After Effects export settings for X (Twitter).
1920 x 1080 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 X (Twitter)
Official- Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- 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)
X recommends at least 5,000 kbps video and 128 kbps audio.
Estimated size: 124.1 MB for 2:00.
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 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 | 5 Mbps, level 3.1 | 7.5 Mbps, level 3.2 |
| 1080p | 8 Mbps, level 4.0 | 12 Mbps, level 4.2 |
X (Twitter) upload limits
Each value links to where it was published.
- Free account: 512 MB
- X Premium / subscription: 16 GB
Common mistakes
- 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 X (Twitter). 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 X (Twitter) re-encodes it.
- Going over the length limit. X (Twitter): 140 seconds without a subscription; Premium up to 4 hours on x.com and iOS, 10 minutes on Android.
- 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: 2:00.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I export from After Effects for X (Twitter)?
For 1080p at 30 fps use about 8 Mbps (8000 kbps), VBR, 2 pass, with a maximum of 12 Mbps. X recommends at least 5,000 kbps video and 128 kbps audio.
What resolution and frame rate should I use for X (Twitter)?
1920 x 1080 at 30 fps is a safe choice. X (Twitter): Recommended 1280x720 (landscape), 720x1280 (portrait), 720x720 (square). Premium uploads up to 1080p; videos over 2 h must be 720p. Frame rate: 30 or 60 fps recommended; 60 fps or less required.
What is the maximum file size and length on X (Twitter)?
File size: 512 MB without a subscription; 16 GB for Premium / X Subscription (Plus, Premium, Super, Ultra). Length: 140 seconds without a subscription; Premium up to 4 hours on x.com and iOS, 10 minutes on Android.
Which codec should I pick in After Effects for X (Twitter)?
H.264, profile High, level 4.0, in an MP4 file. X (Twitter) lists: H.264 High Profile; YUV 4:2:0 only; progressive scan; no open GOP.
Can I export HDR from After Effects to X (Twitter)?
X (Twitter) has no published HDR upload path, so export SDR Rec. 709.
After Effects for other platforms
Other editors for X (Twitter)
Hubs and tools
Shinel Studios
Rather send the footage and get X (Twitter)-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.