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DaVinci Resolve · Discord

DaVinci Resolve export settings for Discord.

1920 x 1080 at 30 fps, H.264, 5 Mbps and AAC 128 kbps: here is why, and exactly where each setting lives in DaVinci Resolve.

DaVinci Resolve to Discord

Shinel recommendation
Resolution
1920 x 1080
Frame rate
30 fps, constant
Codec
H.264, profile High, level 4.0
Bitrate
Restrict to (max data rate): target 5 Mbps (5000 kbps), max 5.5 Mbps
Keyframes
Every 2 s = 60 frames, 2 B-frames, closed GOP
Audio
AAC-LC, 128 kbps, 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)

Sized so a 0:30 clip fits the 20 MB limit with 4% headroom.

Estimated size: 19.4 MB for 0:30.

Change resolution or fps File size

Step by step in DaVinci Resolve

  1. 1Open the Deliver page (rocket icon at the bottom of the window).
  2. 2In Render Settings choose Custom Export, then set Filename and Location, and choose Single clip.
  3. 3Video: Format MP4, Codec H.264. Pick the hardware encoder if your GPU offers one, else Native.
  4. 4Resolution 1920 x 1080, Frame rate 30.
  5. 5Quality: choose Restrict to and type 5000 Kb/s (Resolve takes kilobits, so 5 Mbps = 5000).
  6. 6Encoding Profile: High. Key Frames: choose Every and type 60 frames.
  7. 7Advanced Settings: Data Levels Auto, Color Space Tag and Gamma Tag Same as Project (Rec. 709 (BT.709), 8-bit 4:2:0, limited (TV) range).
  8. 8Audio: Codec AAC, Data Rate 128 kb/s, Sample Rate 48000.
  9. 9Click Add to Render Queue, then Render All.

Discord upload limits

Each value links to where it was published.

Max file size
Free 20 MB; Nitro Basic 50 MB; Nitro 1 GB. Boosted servers: 50 MB (Level 2), 100 MB (Level 3) for all members in that server
  • Free: 20 MB
  • Nitro Basic: 50 MB
  • Nitro: 1 GB
  • Server Boost Level 2 (in that server): 50 MB
  • Server Boost Level 3 (in that server): 100 MB
Discord Patch Notes: September 8, 2026, checked 2026-10-25

Common mistakes

  • Exporting at YouTube quality and then sending it to Discord. Set the bitrate for the length of the clip (here 5000 kbps for 0:30) so Discord does not refuse or squash it.
  • Typing 2 into DaVinci Resolve's keyframe field. It counts frames, not seconds: at 30 fps that is 60.
  • Entering 5 in a Kbps field. DaVinci Resolve takes kilobits: 5 Mbps is 5000.
  • Uploading HDR (10-bit PQ/HLG) to Discord. There is no published HDR path, so colours can look washed out; export SDR Rec. 709.
  • Restrict to is in Kb/s, not Mb/s: 20 Mbps is 20000.
  • Key Frames are counted in frames, not seconds: multiply seconds by the frame rate.

For comparison, YouTube publishes 8 Mbps for 1080p at 30 fps. Example length used for sizes: 0:30.

Frequently asked questions

What bitrate should I export from DaVinci Resolve for Discord?

For 1080p at 30 fps use about 5 Mbps (5000 kbps), VBR, 1 pass, with a maximum of 5.5 Mbps. Sized so a 0:30 clip fits the 20 MB limit with 4% headroom.

What resolution and frame rate should I use for Discord?

1920 x 1080 at 30 fps is a safe choice.

What is the maximum file size and length on Discord?

File size: Free 20 MB; Nitro Basic 50 MB; Nitro 1 GB. Boosted servers: 50 MB (Level 2), 100 MB (Level 3) for all members in that server.

Which codec should I pick in DaVinci Resolve for Discord?

H.264, profile High, level 4.0, in an MP4 file.

Can I export HDR from DaVinci Resolve to Discord?

Discord has no published HDR upload path, so export SDR Rec. 709.

DaVinci Resolve for other platforms

Other editors for Discord

Hubs and tools

Shinel Studios

Rather send the footage and get Discord-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.

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