HandBrake export settings for Bluesky.
1920 x 1080 at 30 fps, H.264, 8 Mbps and AAC 192 kbps: here is why, and exactly where each setting lives in HandBrake.
HandBrake to Bluesky
Shinel recommendation- Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Frame rate
- 30 fps, constant
- Codec
- H.264, profile High, level 4.0
- Bitrate
- Avg Bitrate + Multi-Pass: target 8 Mbps (8000 kbps), max 12 Mbps
- Keyframes
- Every 2 s = 60 frames, 2 B-frames, closed GOP
- Audio
- AAC-LC, 192 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)
Bluesky publishes no bitrate. This follows YouTube's published table for the resolution, which every major platform handles well.
Estimated size: 124.1 MB for 2:00.
Step by step in HandBrake
- 1Open Source and pick your exported master file (or download the ready preset below and use Presets > Import from file).
- 2Summary tab: Format MP4, tick Web Optimized.
- 3Dimensions tab: set the size to 1920 x 1080.
- 4Video tab: Video Encoder H.264 (x264), Framerate 30, Constant Framerate.
- 5Quality: Avg Bitrate (kbps) 8000, tick Multi-Pass Encoding.
- 6Encoder Profile High, Encoder Level 4.0. In Advanced Options add keyint=60:vbv-maxrate=12000:vbv-bufsize=24000.
- 7Audio tab: AAC, Stereo, 48000 kHz, Bitrate 192.
- 8Set Save As and click Start Encode.
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 |
Bluesky upload limits
Each value links to where it was published.
Common mistakes
- Exporting at YouTube quality and then sending it to Bluesky. Set the bitrate for the length of the clip (here 8000 kbps for 2:00) so Bluesky does not refuse or squash it.
- Typing 2 into HandBrake's keyframe field. It counts frames, not seconds: at 30 fps that is 60.
- Entering 8 in a Kbps field. HandBrake takes kilobits: 8 Mbps is 8000.
- Uploading HDR (10-bit PQ/HLG) to Bluesky. There is no published HDR path, so colours can look washed out; export SDR Rec. 709.
- Leaving phone footage at a variable frame rate. Export at a constant 30 fps, or audio drifts and motion stutters after Bluesky re-encodes it.
- Peak Framerate keeps variable frame rate; choose Constant Framerate for platforms and editors.
- Avg Bitrate has no maximum field; the vbv options in Advanced Options set the cap (software encoders only).
For comparison, YouTube publishes 8 Mbps for 1080p at 30 fps. Example length used for sizes: 2:00.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I export from HandBrake for Bluesky?
For 1080p at 30 fps use about 8 Mbps (8000 kbps), VBR, 2 pass, with a maximum of 12 Mbps. Bluesky publishes no bitrate. This follows YouTube's published table for the resolution, which every major platform handles well.
What resolution and frame rate should I use for Bluesky?
1920 x 1080 at 30 fps is a safe choice.
What is the maximum file size and length on Bluesky?
File size: 300 MB (raised in 2026, per the official announcement). Length: 10 minutes (since August 2026).
Which codec should I pick in HandBrake for Bluesky?
H.264, profile High, level 4.0, in an MP4 file.
Can I export HDR from HandBrake to Bluesky?
Bluesky has no published HDR upload path, so export SDR Rec. 709.
HandBrake for other platforms
Other editors for Bluesky
Hubs and tools
Shinel Studios
Rather send the footage and get Bluesky-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.