CapCut mobile · YouTube Shorts

CapCut mobile 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 (iPhone and Android).

CapCut mobile to YouTube Shorts

Official

Resolution: 1080 x 1920
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: 47.6 MB for 0:45.

CapCut mobile offers bitrate levels, not a number; pick the highest level for 1080p vertical.

Change resolution or fps File size

Step by step in CapCut mobile

1Tap the resolution label next to Export at the top right (for example 1080P).
2Resolution: 1080p vertical.
3Frame rate: 30.
4Bitrate (code rate): pick the highest level offered for 1080p vertical. 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 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.
Exporting "HDR" from an SDR grade. Only pick HDR when the timeline was graded in Rec. 2100 PQ or HLG; otherwise YouTube Shorts 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 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).
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 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 mobile 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 mobile to YouTube Shorts?

Yes. Export HEVC (H.265) Main10 with Rec. 2100 PQ or HLG.

CapCut mobile 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