Getting your export settings right ensures your videos look professional and maintain quality across all platforms. This guide covers the technical specifications, best practices, and platform-specific recommendations for TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and other short-form video platforms.
Quick Reference: Optimal Export Settings
If you need settings fast, use these universal specifications that work across all major platforms:
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical)
- Resolution: 1080×1920 (Full HD)
- Frame Rate: 30fps (or match source)
- Format: MP4 (H.264 codec)
- Bitrate: 10-12 Mbps
- Audio: AAC, 128-192 kbps
- Color Space: Rec. 709
These settings provide excellent quality while keeping file sizes manageable for upload.
Why Export Settings Matter
Incorrect export settings can cause:
- Quality loss: Blurry, pixelated videos
- Upload issues: Rejected or re-encoded files
- Compatibility problems: Videos won’t play or process
- File size issues: Too large to upload or unnecessarily huge
- Color shifts: Videos look different after upload
- Audio sync issues: Audio and video out of sync
Getting settings right the first time saves hours of troubleshooting and re-exporting.
Understanding Video Specifications
Aspect Ratio Explained
Aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between width and height:
Common Aspect Ratios:
- 9:16 (Vertical): 1080×1920 — TikTok, Reels, Shorts
- 16:9 (Horizontal): 1920×1080 — YouTube, traditional video
- 1:1 (Square): 1080×1080 — Instagram feed posts
- 4:5 (Vertical-ish): 1080×1350 — Instagram feed
Why 9:16 for Short-Form:
- Fills entire mobile screen
- Platform algorithms favor native aspect ratios
- Better engagement (no black bars)
- Viewers don’t need to rotate phones
Common Mistake: Exporting 16:9 (horizontal) for TikTok results in tiny video with black bars—viewers scroll past immediately.
Resolution Explained
Resolution is the number of pixels in your video:
Common Resolutions:
- 1080×1920 (Full HD): Standard for mobile, excellent quality
- 1440×2560 (2K): Higher quality, larger files
- 2160×3840 (4K): Maximum quality, very large files
- 720×1280 (HD): Lower quality, smaller files
Recommendations by Platform:
- TikTok: 1080×1920 (higher is downscaled)
- Instagram Reels: 1080×1920 (optimal)
- YouTube Shorts: 1080×1920 (supports up to 4K)
- Facebook Reels: 1080×1920 (recommended)
File Size Impact:
- 1080p: 50-150 MB per minute
- 2K: 100-250 MB per minute
- 4K: 200-500 MB per minute
Best Practice: Use 1080×1920 for best balance of quality and file size. Higher resolutions rarely improve perceived quality on mobile screens.
Frame Rate Explained
Frame rate is how many frames (images) per second:
Common Frame Rates:
- 24fps: Cinematic, film look
- 30fps: Standard for mobile video, smooth
- 60fps: Very smooth, gaming/action
- 120fps+: Slow-motion source footage
Recommendations:
- Most content: 30fps (great quality, manageable size)
- Action/sports: 60fps (smoother motion)
- Cinematic: 24fps (film aesthetic)
- Never use: Variable frame rate (causes sync issues)
Frame Rate Matching: Always match or convert to a standard rate. If shot at 60fps, export at 60fps or convert to 30fps (no in-between).
Video Codec Explained
Codec determines how video is compressed:
H.264 (AVC):
- Most compatible
- Supported everywhere
- Good compression
- Standard choice
H.265 (HEVC):
- Better compression (smaller files)
- Not universally supported
- Can cause compatibility issues
- Use only if you know platform supports it
VP9:
- Used by YouTube
- Good quality
- Not needed for upload (YouTube converts)
Best Practice: Always use H.264 for uploads. It’s universally compatible and platforms will re-encode if needed.
Bitrate Explained
Bitrate is how much data per second of video:
Understanding Bitrate:
- Higher bitrate = better quality + larger files
- Lower bitrate = worse quality + smaller files
- Too low = visible compression artifacts
- Too high = unnecessarily large files
Recommended Bitrates:
- 1080p 30fps: 8-12 Mbps
- 1080p 60fps: 12-16 Mbps
- 2K 30fps: 16-20 Mbps
- 4K 30fps: 35-45 Mbps
Variable vs. Constant Bitrate:
- VBR (Variable): Adjusts based on scene complexity (recommended)
- CBR (Constant): Fixed rate throughout (use for streaming)
Best Practice: Use VBR with target bitrate of 10-12 Mbps for 1080p 30fps content.
Audio Settings Explained
Audio quality matters too:
Sample Rate:
- 48 kHz: Professional standard (recommended)
- 44.1 kHz: CD quality (also fine)
Bitrate:
- 128 kbps: Acceptable minimum
- 192 kbps: Good quality (recommended)
- 256 kbps: Excellent (overkill for most content)
- 320 kbps: Maximum (rarely needed)
Codec:
- AAC: Best choice, universally supported
- MP3: Also works but AAC is better
Channels:
- Stereo (2.0): Standard for most content
- Mono (1.0): Only if source is mono
Best Practice: 48 kHz, AAC, 192 kbps, stereo for all content.
Platform-Specific Export Settings
TikTok Export Settings
Recommended Specifications:
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16
- Resolution: 1080×1920
- Frame Rate: 30fps or 60fps
- Format: MP4 (H.264)
- Bitrate: 10-12 Mbps
- Audio: AAC, 192 kbps, 48 kHz
- Maximum File Size: 287 MB (iOS), 72 MB (Android)
- Maximum Duration: 10 minutes
TikTok-Specific Considerations:
- TikTok compresses all uploads (plan for some quality loss)
- Higher quality source = better after TikTok compression
- 60fps looks smoother but doubles file size
- Export at highest quality within file size limit
Caption Placement for TikTok:
- Keep captions 300-400px from bottom (UI overlays)
- Center horizontally
- Use high contrast (TikTok compression can hurt readability)
Testing Recommendation: Upload a test video and view on both phone sizes to verify quality and caption placement.
Related: How to add captions to TikTok
Instagram Reels Export Settings
Recommended Specifications:
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16
- Resolution: 1080×1920
- Frame Rate: 30fps
- Format: MP4 (H.264)
- Bitrate: 8-10 Mbps
- Audio: AAC, 128 kbps minimum, 48 kHz
- Maximum File Size: 4 GB
- Maximum Duration: 90 seconds (15 min for some accounts)
Instagram-Specific Considerations:
- Instagram heavily compresses videos
- Higher bitrate helps maintain quality post-compression
- 30fps is optimal (60fps often downgraded)
- Color space: Rec. 709 (Instagram shifts colors less)
Caption Placement for Reels:
- Keep captions 300-350px from bottom
- Avoid extreme edges (cropping varies by device)
- Instagram compression can blur thin fonts (use bold)
Quality Preservation Tips:
- Export at 1080×1920 exactly (Instagram won’t upscale)
- Use 10 Mbps bitrate minimum
- Avoid rapid color changes (compression artifacts)
Related: How to add captions to Instagram Reels
YouTube Shorts Export Settings
Recommended Specifications:
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16
- Resolution: 1080×1920 (supports up to 4K)
- Frame Rate: 30fps or 60fps
- Format: MP4 (H.264)
- Bitrate: 12-16 Mbps (1080p)
- Audio: AAC, 192 kbps, 48 kHz
- Maximum File Size: 256 GB
- Maximum Duration: 60 seconds
YouTube Shorts-Specific Considerations:
- YouTube compresses less aggressively than TikTok/Instagram
- 60fps actually preserved (unlike Instagram)
- Can upload higher quality (2K, 4K) for future-proofing
- Longer viewing sessions = quality matters more
Caption Placement for Shorts:
- Keep captions 320-400px from bottom (UI + description)
- YouTube preserves caption quality better
- Can use slightly smaller fonts than TikTok
HDR Consideration: YouTube supports HDR, but mobile HDR support varies. Stick with SDR (Rec. 709) for compatibility.
Related: How to add captions to YouTube Shorts
Facebook Reels Export Settings
Recommended Specifications:
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16
- Resolution: 1080×1920
- Frame Rate: 30fps
- Format: MP4 (H.264)
- Bitrate: 8-10 Mbps
- Audio: AAC, 128 kbps, 48 kHz
- Maximum File Size: 4 GB
- Maximum Duration: 90 seconds
Facebook-Specific Considerations:
- Similar compression to Instagram (same parent company)
- Supports caption files (.srt) unlike TikTok/Instagram
- Lower engagement than TikTok/Instagram (quality less critical)
LinkedIn Export Settings
Recommended Specifications:
- Aspect Ratio: 9:16 or 1:1
- Resolution: 1080×1920 or 1080×1080
- Frame Rate: 30fps
- Format: MP4 (H.264)
- Bitrate: 10-12 Mbps
- Maximum File Size: 5 GB
- Maximum Duration: 10 minutes
LinkedIn-Specific Considerations:
- Professional audience values quality
- Captions especially important (often viewed silently in offices)
- Less compression than Instagram/TikTok
Export Settings by Video Editor
Adobe Premiere Pro Export Settings
Optimal Export Preset:
- Format: H.264
- Preset: Match Source - High bitrate
- Adjust:
- Width: 1080
- Height: 1920
- Frame Rate: 30 (or match source)
- Field Order: Progressive
- Aspect: Square pixels
- Profile: High
- Level: 4.2
- Bitrate Encoding: VBR, 1 pass
- Target Bitrate: 10-12 Mbps
- Maximum Bitrate: 16 Mbps
Audio Settings:
- Format: AAC
- Sample Rate: 48000 Hz
- Channels: Stereo
- Bitrate: 192 kbps
Use Media Encoder: For batch exports, use Media Encoder with custom preset saved.
Final Cut Pro Export Settings
Optimal Export Settings:
- Format: Video and Audio
- Video Codec: H.264
- Resolution: 1080×1920
- Frame Rate: Automatic (or specify)
- Quality: High (80-90%)
- Key frame: Automatic
- Data rate: 10-12 Mbps
Audio Settings:
- Codec: AAC
- Sample rate: 48 kHz
- Bit rate: 192 kbps
DaVinci Resolve Export Settings
Optimal Export Settings:
- Format: MP4
- Codec: H.264
- Resolution: 1920×1080 (then rotate, or set custom 1080×1920)
- Frame rate: Match timeline
- Quality: 10-12 Mbps (adjust restrict to slider)
- Profile: High
- Encode profile: Main
Audio Settings:
- Codec: AAC
- Sample rate: 48000
- Bitrate: 192 kbps
CapCut Export Settings
Optimal Export Settings:
- Resolution: 1080p (1080×1920)
- Frame rate: 30fps or 60fps
- Format: MP4
- Smart HDR: Off (unless specifically needed)
- Remove watermark: Yes (paid version)
Limitations: CapCut’s export options are limited—it handles most settings automatically. Settings above are recommendations for when options are available.
CapKit Export Settings
Automatic Optimization: CapKit automatically optimizes export settings for each platform:
- Selects optimal resolution, frame rate, bitrate
- Handles aspect ratio conversion
- Applies proper codecs
- No manual configuration needed
Custom Options:
- Quality tiers: 1080p, 2K, 4K (plan-dependent)
- Frame rate: Maintains source frame rate
- Format: Always MP4 (H.264) for compatibility
Why It Works: CapKit’s settings are tested across all major platforms to ensure maximum quality and compatibility.
Common Export Mistakes and Fixes
Mistake 1: Wrong Aspect Ratio
Problem: Exporting 16:9 (horizontal) for TikTok/Reels
Result: Tiny video with black bars, viewers scroll past
Fix: Always export 9:16 (1080×1920) for vertical platforms
Mistake 2: Too Low Bitrate
Problem: Exporting at 2-4 Mbps to save file size
Result: Blurry, pixelated video, looks unprofessional
Fix: Use minimum 8 Mbps, optimal 10-12 Mbps for 1080p 30fps
Mistake 3: Variable Frame Rate
Problem: Exporting with VFR (variable frame rate)
Result: Audio sync issues, dropped frames, platform rejection
Fix: Always use constant frame rate (CFR): 24, 30, or 60fps
Mistake 4: Wrong Color Space
Problem: Exporting in wrong color space (Rec. 2020, sRGB, etc.)
Result: Colors look different after upload
Fix: Use Rec. 709 for all web/mobile content
Mistake 5: Interlaced Video
Problem: Exporting as interlaced instead of progressive
Result: Horizontal lines (combing) visible in motion
Fix: Always use progressive scan (no fields)
Mistake 6: Incorrect Audio Sample Rate
Problem: Using 22 kHz or other non-standard rate
Result: Audio quality loss or compatibility issues
Fix: Always use 48 kHz (or 44.1 kHz)
Mistake 7: File Too Large
Problem: Exporting 4K at 100 Mbps
Result: Upload fails or takes forever
Fix: Use 1080p at 10-12 Mbps unless platform specifically supports higher
Mistake 8: Uncompressed or Lossless Formats
Problem: Exporting as ProRes, DNxHR, or uncompressed
Result: Massive file sizes (GB for short videos)
Fix: Use H.264 MP4 for all uploads; keep ProRes for archival only
Quality Preservation Tips
1. Maintain Quality Through Pipeline
Editing → Exporting → Uploading:
- Edit at highest quality (ProRes if possible)
- Export at platform-optimal settings (H.264, 10-12 Mbps)
- Don’t re-export already exported videos (quality loss)
2. Avoid Multiple Compressions
Each export/compression cycle loses quality:
- ❌ Record → Edit → Export → Re-edit → Export again → Upload
- ✅ Record → Edit → Export once → Upload
3. Match Frame Rates
If you shot at 60fps:
- Export at 60fps (maintains smoothness), or
- Convert to 30fps (halve frame rate cleanly)
- Never use 50fps, 25fps, or other mismatched rates
4. Color Grading Considerations
When color grading:
- Grade in Rec. 709 color space
- Test how it looks after platform compression
- Avoid extreme adjustments (compression will distort)
- Slightly increase saturation (platforms often desaturate)
5. Audio Preservation
- Record audio at 48 kHz minimum
- Edit at same sample rate
- Export at same sample rate
- Don’t convert between 44.1 and 48 kHz unless necessary
File Size Optimization
Balancing Quality and File Size
When File Size Matters:
- Slow internet connection
- Mobile data uploads
- Platform file size limits
Optimization Strategy:
Priority 1: Reduce Resolution (if acceptable)
- 2K → 1080p saves 50%+ file size
- 1080p → 720p saves another 50% (not recommended for quality)
Priority 2: Reduce Frame Rate
- 60fps → 30fps saves ~40% file size
- Acceptable for most content except action/sports
Priority 3: Lower Bitrate Slightly
- 12 Mbps → 8 Mbps saves ~35% file size
- Still maintains good quality for most content
Last Resort: Shorten Video
- Trim unnecessary intro/outro
- Keep only essential content
File Size Calculator
Approximate file sizes for 60 seconds of video:
| Settings | File Size |
|---|---|
| 1080p 30fps @ 8 Mbps | ~60 MB |
| 1080p 30fps @ 12 Mbps | ~90 MB |
| 1080p 60fps @ 16 Mbps | ~120 MB |
| 2K 30fps @ 20 Mbps | ~150 MB |
| 4K 30fps @ 45 Mbps | ~340 MB |
Advanced Export Techniques
HDR (High Dynamic Range)
What It Is: Expanded range of colors and brightness
When to Use:
- Shot in HDR
- Platform supports HDR (YouTube does, TikTok doesn’t)
- Audience has HDR displays (limited on mobile)
Best Practice: Stick with SDR (Rec. 709) for maximum compatibility unless specifically creating HDR content for YouTube.
10-Bit Color
What It Is: More color information (1 billion vs. 16 million colors)
When to Use:
- Heavy color grading
- Avoiding banding in gradients
- Professional content
Cons:
- Larger file sizes
- Not all platforms support
- Most viewers can’t perceive difference
Best Practice: 8-bit is sufficient for social media. Use 10-bit only for archival or professional delivery.
Multiple Audio Tracks
What It Is: Separate tracks for music, dialogue, effects
When to Use:
- Professional productions
- Need to adjust levels after export
- Multi-language versions
Cons:
- Most social platforms don’t support
- Larger file sizes
Best Practice: Mix to single stereo track for social media uploads.
CapKit Export Features
CapKit handles export complexity for you:
Automatic Settings:
- Optimal resolution for each platform
- Proper aspect ratio (9:16)
- Appropriate bitrate
- Compatible codecs
Quality Tiers:
- Creator: 1080p exports
- Studio: Up to 2K exports
- Agency: Up to 4K exports
No Configuration Needed: Export settings are optimized based on:
- Source video specs
- Target platform
- Plan tier
- Best practices
Try CapKit free — 3 videos, no credit card required.
Troubleshooting Export Issues
Issue: Video Looks Blurry After Export
Possible Causes:
- Bitrate too low
- Wrong resolution
- Codec settings
Solutions:
- Increase bitrate to 10-12 Mbps minimum
- Verify resolution is 1080×1920
- Use H.264 High Profile
Issue: Audio Out of Sync
Possible Causes:
- Variable frame rate
- Sample rate mismatch
- Timeline settings wrong
Solutions:
- Export with constant frame rate
- Match audio sample rate (48 kHz)
- Verify timeline settings match media
Issue: Colors Look Different After Upload
Possible Causes:
- Wrong color space
- Platform compression
- HDR/SDR mismatch
Solutions:
- Use Rec. 709 color space
- Slightly increase saturation before export
- Export in SDR, not HDR
Issue: Export Takes Forever
Possible Causes:
- Settings too high (4K, 60 Mbps)
- Computer can’t handle
- Wrong codec
Solutions:
- Use 1080p @ 12 Mbps
- Close other programs
- Use H.264 (not H.265)
Issue: File Too Large to Upload
Possible Causes:
- Bitrate too high
- Resolution too high
- Video too long
Solutions:
- Reduce bitrate to 8-10 Mbps
- Use 1080p (not 2K/4K)
- Trim video length
Issue: Platform Rejects Upload
Possible Causes:
- Wrong format
- Unsupported codec
- File corrupted
Solutions:
- Use MP4 with H.264 always
- Re-export with standard settings
- Check file plays before uploading
Export Checklist
Before you export, verify:
✅ Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (1080×1920)
✅ Format: MP4
✅ Codec: H.264
✅ Frame Rate: 30fps or 60fps (constant)
✅ Bitrate: 10-12 Mbps minimum
✅ Audio: AAC, 192 kbps, 48 kHz
✅ Color Space: Rec. 709
✅ Scan Type: Progressive
✅ Captions: Readable with proper contrast
✅ Safe Zones: Content not covered by platform UI
Summary: Best Export Settings by Platform
| Platform | Resolution | Frame Rate | Bitrate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TikTok | 1080×1920 | 30/60fps | 10-12 Mbps | Heavy compression |
| Instagram Reels | 1080×1920 | 30fps | 8-10 Mbps | Compresses heavily |
| YouTube Shorts | 1080×1920 | 30/60fps | 12-16 Mbps | Best quality preservation |
| Facebook Reels | 1080×1920 | 30fps | 8-10 Mbps | Similar to Instagram |
| 1080×1920 | 30fps | 10-12 Mbps | Less compression |
Universal Safe Settings: 1080×1920, 30fps, MP4 H.264, 10-12 Mbps, AAC 192 kbps
Next Steps
- Learn about captions: Getting started guide
- Platform-specific guides:
- Optimize workflow: Try CapKit for automated export settings
Getting export settings right once saves hours of troubleshooting. Use these guidelines as your reference, and your videos will maintain maximum quality across all platforms.