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Final Cut Pro · Discord

Final Cut Pro 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 Final Cut Pro.

Final Cut Pro to Discord

Shinel recommendation
Resolution
1920 x 1080
Frame rate
30 fps, constant
Codec
H.264
Bitrate
Automatic (Final Cut Pro has no bitrate field). Aim: 5 Mbps
Keyframes
Automatic (no setting in Final Cut Pro)
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)

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

Estimated size: 19.4 MB for 0:30.

  • Final Cut Pro has no bitrate setting. It picks its own rate; to fit Discord's limit, compress the export with HandBrake at 5000 kbps.
Change resolution or fps File size

Step by step in Final Cut Pro

  1. 1Set the project to 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps (Final Cut Pro exports at the project frame rate; there is no frame rate field on export).
  2. 2Select the project, then choose File > Share > Export File (Cmd+E).
  3. 3Click Settings. Format: Computer (MP4) or Video and Audio (MOV).
  4. 4Video Codec: H.264 Better Quality. Resolution: 1920 x 1080.
  5. 5Check Color Space reads Rec. 709 (BT.709), 8-bit 4:2:0, limited (TV) range. Action: Save only.
  6. 6Click Next, choose where to save, then Save. Progress shows in Background Tasks.
  7. 7Need an exact bitrate or file size? Choose Action > Open with Compressor and set Avg. Bit rate to Custom, 5000 kbps, or run the file through HandBrake.

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

  • Expecting Final Cut Pro to hit Discord's size limit. It has no bitrate field, so export a high-quality master and compress it with HandBrake at 5000 kbps.
  • Looking for a frame rate box on export. Final Cut Pro exports at the project frame rate, so set the project to 30 fps before you edit.
  • Uploading HDR (10-bit PQ/HLG) to Discord. There is no published HDR path, so colours can look washed out; export SDR Rec. 709.
  • There is no bitrate, profile, level or keyframe field. Final Cut picks the bitrate; use Compressor or HandBrake to hit a size cap.
  • If you edited with proxies, switch the viewer back to Optimized/Original first or the export is rendered from proxies.

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 Final Cut Pro 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 Final Cut Pro for Discord?

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

Can I export HDR from Final Cut Pro to Discord?

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

Final Cut Pro 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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