HandBrake export settings for Vimeo.
1920 x 1080 at 30 fps, H.264, 15 Mbps and AAC 320 kbps: here is why, and exactly where each setting lives in HandBrake.
HandBrake to Vimeo
Official- Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Frame rate
- 30 fps, constant
- Codec
- H.264, profile High, level 4.0
- Bitrate
- Avg Bitrate + Multi-Pass: target 15 Mbps (15000 kbps), max 20 Mbps
- Keyframes
- Every 2 s = 60 frames, 2 B-frames, closed GOP
- Audio
- AAC-LC, 320 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)
Vimeo recommends 10-20 Mbps at this resolution.
Estimated size: 580.2 MB for 5:00.
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) 15000, tick Multi-Pass Encoding.
- 6Encoder Profile High, Encoder Level 4.0. In Advanced Options add keyint=60:vbv-maxrate=20000:vbv-bufsize=40000.
- 7Audio tab: AAC, Stereo, 48000 kHz, Bitrate 320.
- 8Set Save As and click Start Encode.
Bitrate at other resolutions
Same settings, different size or frame rate.
| Resolution | 30 fps | 60 fps |
|---|---|---|
| 720p | 7.5 Mbps, level 3.1 | 7.5 Mbps, level 3.2 |
| 1080p | 15 Mbps, level 4.0 | 15 Mbps, level 4.2 |
| 1440p | 16 Mbps, level 5.0 | 16 Mbps, level 5.1 |
| 2160p | 16 Mbps, level 5.1 | 16 Mbps, level 5.2 |
Vimeo upload limits
Each value links to where it was published.
Common mistakes
- Typing 2 into HandBrake's keyframe field. It counts frames, not seconds: at 30 fps that is 60.
- Entering 15 in a Kbps field. HandBrake takes kilobits: 15 Mbps is 15000.
- Exporting "HDR" from an SDR grade. Only pick HDR when the timeline was graded in Rec. 2100 PQ or HLG; otherwise Vimeo 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 Vimeo 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: 5:00.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I export from HandBrake for Vimeo?
For 1080p at 30 fps use about 15 Mbps (15000 kbps), VBR, 2 pass, with a maximum of 20 Mbps. Vimeo recommends 10-20 Mbps at this resolution.
What resolution and frame rate should I use for Vimeo?
1920 x 1080 at 30 fps is a safe choice. Vimeo: Common sizes: 1920 x 1080, 2560 x 1440, 3840 x 2160 (UHD), 4096 x 2160 (DCI), 8192 x 4320 (8K). Frame rate: Keep native frame rate, constant frame rate (CFR). Above 60 fps is reduced automatically.
What is the maximum file size and length on Vimeo?
File size: No hard limit stated; keep files under 200 GB for a successful upload. Storage depends on plan. Length: Uploads longer than 24 hours not supported.
Which codec should I pick in HandBrake for Vimeo?
H.264, profile High, level 4.0, in an MP4 file. Vimeo lists: H.264 High Profile (up to 4K), H.265/HEVC (up to 8K) or Apple ProRes 422 (HQ).
Can I export HDR from HandBrake to Vimeo?
Yes. Export HEVC (H.265) Main10 with Rec. 2100 PQ or HLG. BT.709 or BT.2020 primaries/matrix. HDR: PQ (SMPTE 2084) or HLG, 10-bit or more; PQ needs SMPTE 2086 + CEA 861.3 metadata. Dolby Vision supported.
HandBrake for other platforms
Other editors for Vimeo
Hubs and tools
Shinel Studios
Rather send the footage and get Vimeo-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.