iMovie export settings for Facebook Reels.
1080 x 1920 at 30 fps, H.264, 8 Mbps and AAC 128 kbps: here is why, and exactly where each setting lives in iMovie.
iMovie to Facebook Reels
Shinel recommendation- Resolution
- 1080 x 1920
- Frame rate
- 30 fps, constant
- Codec
- H.264
- Bitrate
- Quality: Custom: target 8 Mbps (8000 kbps), max 12 Mbps
- Keyframes
- Automatic (no setting in iMovie)
- Audio
- AAC-LC, default bitrate, 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)
Facebook Reels publishes no bitrate. This follows YouTube's published table for the resolution, which every major platform handles well. Meta re-encodes every upload, so more bitrate than this mostly adds upload time.
Estimated size: 61.6 MB for 1:00.
Step by step in iMovie
- 1Select the movie in the browser and choose File > Share > File.
- 2Format: Video and Audio. Resolution: 1080p vertical.
- 3Quality: Custom, then drag the slider to about 8 Mbps. Watch the file size estimate under the thumbnail.
- 4Compress: Better Quality.
- 5Click Next, name the file, choose a folder and click Save.
- 6On iPhone or iPad: tap the project, tap Share, tap Options, set the resolution, tap Done, then Save Video.
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 |
Facebook Reels upload limits
Each value links to where it was published.
Common mistakes
- Exporting a 16:9 timeline for Facebook Reels. Build the edit at 1080 x 1920 (9:16) from the start, or Facebook Reels adds bars or crops your edges.
- Exporting at 50+ Mbps "for quality". Meta re-encodes everything and its own spec tops out at 25 Mbps for Reels and Stories; a huge file just uploads slower.
- Looking for a frame rate box on export. iMovie exports at the project frame rate, so set the project to 30 fps before you edit.
- Uploading HDR (10-bit PQ/HLG) to Facebook Reels. 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 Facebook Reels re-encodes it.
- iMovie on Mac shares in SDR only; HDR clips are tone-mapped. Send the movie to Final Cut Pro for HDR.
For comparison, YouTube publishes 8 Mbps for 1080p at 30 fps. Example length used for sizes: 1:00.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I export from iMovie for Facebook Reels?
For 1080p vertical at 30 fps use about 8 Mbps (8000 kbps), VBR, 1 pass, with a maximum of 12 Mbps. Facebook Reels publishes no bitrate. This follows YouTube's published table for the resolution, which every major platform handles well. Meta re-encodes every upload, so more bitrate than this mostly adds upload time.
What resolution and frame rate should I use for Facebook Reels?
1080 x 1920 at 30 fps is a safe choice. Facebook Reels: 1080 x 1920 recommended; minimum 540 x 960 (API). Frame rate: 24-60 fps, fixed frame rate (API).
What is the maximum file size and length on Facebook Reels?
File size: 10 GB for Page video uploads (help). Length: In the app, reels can be any length or orientation since June 2025 (help). Reels Publishing API: 3-90 s.
Which codec should I pick in iMovie for Facebook Reels?
H.264, profile High, level 4.0, in an MP4 file. Facebook Reels lists: H.264 or H.265 (VP9 and AV1 also supported); 4:2:0, closed GOP of 2-5 s, progressive scan (API).
Can I export HDR from iMovie to Facebook Reels?
Facebook Reels has no published HDR upload path, so export SDR Rec. 709.
iMovie for other platforms
Other editors for Facebook Reels
Hubs and tools
Shinel Studios
Rather send the footage and get Facebook Reels-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.