CapCut mobile 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 CapCut (iPhone and Android).
CapCut mobile to YouTube
Official- Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Frame rate
- 30 fps, constant
- Codec
- H.264
- Bitrate
- Bitrate preset: target 8 Mbps (8000 kbps), max 12 Mbps
- Keyframes
- Automatic (no setting in CapCut mobile)
- 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: 635.1 MB for 10:00.
- CapCut mobile offers bitrate levels, not a number; pick the highest level for 1080p.
Step by step in CapCut mobile
- 1Tap the resolution label next to Export at the top right (for example 1080P).
- 2Resolution: 1080p.
- 3Frame rate: 30.
- 4Bitrate (code rate): pick the highest level offered for 1080p. CapCut mobile has no number field, so this is the closest to 8 Mbps.
- 5Leave Smart HDR off unless your clips were shot in HDR.
- 6Tap Export, then save to your phone (not straight to the app) so you keep a copy.
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
- 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.
- CapCut mobile only offers bitrate levels, not a number. For a strict size cap, export, then compress with HandBrake on a computer.
- Higher frame rates can lower the maximum resolution offered.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I export from CapCut mobile for YouTube?
For 1080p 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?
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 CapCut mobile 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 CapCut mobile 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.
CapCut mobile for other platforms
- CapCut mobile for YouTube Shorts
- CapCut mobile for Instagram Reels
- CapCut mobile for Instagram Stories
- CapCut mobile for TikTok
- CapCut mobile for Facebook Reels
- CapCut mobile for Snapchat Spotlight
- CapCut mobile for Threads
- CapCut mobile for WhatsApp Status
- CapCut mobile for Moj
- CapCut mobile for Josh
- CapCut mobile for ShareChat
- CapCut mobile for X (Twitter)
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.