After Effects export settings for Vimeo.
1920 x 1080 at 30 fps, H.264, 15 Mbps and AAC 320 kbps: here is why, and exactly where each setting lives in Adobe After Effects (with Media Encoder).
After Effects to Vimeo
Official- Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Frame rate
- 30 fps, constant
- Codec
- H.264, profile High, level 4.0
- Bitrate
- VBR, 2 pass: target 15 Mbps (15000 kbps), max 20 Mbps
- Keyframes
- Every 2 s = 60 frames, 2 B-frames, closed GOP
- Audio
- AAC-LC, 320 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)
Vimeo recommends 10-20 Mbps at this resolution.
Estimated size: 580.2 MB for 5:00.
Step by step in After Effects
- 1Set the composition to 1920 x 1080 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 1920 x 1080, Frame Rate 30, Profile High, Level 4.0.
- 6Bitrate Settings: Bitrate Encoding VBR, 2 pass, Target Bitrate 15 Mbps, Maximum Bitrate 20 Mbps.
- 7Advanced Settings: tick Key Frame Distance and enter 60 frames.
- 8Audio tab: AAC, Sample Rate 48000 Hz, Bitrate 320 kbps. Click OK, then Start Queue.
Bitrate at other resolutions
Same settings, different size or frame rate.
| Resolution | 30 fps | 60 fps |
|---|---|---|
| 720p | 7.5 Mbps, level 3.1 | 7.5 Mbps, level 3.2 |
| 1080p | 15 Mbps, level 4.0 | 15 Mbps, level 4.2 |
| 1440p | 16 Mbps, level 5.0 | 16 Mbps, level 5.1 |
| 2160p | 16 Mbps, level 5.1 | 16 Mbps, level 5.2 |
Vimeo upload limits
Each value links to where it was published.
Common mistakes
- Typing 2 into After Effects's keyframe field. It counts frames, not seconds: at 30 fps that is 60.
- Exporting "HDR" from an SDR grade. Only pick HDR when the timeline was graded in Rec. 2100 PQ or HLG; otherwise Vimeo shows flat or over-bright colour.
- Leaving phone footage at a variable frame rate. Export at a constant 30 fps, or audio drifts and motion stutters after Vimeo re-encodes it.
- 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: 5:00.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I export from After Effects for Vimeo?
For 1080p at 30 fps use about 15 Mbps (15000 kbps), VBR, 2 pass, with a maximum of 20 Mbps. Vimeo recommends 10-20 Mbps at this resolution.
What resolution and frame rate should I use for Vimeo?
1920 x 1080 at 30 fps is a safe choice. Vimeo: Common sizes: 1920 x 1080, 2560 x 1440, 3840 x 2160 (UHD), 4096 x 2160 (DCI), 8192 x 4320 (8K). Frame rate: Keep native frame rate, constant frame rate (CFR). Above 60 fps is reduced automatically.
What is the maximum file size and length on Vimeo?
File size: No hard limit stated; keep files under 200 GB for a successful upload. Storage depends on plan. Length: Uploads longer than 24 hours not supported.
Which codec should I pick in After Effects for Vimeo?
H.264, profile High, level 4.0, in an MP4 file. Vimeo lists: H.264 High Profile (up to 4K), H.265/HEVC (up to 8K) or Apple ProRes 422 (HQ).
Can I export HDR from After Effects to Vimeo?
Yes. Export HEVC (H.265) Main10 with Rec. 2100 PQ or HLG. BT.709 or BT.2020 primaries/matrix. HDR: PQ (SMPTE 2084) or HLG, 10-bit or more; PQ needs SMPTE 2086 + CEA 861.3 metadata. Dolby Vision supported.
After Effects for other platforms
Other editors for Vimeo
Hubs and tools
Shinel Studios
Rather send the footage and get Vimeo-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.