Clipchamp 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 Microsoft Clipchamp.
Clipchamp to YouTube Shorts
Official- Resolution
- 1080 x 1920
- 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: 47.6 MB for 0:45.
- Clipchamp has no bitrate setting. It picks its own rate.
Step by step in Clipchamp
- 1Set the project aspect ratio to match 1080 x 1920 (the ratio button beside the preview).
- 2Click Export at the top right of the editor.
- 3Choose 1080p vertical (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 Shorts upload limits
Each value links to where it was published.
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.
- 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 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).
- 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 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 Clipchamp 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 Clipchamp to YouTube Shorts?
Clipchamp does not export HDR, so export SDR Rec. 709.
Clipchamp 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.