastic news for those who have sensitive skin or eczema-prone skin. The Itch Defense Fragrance-Free Lotion for Dry, Itchy Skin from Curel is one of the best lotions for eczema we’ve found. You can use this on your face and body to soothe and hydrate the skin and relieve symptoms like itchiness and dryness.

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If you’re in search of a gentle eczema lotion that your entire family can use, this might be the one. It’s pediatrician tested, allergist tested and dermatologist recommended, and you can even use it safely on babies who are six months or older. Like many other products on this list, this cream might surprise you with how quickly it works. It contains ingredients like shea butter, pro-vitamin B5 and an Advanced Ceramide Complex.

On top of all of this, the lotion can help prevent your skin from getting irritated again. Apply it to relieve your symptoms, and use it on a daily basis to ensure your skin remains moisturized and itch-free. And, yes, this lotion has received the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.

8. Gold Bond Eczema Relief Medicated Skin Protectant Cream

Gold Bond has a solid reputation in the skin-care industry and has made a number of products that can help soothe and rejuvenate skin. Consider their Eczema Relief Medicated Skin Protectant Cream if you’re looking for something that can relieve symptoms such as roughness, itchiness, irritation, redness, scaling, dryness and peeling.

Made for skin that’s dry to extra dry, this cream contains aloe, vitamins, moisturizers and colloidal oatmeal. With consistent use, you’re going to notice a difference, so this is a cream you can use regularly to keep your skin looking and feeling great.

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In addition to being accepted by the National Eczema Association, this cream was developed with dermatologists and is hypoallergenic. Made specifically for those with eczema, this product is also steroid-free, dye-free and fragrance-free. There’s a lot to like, so give it a try.

9. Eczema Honey Gentle Face and Body Lotion Stick

Sometimes, creams and lotions can be quite messy. Also, it can be difficult to take your eczema lotion with you when you travel or when you’re running errands or working. Well, the Gentle Face and Body Lotion Stick from Eczema Honey is the solution. This dermatologist-tested product is easy to take with you and use wherever you are because it’s a stick that makes applying lotion to your skin quick and simple.

You can use this product on your body wherever you have dryness or roughness, but you can also apply it to your face to moisturize it and achieve the softness and smoothness you crave. Ingredients like vitamin E, colloidal oatmeal, mango butter, honey, beeswax and coconut oil provide moisture and nourishment, ensuring your skin feels soft and pampered.

This lotion does have a mild scent, so keep that in mind if you’d prefer to use fragrance-free lotions on your skin. If you can tolerate fragrances and you want a cruelty-free product that you can glide onto your skin without getting any on your hands, this is it.

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10. DERMA E Eczema Relief Lotion

The DERMA E Eczema Relief Lotion is ideal for those who have eczema, and it can also work for those who have psoriasis. When you’re dealing with dryness, irritation and itchiness that make your skin feel awful, this lotion might be all you need to get much-needed relief. It can also work on skin that’s flaky or scaly.

The active ingredient in this lotion is colloidal oatmeal. What sets it apart from other products is the fact that it contains botanical extracts as well, including bearberry, neem and burdock. Plus, this lotion is gluten-free.

When you apply this product, your skin will absorb it quickly and get to work on calming, soothing and smoothing your skin. You can rest assured it’s vegan and cruelty-free, dermatologist recommended, and free of steroids.

11. Exederm Eczema Lotion

The Eczema Lotion from Exederm is yet another product approved by the National Eczema Association. If your skin tends to get irritated easily by skin-care products, this lightweight lotion is formulated for you. It is non-irritating and non-greasy, so it might be the solution you need if you haven’t found the right lotion yet.

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This product doesn’t contain harsh preservatives, colors, allergenic ingredients, dyes, parabens or fragrances. Use it when you need to moisturize your skin or when your skin is itchy. It can also work well on skin that is red and cracked.

One thing to keep in mind: The lotion does include petroleum, so if you want to avoid that ingredient for any reason, it may not be right for you. If you are able to tolerate petroleum, this allergist-recommended lotion might provide you with the relief you need if other products have failed.

12. Pipette Eczema Lotion

If you have kids who have eczema, or you want to use a product that is effective yet gentle, check out the Pipette Eczema Lotion. This product is so gentle that you can use it on a baby’s delicate skin.

The lotion is dermatologist tested and pediatrician approved, and is accepted by the National Eczema Association. It is also free of steroids and fragrances, and is hypoallergenic, so you can feel good about using it on your skin and on your kids’ skin. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a single product that everyone in your family can use.

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Its ingredients include ceramide NP and squalane for moisture and hydration, along with colloidal oatmeal for soothing relief of the symptoms of eczema. Overall, this lotion might become your go-to solution whenever your child’s skin feels dry, itchy or irritated.

13. Wild Naturals Eczema & Psoriasis Cream

Have other moisturizers let you down? Maybe they aren’t able to give your skin the amount of hydration it requires. If that’s the case, consider the Eczema & Psoriasis Cream from Wild Naturals. It can swiftly provide the moisture you need, and you definitely want that when you are dealing with an eczema flare-up that comes with symptoms like itchiness, redness, irritation and dryness.

In addition to helping individuals with eczema, this cream is a good option if you have psoriasis and rosacea. It can even be applied to cracked skin to help heal it. The ingredients include cehami flower extract, manuka honey, aloe vera, coconut oil, hemp seed oil and shea butter, making it a great choice if you want to stick with products that feature natural ingredients.

What makes this lotion stand out is the fact that it does not contain any water and is pH balanced at 5.5 to match the skin’s pH. It is free of steroids, petroleum, dyes, mineral oil and fragrances. Plus, it is non-greasy, good for sensitive skin and fast-absorbing.

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14. Skinfix Eczema+ Targeted Body Balm

The Eczema+ Targeted Body Balm from Skinfix can help you fight the symptoms of eczema. It does not contain steroids, and it also does not contain any fragrances, parabens, essential oils, sulfates, phthalates, gluten, lanolin, preservatives or other unwanted ingredients.

The concentrated formula can help relieve irritated skin and smooth roughness and dryness. It can even support the skin barrier. Plus, you can use this product every day, and it works just as well as 1% hydrocortisone cream when it comes to treating a wide range of symptoms.

The ingredients in this balm include colloidal oatmeal, sweet almond oil, zinc oxide, jojoba, aloe, sunflower oil, grapeseed oil, beeswax and allantoin. It is allergy tested and cruelty-free, and if you use it consistently, you should notice a significant difference in the way your skin looks and feels.

Looking for something else? See more of our favorite products below:

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Branded content. Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. Do you have eczema? If so, you aren’t alone. According to the National Eczema Association, millions of Americans have this skin condition, which can affect people of all ages, including children. Whether you have mild symptoms 

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Entertainment

Bieber’s Coachella Set Has Everyone Arguing Again

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And honestly? That might be exactly what he wanted.

Justin Bieber stepped onto the Coachella stage Saturday night as the highest-paid headliner in the festival’s history — reportedly pocketing $10 million — and proceeded to sit down at a laptop and play YouTube videos.

The internet, predictably, lost its mind.


What Actually Happened

This was Bieber’s first major U.S. performance since his Justice era — a long-awaited comeback after battling Ramsay Hunt syndrome in 2022, which caused partial facial paralysis, plus years of mental health struggles and a very public disappearing act from the industry.

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The stage setup was minimal: a fluid cocoon-like structure, no backup dancers, no elaborate lighting rigs. Just Bieber, a stool, and a laptop.

He opened with tracks from his 2025 albums Swag and Swag II, then invited the crowd on a journey — “How far back do you go?”

What followed was a nostalgic scroll through his entire career: old YouTube covers before he was famous, classic hits Baby and Never Say Never playing on screen while he sang alongside his younger self. Guests including The Kid Laroi, Wizkid, and Tems joined him throughout the night.

He even played his viral “Standing on Business” paparazzi rant and re-enacted it live, hoodie on, completely unbothered.

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The Moment Nobody Predicted

But here’s what the critics burying him in their hot takes chose not to lead with: Bieber closed his set with worship music.

In the middle of Coachella — one of the most secular stages on the planet — he performed songs rooted in his Christian faith, openly crediting Jesus as the reason he was standing on that stage at all.

It wasn’t subtle. It wasn’t a quick prayer and a thank-you. He leaned into it fully, in front of a crowd of 125,000 people who came expecting pop bangers and got a testimony instead.

For fans who have followed his faith journey — his deep involvement with Hillsong and later Churchome, his baptism in 2014, and his very public declaration that Jesus saved his life during his darkest years — the moment landed like a full-circle miracle.


Why People Are Mad

Critics have been brutal.

Zara Larsson summed up the skeptics perfectly, posting on TikTok: It’s giving let’s smoke and watch YouTube — and that clip went just as viral as the performance itself.

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One fan on X wrote: I’m crying, this might actually be the worst performance I’ve ever seen. He’s just playing videos from YouTube… zero effort, pure laziness.”

The comparison to Sabrina Carpenter’s Friday headlining set — elaborate staging, multiple costume changes, celebrity cameos — only made Bieber’s stripped-down show look more controversial.

And the $10 million figure kept coming up. People felt cheated.


Why His Fans Think Everyone’s Missing the Point

Here’s where it gets interesting.

One commenter on X put it best: “He did not force a high-production machine that could burn him out again. Instead, he sat with his past, scrolling through old YouTube videos, duetting with his younger self, and mixing nostalgia with new chapters.”

As the set progressed, Bieber visibly opened up. He removed his sunglasses. He took off his hoodie. He smiled, made jokes about falling through a stage as a teenager.

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One Instagram account with millions of followers posted: This Justin Bieber performance healed something in me.”

That healing language is intentional for Bieber — it mirrors how he talks about his faith. In interviews, he has repeatedly said Jesus didn’t just save his career; He saved his life. The worship set at Coachella wasn’t a gimmick. It was a confession.

The Hollywood Reporter noted the performance also sparked a broader debate about double standards — whether a female artist could ever get away with the same low-key approach without being completely destroyed.


The Bigger Picture

Love it or hate it, Bieber’s Coachella set is the most talked-about moment from Weekend One — more than Karol G making history as the first Latina to headline the festival, more than Sabrina Carpenter’s spectacle.

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That’s not an accident.

In an era where every headliner tries to out-produce the last one, Bieber walked out with a laptop, a stool, and his faith — and made it personal. For millions of fans watching, the worship songs weren’t filler. They were the point.

Whether you call it lazy or legendary, one thing is clear: Justin Bieber isn’t performing for the critics anymore. He’s performing for an audience of One — and the rest of us just happened to be there.


Drop your take in the comments — was Bieber’s Coachella set lazy, legendary, or something even bigger?

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Vertical Films Changed Everything. Are You Ready?

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People don’t watch films the way they used to—and if you’re still cutting everything for the big screen first, you’re losing the audience that lives in your pocket.

Every swipe on TikTok is a tiny festival: new voices, wild visuals, heartbreak, comedy, and chaos, all judged in under three seconds. In that world, vertical films aren’t a gimmick. They’re the new front door to your work, your brand, and your career.

The movie theater is now in your hand

Think about where you’ve discovered your favorite clips lately: your phone, in bed, in an Uber, between texts. The “cinema” experience has shrunk into a glowing rectangle we hold inches from our face. That’s intimate. That’s personal. That’s power.

Vertical video fills that space completely. No black bars. No distractions. Just one story, one face, one moment staring back at you. It feels less like “I’m watching a movie” and more like “this is happening to me.” For storytellers, that’s gold.

The old rules still matter—but they bend

Film school taught you:

  • Compose for the wide frame.
  • Let the world breathe at the edges.
  • Save the close-up for maximum impact.

Vertical filmmaking says: bring all of that craft… and then flip it. You still need composition, rhythm, framing, and sound. But now:

  • The close-up is the default, not the climax.
  • Depth replaces width—what’s in front and behind matters more than left and right.
  • Micro-scenes—60 seconds or less—must feel like complete emotional beats.

It’s not “less cinematic.” It’s a different kind of cinematic—one that lives where people already are instead of asking them to come to you.

Your characters can live beyond the film

Here’s the secret no one tells you: audiences don’t just fall in love with stories; they fall in love with people. Vertical video lets your characters exist outside the runtime.

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Imagine this:

When someone feels like they “know” a character from their feed, buying a ticket or renting your film stops feeling like a risk. It feels like catching up with a friend.

Behind the scenes is no longer optional

Vertical films thrive on honesty. Shaky behind-the-scenes clips. Laughing fits between takes. The director’s 2 a.m. rant about a shot that won’t work. The makeup artist fixing tears after a heavy scene. That’s the texture that makes people care about the final product.

You don’t have to be perfect. You have to be present.
Ideas you can start capturing tomorrow:

  • “What we can’t afford, so we’re faking it.”
  • “The shot we were scared to try.”
  • “One thing we argued about for three days.”

When you show the process, you’re not just selling a film—you’re inviting people into a journey.

Think in episodes, not posts

Most people treat vertical video like a one-off blast: post, pray, forget. Instead, think like a showrunner.

Ask yourself:

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  • If my project were a vertical series, what’s Episode 1? What’s the hook?
  • How can I end each clip with a question, a twist, or a feeling that makes people need the next part?
  • Can I tell one complete emotional story across 10 vertical videos?

Suddenly, your feed isn’t random. It’s a season. People don’t just “like” a video—they “follow” to see what happens next.

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The attention is real. The opportunity is bigger.

We’re in a rare moment where a micro-drama shot on your phone can sit in the same feed as a studio campaign and still win. A fearless 45-second monologue in a bathroom. A quiet scene of someone deleting a text. A single, wordless push-in on a face that tells the whole story.

Vertical films give you:

  • Low cost, high experimentation.
  • Immediate feedback from real viewers.
  • Proof that your story, your voice, your world can hold attention.

You don’t have to wait for permission, a greenlight, or a perfect budget. You can start where you are, with what you have, and let the audience tell you what’s working.

So, are you ready?

Some filmmakers will roll their eyes and call vertical a phase. They’ll keep making beautiful work that no one sees until a festival says it exists. Others will treat every swipe, every scroll, and every tiny screen as a chance to connect, teach, provoke, and move people.

Those are the filmmakers whose names we’ll be hearing in five years.

The question isn’t whether vertical films are “real cinema.” The question is: when the next person scrolls past your work, do they feel nothing—or do they stop, stare, and think, “I need more of this”?

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What Kanye’s ‘Father’ Says About Power, Faith, and Control

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Kanye West’s “Father” video looks like a fever dream in a church, but underneath the spectacle it’s a quiet argument about who really runs the world. The altar isn’t just about God; it’s about every “father” structure that decides what’s true, who belongs, and who gets cast out.

The church as power, not comfort

The church in “Father” doesn’t behave like a safe, sacred space. It feels like a headquarters. The aisle becomes a catwalk for power: brides, a knight, a nun, a Michael Jackson double, astronauts, Travis Scott, all moving through the frame while Kanye mostly sits and watches. The room doesn’t change for them—they’re the ones being processed.

That’s the first big tell: this isn’t just about religion. It’s about systems. The church stands in for any institution that claims moral authority—governments, platforms, labels, churches, media—places where identity, status, and “truth” are negotiated behind the scenes. Faith is the language; control is the product.

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Kanye as the unmanageable outsider

In this universe, Kanye isn’t the leader of the service. He’s a problem in the pews. The wildest scene makes that explicit: astronauts move in, pull off his mask, expose him as an “alien,” and carry him out. It’s funny, surreal—and brutal.

That moment plays like a metaphor for what happens when someone stops being useful to the system. If you’re too unpredictable, too loud, too off‑script, the institution finds a way to unmask you, label you, and remove you. But here’s the twist: once he’s gone, the spectacle continues. Travis still shines, the ceremony rolls on, the church keeps doing what the church does. The message is cold: no one is bigger than the machine.

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Faith vs obedience

The title “Father” is doing triple duty: God, parent, and patriarchal authority. The video leans into a hard question—are we following something we believe in, or something we’re afraid to disappoint?

Inside this church, people don’t react when things get strange. A nun is handled like a criminal, cards burn, an alien is dragged away, and the room barely flinches. That’s not devotion, that’s conditioning. The deeper critique is that many of our modern “faiths”—political, religious, even fandom—have slid from relationship into obedience. You’re not invited to wrestle with meaning; you’re expected to sit down, sing along, and accept the script.

Who gets meaning, who gets sacrificed

The casting in “Father” feels like a visual ranking chart. The knight represents sanctioned force: power that’s old, armored, and legitimated by history. The cross and church setting evoke sacrifice: whose pain gets honored, whose story gets canonized, whose doesn’t. The Michael Jackson lookalike signals how even fallen icons remain useful as symbols long after their humanity is gone.

In that context, Kanye’s removal reads as a sacrifice that keeps the system intact. Take the problematic prophet out of the frame, keep the music, keep the ritual, keep the brand. The father‑system doesn’t collapse; it adjusts. Control isn’t loud in this world—it’s quiet, procedural, dressed like order.

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A mirror held up to us

The most uncomfortable part of “Father” is that the congregation keeps sitting there. No one storms out. No one screams. The church absorbs aliens, icons, arrests, and weddings like it’s a normal Sunday. That’s where the video stops being about Kanye and starts being about us.

We’ve learned to scroll past absurdity and injustice with the same blank face as those extras in the pews. Faith becomes content. Outrage becomes engagement. Power becomes invisible. “Father” takes all of that and crushes it into one continuous shot, asking a bigger question than “Is Kanye back?”

It’s asking: in a world where power wears holy clothes, faith is filmed, and control looks like normal life, who is your father really—and are you sure you chose him?

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