Final Cut Pro · YouTube Shorts

Final Cut Pro 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 Final Cut Pro.

Final Cut Pro to YouTube Shorts

Official

Resolution: 1080 x 1920
Frame rate: 30 fps, constant
Codec: H.264
Bitrate: Automatic (Final Cut Pro has no bitrate field). Aim: 8 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)

YouTube's published upload bitrate for this resolution and frame rate.

Estimated size: 47.6 MB for 0:45.

Final Cut Pro has no bitrate setting. It picks its own rate.

Change resolution or fps File size

Step by step in Final Cut Pro

1Set the project to 1080 x 1920 at 30 fps (Final Cut Pro exports at the project frame rate; there is no frame rate field on export).
2Select the project, then choose File > Share > Export File (Cmd+E).
3Click Settings. Format: Computer (MP4) or Video and Audio (MOV).
4Video Codec: H.264 Better Quality. Resolution: 1080 x 1920.
5Check Color Space reads Rec. 709 (BT.709), 8-bit 4:2:0, limited (TV) range. Action: Save only.
6Click Next, choose where to save, then Save. Progress shows in Background Tasks.
7Need an exact bitrate or file size? Choose Action > Open with Compressor and set Avg. Bit rate to Custom, 8000 kbps, or run the file through HandBrake.

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.
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.
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).
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.

Frequently asked questions

What bitrate should I export from Final Cut Pro 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 Final Cut Pro 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 Final Cut Pro to YouTube Shorts?

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

Final Cut Pro 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.

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