iMovie export settings for TikTok.
1080 x 1920 at 30 fps, H.264, 8 Mbps and AAC 192 kbps: here is why, and exactly where each setting lives in iMovie.
iMovie to TikTok
Community-tested- 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)
Not officially published. Community-tested: 8-12 Mbps at 30 fps, 10-15 Mbps at 60 fps for 1080p.
Estimated size: 46.5 MB for 0:45.
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 | 4.8 Mbps, level 3.1 | 6 Mbps, level 3.2 |
| 1080p | 8 Mbps, level 4.0 | 10 Mbps, level 4.2 |
| 1440p | 8 Mbps, level 5.0 | 10 Mbps, level 5.1 |
| 2160p | 8 Mbps, level 5.1 | 10 Mbps, level 5.2 |
TikTok upload limits
Each value links to where it was published.
Common mistakes
- Exporting a 16:9 timeline for TikTok. Build the edit at 1080 x 1920 (9:16) from the start, or TikTok adds bars or crops your edges.
- 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 TikTok. 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 TikTok re-encodes it.
- Uploading through the phone app on mobile data. The web uploader and Wi-Fi keep more detail; turn on high-quality uploads in TikTok's settings.
- 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: 0:45.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I export from iMovie for TikTok?
For 1080p vertical at 30 fps use about 8 Mbps (8000 kbps), VBR, 1 pass, with a maximum of 12 Mbps. Not officially published. Community-tested: 8-12 Mbps at 30 fps, 10-15 Mbps at 60 fps for 1080p.
What resolution and frame rate should I use for TikTok?
1080 x 1920 at 30 fps is a safe choice. TikTok: Not officially published. Community-tested: 1080 x 1920. Official: API accepts 360-4096 px per side; ads spec needs 540 x 960 or more. Frame rate: 23-60 fps (Content Posting API).
What is the maximum file size and length on TikTok?
File size: 4 GB (Content Posting API); 500 MB for in-feed ads (ads spec). Length: Uploads up to 60 minutes; in-app recording up to 10 minutes (support). API: up to 10 minutes, creator caps vary (3, 5 or 10 min).
Which codec should I pick in iMovie for TikTok?
H.264, profile High, level 4.0, in an MP4 file. TikTok lists: H.264 recommended; H.265, VP8, VP9 accepted (Content Posting API).
Can I export HDR from iMovie to TikTok?
TikTok has no published HDR upload path, so export SDR Rec. 709.
iMovie for other platforms
Other editors for TikTok
Hubs and tools
Shinel Studios
Rather send the footage and get TikTok-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.