HandBrake 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 HandBrake.
HandBrake to Discord
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 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.
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) 5000, tick Multi-Pass Encoding.
- 6Encoder Profile High, Encoder Level 4.0. In Advanced Options add keyint=60:vbv-maxrate=5500:vbv-bufsize=11000.
- 7Audio tab: AAC, Stereo, 48000 kHz, Bitrate 128.
- 8Set Save As and click Start Encode.
Discord upload limits
Each value links to where it was published.
- 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
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 HandBrake's keyframe field. It counts frames, not seconds: at 30 fps that is 60.
- Entering 5 in a Kbps field. HandBrake 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.
- 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: 0:30.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I export from HandBrake for Discord?
For 1080p at 30 fps use about 5 Mbps (5000 kbps), VBR, 2 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 HandBrake for Discord?
H.264, profile High, level 4.0, in an MP4 file.
Can I export HDR from HandBrake to Discord?
Discord has no published HDR upload path, so export SDR Rec. 709.
HandBrake 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.