iMovie export settings for YouTube Shorts.
1080 x 1920 at 30 fps, H.264, 8 Mbps and AAC 384 kbps: here is why, and exactly where each setting lives in iMovie.
iMovie to YouTube Shorts
Official- 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)
YouTube's published upload bitrate for this resolution and frame rate.
Estimated size: 47.6 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 | 5 Mbps, level 3.1 | 7.5 Mbps, level 3.2 |
| 1080p | 8 Mbps, level 4.0 | 12 Mbps, level 4.2 |
| 1440p | 16 Mbps, level 5.0 | 24 Mbps, level 5.1 |
| 2160p | 35 Mbps, level 5.1 | 53 Mbps, level 5.2 |
YouTube Shorts upload limits
Each value links to where it was published.
Common mistakes
- Exporting a 16:9 timeline for YouTube Shorts. Build the edit at 1080 x 1920 (9:16) from the start, or YouTube Shorts 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.
- 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 YouTube Shorts re-encodes it.
- Going over the length limit. YouTube Shorts: Up to 3 minutes (for standard channels, uploads on or after 15 Oct 2024).
- iMovie on Mac shares in SDR only; HDR clips are tone-mapped. Send the movie to Final Cut Pro for HDR.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I export from iMovie for YouTube Shorts?
For 1080p vertical at 30 fps use about 8 Mbps (8000 kbps), VBR, 1 pass, with a maximum of 12 Mbps. YouTube's published upload bitrate for this resolution and frame rate.
What resolution and frame rate should I use for YouTube Shorts?
1080 x 1920 at 30 fps is a safe choice. YouTube Shorts: Not officially published. Community-tested: 1080 x 1920 (9:16). Frame rate: Same as uploads: keep recorded frame rate (24-60 common).
What is the maximum file size and length on YouTube Shorts?
Length: Up to 3 minutes (for standard channels, uploads on or after 15 Oct 2024).
Which codec should I pick in iMovie for YouTube Shorts?
H.264, profile High, level 4.0, in an MP4 file. YouTube Shorts lists: Same as long-form: H.264 High Profile, progressive, 4:2:0.
Can I export HDR from iMovie to YouTube Shorts?
iMovie does not export HDR, so export SDR Rec. 709.
iMovie for other platforms
Other editors for YouTube Shorts
Hubs and tools
Shinel Studios
Rather send the footage and get YouTube Shorts-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.