iMovie 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 iMovie.
iMovie to Vimeo
Official- Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Frame rate
- 30 fps, constant
- Codec
- H.264
- Bitrate
- Quality: Custom: target 15 Mbps (15000 kbps), max 20 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)
Vimeo recommends 10-20 Mbps at this resolution.
Estimated size: 580.2 MB for 5:00.
Step by step in iMovie
- 1Select the movie in the browser and choose File > Share > File.
- 2Format: Video and Audio. Resolution: 1080p.
- 3Quality: Custom, then drag the slider to about 15 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 | 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
- 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.
- Expecting HDR from iMovie. It exports SDR only; HDR footage is tone-mapped to Rec. 709.
- 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.
- 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: 5:00.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I export from iMovie for Vimeo?
For 1080p at 30 fps use about 15 Mbps (15000 kbps), VBR, 1 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 iMovie 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 iMovie to Vimeo?
iMovie does not export HDR, so export SDR Rec. 709.
iMovie 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.