After Effects export settings for TikTok.
1080 x 1920 at 30 fps, H.264, 8 Mbps and AAC 192 kbps: here is why, and exactly where each setting lives in Adobe After Effects (with Media Encoder).
After Effects to TikTok
Community-tested- Resolution
- 1080 x 1920
- Frame rate
- 30 fps, constant
- Codec
- H.264, profile High, level 4.0
- Bitrate
- VBR, 2 pass: target 8 Mbps (8000 kbps), max 12 Mbps
- Keyframes
- Every 2 s = 60 frames, 2 B-frames, closed GOP
- Audio
- AAC-LC, 192 kbps, 48 kHz, stereo
- Colour
- Rec. 709 (BT.709), 8-bit 4:2:0, limited (TV) range
- Container
- MP4 with Fast Start (moov atom at the front)
Not officially published. Community-tested: 8-12 Mbps at 30 fps, 10-15 Mbps at 60 fps for 1080p.
Estimated size: 46.5 MB for 0:45.
Step by step in After Effects
- 1Set the composition to 1080 x 1920 at 30 fps (Composition > Composition Settings).
- 2With the composition selected choose Composition > Add to Adobe Media Encoder Queue.
- 3In Media Encoder click the blue Format link of the job and set Format to H.264.
- 4Click Output Name to set the file name and folder (.mp4).
- 5Video tab: Frame Size 1080 x 1920, Frame Rate 30, Profile High, Level 4.0.
- 6Bitrate Settings: Bitrate Encoding VBR, 2 pass, Target Bitrate 8 Mbps, Maximum Bitrate 12 Mbps.
- 7Advanced Settings: tick Key Frame Distance and enter 60 frames.
- 8Audio tab: AAC, Sample Rate 48000 Hz, Bitrate 192 kbps. Click OK, then Start Queue.
Bitrate at other resolutions
Same settings, different size or frame rate.
| Resolution | 30 fps | 60 fps |
|---|---|---|
| 720p | 4.8 Mbps, level 3.1 | 6 Mbps, level 3.2 |
| 1080p | 8 Mbps, level 4.0 | 10 Mbps, level 4.2 |
| 1440p | 8 Mbps, level 5.0 | 10 Mbps, level 5.1 |
| 2160p | 8 Mbps, level 5.1 | 10 Mbps, level 5.2 |
TikTok upload limits
Each value links to where it was published.
Common mistakes
- Exporting a 16:9 timeline for TikTok. Build the edit at 1080 x 1920 (9:16) from the start, or TikTok adds bars or crops your edges.
- Typing 2 into After Effects's keyframe field. It counts frames, not seconds: at 30 fps that is 60.
- Uploading HDR (10-bit PQ/HLG) to TikTok. There is no published HDR path, so colours can look washed out; export SDR Rec. 709.
- Leaving phone footage at a variable frame rate. Export at a constant 30 fps, or audio drifts and motion stutters after TikTok re-encodes it.
- Uploading through the phone app on mobile data. The web uploader and Wi-Fi keep more detail; turn on high-quality uploads in TikTok's settings.
- The native H.264 output in the Render Queue (Composition > Add to Render Queue) is quick, but Media Encoder is the route for 2-pass, keyframe distance and HEVC.
- Render Queue H.264 presets set Profile and Level from the comp size automatically.
For comparison, YouTube publishes 8 Mbps for 1080p at 30 fps. Example length used for sizes: 0:45.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I export from After Effects for TikTok?
For 1080p vertical at 30 fps use about 8 Mbps (8000 kbps), VBR, 2 pass, with a maximum of 12 Mbps. Not officially published. Community-tested: 8-12 Mbps at 30 fps, 10-15 Mbps at 60 fps for 1080p.
What resolution and frame rate should I use for TikTok?
1080 x 1920 at 30 fps is a safe choice. TikTok: Not officially published. Community-tested: 1080 x 1920. Official: API accepts 360-4096 px per side; ads spec needs 540 x 960 or more. Frame rate: 23-60 fps (Content Posting API).
What is the maximum file size and length on TikTok?
File size: 4 GB (Content Posting API); 500 MB for in-feed ads (ads spec). Length: Uploads up to 60 minutes; in-app recording up to 10 minutes (support). API: up to 10 minutes, creator caps vary (3, 5 or 10 min).
Which codec should I pick in After Effects for TikTok?
H.264, profile High, level 4.0, in an MP4 file. TikTok lists: H.264 recommended; H.265, VP8, VP9 accepted (Content Posting API).
Can I export HDR from After Effects to TikTok?
TikTok has no published HDR upload path, so export SDR Rec. 709.
After Effects for other platforms
Other editors for TikTok
Hubs and tools
Shinel Studios
Rather send the footage and get TikTok-ready edits back?
Our editors cut, caption, colour and export to each platform's spec, with 2 revision rounds. Shorts come back in 48-72 hours, long videos in 5-10 days.