CapCut desktop · YouTube Shorts

CapCut desktop export settings for YouTube Shorts.

1080 x 1920 at 30 fps, H.264, 8 Mbps and AAC 384 kbps: here is why, and exactly where each setting lives in CapCut (desktop).

CapCut desktop to YouTube Shorts

Official

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)

YouTube's published upload bitrate for this resolution and frame rate.

Estimated size: 47.6 MB for 0:45.

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
1440p	16 Mbps, level 5.0	24 Mbps, level 5.1
2160p	35 Mbps, level 5.1	53 Mbps, level 5.2

YouTube Shorts upload limits

Each value links to where it was published.

Aspect ratio

Square or vertical. Use a wider format such as 16:9 to avoid Shorts classification Understand three-minute YouTube Shorts, checked 2026-10-25

Resolution

Not officially published. Community-tested: 1080 x 1920 (9:16) Community-tested YouTube recommended upload encoding settings, checked 2026-10-25

Frame rate

Same as uploads: keep recorded frame rate (24-60 common) YouTube recommended upload encoding settings, checked 2026-10-25

Video codec

Same as long-form: H.264 High Profile, progressive, 4:2:0 YouTube recommended upload encoding settings, checked 2026-10-25

Container

MP4 (moov atom at front) YouTube recommended upload encoding settings, checked 2026-10-25

Bitrate

Use the upload table by resolution: 1080p 8 Mbps (24-30 fps) / 12 Mbps (48-60 fps) YouTube recommended upload encoding settings, checked 2026-10-25

Max length

Up to 3 minutes (for standard channels, uploads on or after 15 Oct 2024) Understand three-minute YouTube Shorts, checked 2026-10-25

Audio

AAC-LC, 48 kHz, 384 kbps stereo YouTube recommended upload encoding settings, checked 2026-10-25

Common mistakes

Exporting a 16:9 timeline for YouTube Shorts. Build the edit at 1080 x 1920 (9:16) from the start, or YouTube Shorts adds bars or crops your edges.
Entering 8 in a Kbps field. CapCut desktop takes kilobits: 8 Mbps is 8000.
Expecting HDR from CapCut desktop. It exports SDR only; HDR footage is tone-mapped to Rec. 709.
Leaving phone footage at a variable frame rate. Export at a constant 30 fps, or audio drifts and motion stutters after YouTube Shorts re-encodes it.
Going over the length limit. YouTube Shorts: Up to 3 minutes (for standard channels, uploads on or after 15 Oct 2024).
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.

Frequently asked questions

What bitrate should I export from CapCut desktop for YouTube Shorts?

For 1080p vertical at 30 fps use about 8 Mbps (8000 kbps), VBR, 1 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 Shorts?

1080 x 1920 at 30 fps is a safe choice. YouTube Shorts: Not officially published. Community-tested: 1080 x 1920 (9:16). Frame rate: Same as uploads: keep recorded frame rate (24-60 common).

What is the maximum file size and length on YouTube Shorts?

Length: Up to 3 minutes (for standard channels, uploads on or after 15 Oct 2024).

Which codec should I pick in CapCut desktop for YouTube Shorts?

H.264, profile High, level 4.0, in an MP4 file. YouTube Shorts lists: Same as long-form: H.264 High Profile, progressive, 4:2:0.

Can I export HDR from CapCut desktop to YouTube Shorts?

CapCut desktop does not export HDR, so export SDR Rec. 709.

CapCut desktop for other platforms

Other editors for YouTube Shorts

Hubs and tools

Shinel Studios

Rather send the footage and get YouTube Shorts-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.

See video editing Prices