CapCut desktop · Snapchat Spotlight

CapCut desktop export settings for Snapchat Spotlight.

1080 x 1920 at 30 fps, H.264, 8 Mbps and AAC 192 kbps: here is why, and exactly where each setting lives in CapCut (desktop).

CapCut desktop to Snapchat Spotlight

Shinel recommendation

Resolution: 1080 x 1920
Frame rate: 30 fps, constant
Codec: H.264
Bitrate: Custom bit rate: target 8 Mbps (8000 kbps), max 12 Mbps
Keyframes: Automatic (no setting in CapCut desktop)
Audio: AAC-LC, default bitrate, 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)

Snapchat Spotlight publishes no bitrate. This follows YouTube's published table for the resolution, which every major platform handles well.

Estimated size: 41.4 MB for 0:40.

Change resolution or fps File size

Step by step in CapCut desktop

1Click Export in the top-right corner of the editor.
2Enter the file name and choose the folder to export to.
3Resolution: 1080p vertical.
4Bit rate: choose Customize and enter 8000 Kbps (8 Mbps).
5Codec: H.264. Format: mp4.
6Frame rate: 30.
7Click Export.

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

Snapchat Spotlight upload limits

Each value links to where it was published.

Aspect ratio

Vertical video with sound; Snapchat content is 9:16 and web uploads are cropped to fit How to Post a Snap to My Story from the Web | Snapchat Support, checked 2026-10-25

Resolution

No Spotlight spec. 540 x 960 minimum for web uploads (help); ads spec 720 x 1280 (9:16) How to Post a Snap to My Story from the Web | Snapchat Support, checked 2026-10-25

Container

Ads accept .mp4 or .mov (ads spec); organic not stated Snapchat Ad Formats & Specs, checked 2026-10-25

Max length

60 seconds (creator site: 5-60 second videos) Snapchat Creator Monetization for Stories and Spotlight, checked 2026-10-25

Min length

5 seconds; the Post button appears only for videos 5 s or longer (help) How do I post Snaps to Spotlight? | Snapchat Support, checked 2026-10-25

Common mistakes

Exporting a 16:9 timeline for Snapchat Spotlight. Build the edit at 1080 x 1920 (9:16) from the start, or Snapchat Spotlight adds bars or crops your edges.
Entering 8 in a Kbps field. CapCut desktop takes kilobits: 8 Mbps is 8000.
Uploading HDR (10-bit PQ/HLG) to Snapchat Spotlight. 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 Snapchat Spotlight re-encodes it.
Going over the length limit. Snapchat Spotlight: 60 seconds (creator site: 5-60 second videos).
The custom bit rate is in Kbps, not Mbps: 16 Mbps is 16000.
Any Pro-tagged effect, sticker, font or sound in the project adds a watermark or blocks export unless you have Pro.

For comparison, YouTube publishes 8 Mbps for 1080p at 30 fps. Example length used for sizes: 0:40.

Frequently asked questions

What bitrate should I export from CapCut desktop for Snapchat Spotlight?

For 1080p vertical at 30 fps use about 8 Mbps (8000 kbps), VBR, 1 pass, with a maximum of 12 Mbps. Snapchat Spotlight publishes no bitrate. This follows YouTube's published table for the resolution, which every major platform handles well.

What resolution and frame rate should I use for Snapchat Spotlight?

1080 x 1920 at 30 fps is a safe choice. Snapchat Spotlight: No Spotlight spec. 540 x 960 minimum for web uploads (help); ads spec 720 x 1280 (9:16).

What is the maximum file size and length on Snapchat Spotlight?

Length: 60 seconds (creator site: 5-60 second videos).

Which codec should I pick in CapCut desktop for Snapchat Spotlight?

H.264, profile High, level 4.0, in an MP4 file.

Can I export HDR from CapCut desktop to Snapchat Spotlight?

Snapchat Spotlight has no published HDR upload path, so export SDR Rec. 709.

CapCut desktop for other platforms

Other editors for Snapchat Spotlight

Hubs and tools

Shinel Studios

Rather send the footage and get Snapchat Spotlight-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.

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