Clipchamp 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 Microsoft Clipchamp.
Clipchamp to YouTube
Official- Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Frame rate
- 30 fps, constant
- Codec
- H.264
- Bitrate
- Automatic (Clipchamp has no bitrate field). Aim: 8 Mbps
- Keyframes
- Automatic (no setting in Clipchamp)
- 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.
- Clipchamp has no bitrate setting. It picks its own rate.
Step by step in Clipchamp
- 1Set the project aspect ratio to match 1920 x 1080 (the ratio button beside the preview).
- 2Click Export at the top right of the editor.
- 3Choose 1080p (1080p is the highest free option; 4K needs a paid plan).
- 4The file downloads to your computer. Work accounts save it to OneDrive first.
Bitrate at other resolutions
Same settings, different size or frame rate.
| Resolution | 30 fps | 60 fps |
|---|---|---|
| 720p | 5 Mbps, level 3.1 | 5 Mbps, level 3.1 |
| 1080p | 8 Mbps, level 4.0 | 8 Mbps, level 4.0 |
| 1440p | 16 Mbps, level 5.0 | 16 Mbps, level 5.0 |
| 2160p | 35 Mbps, level 5.1 | 35 Mbps, level 5.1 |
YouTube upload limits
Each value links to where it was published.
Common mistakes
- Expecting HDR from Clipchamp. 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 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.
- Clipchamp always exports at 30 fps; 60 fps footage is converted to 30.
- Resolution is the only setting. For a size cap, compress the download with HandBrake.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I export from Clipchamp 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 Clipchamp 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 Clipchamp to YouTube?
Clipchamp does not export HDR, so export SDR Rec. 709.
Clipchamp 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.