After Effects export settings for YouTube.
1920 x 1080 at 30 fps, H.264, 8 Mbps and AAC 384 kbps: here is why, and exactly where each setting lives in Adobe After Effects (with Media Encoder).
After Effects to YouTube
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 0.5 s = 15 frames, 2 B-frames, closed GOP
- Audio
- AAC-LC, 384 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)
YouTube's published upload bitrate for this resolution and frame rate.
Estimated size: 635.1 MB for 10:00.
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 15 frames.
- 8Audio tab: AAC, Sample Rate 48000 Hz, Bitrate 384 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 |
| 1440p | 16 Mbps, level 5.0 | 24 Mbps, level 5.1 |
| 2160p | 35 Mbps, level 5.1 | 53 Mbps, level 5.2 |
YouTube upload limits
Each value links to where it was published.
Common mistakes
- Typing 0.5 into After Effects's keyframe field. It counts frames, not seconds: at 30 fps that is 15.
- Exporting "HDR" from an SDR grade. Only pick HDR when the timeline was graded in Rec. 2100 PQ or HLG; otherwise YouTube 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 YouTube re-encodes it.
- Starving the upload to save time. YouTube re-encodes anyway; a higher-bitrate upload gives YouTube's encoder more to work with, especially for 4K.
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I export from After Effects for YouTube?
For 1080p at 30 fps use about 8 Mbps (8000 kbps), VBR, 2 pass, with a maximum of 12 Mbps. YouTube's published upload bitrate for this resolution and frame rate.
What resolution and frame rate should I use for YouTube?
1920 x 1080 at 30 fps is a safe choice. YouTube: Upload at source resolution; bitrate table covers 360p to 8K (e.g. 1920 x 1080, 3840 x 2160). Frame rate: Upload at the recorded frame rate; common rates 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, 60. Deinterlace first (1080i60 to 1080p30).
What is the maximum file size and length on YouTube?
File size: 256 GB or 12 hours, whichever is less. Length: 12 hours; uploads over 15 minutes need a verified account.
Which codec should I pick in After Effects for YouTube?
H.264, profile High, level 4.0, in an MP4 file. YouTube lists: H.264, progressive, High Profile, 2 consecutive B-frames, closed GOP of half the frame rate, CABAC, VBR, 4:2:0.
Can I export HDR from After Effects to YouTube?
Yes. Export HEVC (H.265) Main10 with Rec. 2100 PQ or HLG. BT.709 primaries, transfer and matrix. RGB matrix not recommended. BT.2020 without HDR transfer is converted to 8-bit BT.709.
After Effects for other platforms
Other editors for YouTube
Hubs and tools
Shinel Studios
Rather send the footage and get YouTube-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.