HandBrake export settings for WhatsApp Status.
720 x 1280 at 30 fps, H.264, 5 Mbps and AAC 128 kbps: here is why, and exactly where each setting lives in HandBrake.
HandBrake to WhatsApp Status
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 5 Mbps (5000 kbps), max 7.5 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)
WhatsApp Status publishes no bitrate. This follows YouTube's published table for the resolution, which every major platform handles well.
Estimated size: 38.8 MB for 1:00.
- 1080p is above what WhatsApp Status 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) 5000, tick Multi-Pass Encoding.
- 6Encoder Profile High, Encoder Level 3.1. In Advanced Options add keyint=60:vbv-maxrate=7500:vbv-bufsize=15000.
- 7Audio tab: AAC, Stereo, 48000 kHz, Bitrate 128.
- 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 |
WhatsApp Status upload limits
Each value links to where it was published.
Common mistakes
- Exporting a 16:9 timeline for WhatsApp Status. Build the edit at 720 x 1280 (9:16) from the start, or WhatsApp Status adds bars or crops your edges.
- 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 WhatsApp Status. 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 WhatsApp Status re-encodes it.
- Going over the length limit. WhatsApp Status: 90 seconds (help).
- 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 Status?
For 720p vertical at 30 fps use about 5 Mbps (5000 kbps), VBR, 2 pass, with a maximum of 7.5 Mbps. WhatsApp Status 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 WhatsApp Status?
720 x 1280 at 30 fps is a safe choice.
What is the maximum file size and length on WhatsApp Status?
Length: 90 seconds (help).
Which codec should I pick in HandBrake for WhatsApp Status?
H.264, profile High, level 3.1, in an MP4 file.
Can I export HDR from HandBrake to WhatsApp Status?
WhatsApp Status has no published HDR upload path, so export SDR Rec. 709.
HandBrake for other platforms
Other editors for WhatsApp Status
Hubs and tools
Shinel Studios
Rather send the footage and get WhatsApp Status-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.