HandBrake export settings for WhatsApp chat.
720 x 1280 at 30 fps, H.264, 1.9 Mbps and AAC 128 kbps: here is why, and exactly where each setting lives in HandBrake.
HandBrake to WhatsApp chat
Shinel recommendation- Resolution
- 720 x 1280
- Frame rate
- 30 fps, constant
- Codec
- H.264, profile High, level 3.1
- Bitrate
- Avg Bitrate + Multi-Pass: target 1.9 Mbps (1923 kbps), max 2.1 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 1:00 clip fits the 16 MB limit with 4% headroom.
Estimated size: 15.5 MB for 1:00.
- 1080p is above what WhatsApp chat supports here, so this uses 720p.
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 720 x 1280.
- 4Video tab: Video Encoder H.264 (x264), Framerate 30, Constant Framerate.
- 5Quality: Avg Bitrate (kbps) 1923, tick Multi-Pass Encoding.
- 6Encoder Profile High, Encoder Level 3.1. In Advanced Options add keyint=60:vbv-maxrate=2115:vbv-bufsize=4230.
- 7Audio tab: AAC, Stereo, 48000 kHz, Bitrate 128.
- 8Set Save As and click Start Encode.
WhatsApp chat upload limits
Each value links to where it was published.
- Sent as media (older pages say 16 MB): 16 MB
- Sent as media (desktop help): 100 MB
- Sent as a document: 2 GB
Common mistakes
- Exporting a 16:9 timeline for WhatsApp chat. Build the edit at 720 x 1280 (9:16) from the start, or WhatsApp chat adds bars or crops your edges.
- Exporting at YouTube quality and then sending it to WhatsApp chat. Set the bitrate for the length of the clip (here 1923 kbps for 1:00) so WhatsApp chat 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 1.9 in a Kbps field. HandBrake takes kilobits: 1.9 Mbps is 1923.
- Uploading HDR (10-bit PQ/HLG) to WhatsApp chat. 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 5 Mbps for 720p at 30 fps. Example length used for sizes: 1:00.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I export from HandBrake for WhatsApp chat?
For 720p vertical at 30 fps use about 1.9 Mbps (1923 kbps), VBR, 2 pass, with a maximum of 2.1 Mbps. Sized so a 1:00 clip fits the 16 MB limit with 4% headroom.
What resolution and frame rate should I use for WhatsApp chat?
720 x 1280 at 30 fps is a safe choice. WhatsApp chat: Desktop help: 720p by default on faster connections, 480p on slower ones.
What is the maximum file size and length on WhatsApp chat?
File size: Up to 2 GB when sent as a document. As media, pages differ: 100 MB (64 MB on slow links) on desktop help, 16 MB on older FAQ pages.
Which codec should I pick in HandBrake for WhatsApp chat?
H.264, profile High, level 3.1, in an MP4 file. WhatsApp chat lists: Business Cloud API: H.264 video and AAC audio only; Main or Baseline profile without B-frames for Android.
Can I export HDR from HandBrake to WhatsApp chat?
WhatsApp chat has no published HDR upload path, so export SDR Rec. 709.
HandBrake for other platforms
Other editors for WhatsApp chat
Hubs and tools
Shinel Studios
Rather send the footage and get WhatsApp chat-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.