Kdenlive export settings for Discord.
1920 x 1080 at 30 fps, H.264, 5 Mbps and AAC 128 kbps: here is why, and exactly where each setting lives in Kdenlive.
Kdenlive to Discord
Shinel recommendation- Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Frame rate
- 30 fps, constant
- Codec
- H.264, profile High, level 4.0
- Bitrate
- Average Bitrate + 2 pass: target 5 Mbps (5000 kbps), max 5.5 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)
Sized so a 0:30 clip fits the 20 MB limit with 4% headroom.
Estimated size: 19.4 MB for 0:30.
Step by step in Kdenlive
- 1Set the project profile to 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps before you edit.
- 2Choose File > Render (Ctrl+Enter) and set the output file ending in .mp4.
- 3In the preset list open Generic and select MP4-H264/AAC (for HEVC use MP4-H265 (HEVC)).
- 4To set a bitrate, save the preset as a new custom preset and edit it.
- 5Video: Rate Control Average Bitrate + 2 pass, Bitrate 5000k. GOP 60 frames, tick Fixed.
- 6Audio: aac, 128k, 48000 Hz, 2 channels.
- 7Save the preset, select it, tick 2 pass under More options if you chose Average Bitrate, then click Render to File.
Discord upload limits
Each value links to where it was published.
- Free: 20 MB
- Nitro Basic: 50 MB
- Nitro: 1 GB
- Server Boost Level 2 (in that server): 50 MB
- Server Boost Level 3 (in that server): 100 MB
Common mistakes
- Exporting at YouTube quality and then sending it to Discord. Set the bitrate for the length of the clip (here 5000 kbps for 0:30) so Discord does not refuse or squash it.
- Typing 2 into Kdenlive's keyframe field. It counts frames, not seconds: at 30 fps that is 60.
- Entering 5 in a Kbps field. Kdenlive takes kilobits: 5 Mbps is 5000.
- Uploading HDR (10-bit PQ/HLG) to Discord. There is no published HDR path, so colours can look washed out; export SDR Rec. 709.
- Render is in the File menu in current versions; older tutorials say Project > Render.
- Built-in presets cannot be edited: save a copy first.
For comparison, YouTube publishes 8 Mbps for 1080p at 30 fps. Example length used for sizes: 0:30.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I export from Kdenlive for Discord?
For 1080p at 30 fps use about 5 Mbps (5000 kbps), VBR, 2 pass, with a maximum of 5.5 Mbps. Sized so a 0:30 clip fits the 20 MB limit with 4% headroom.
What resolution and frame rate should I use for Discord?
1920 x 1080 at 30 fps is a safe choice.
What is the maximum file size and length on Discord?
File size: Free 20 MB; Nitro Basic 50 MB; Nitro 1 GB. Boosted servers: 50 MB (Level 2), 100 MB (Level 3) for all members in that server.
Which codec should I pick in Kdenlive for Discord?
H.264, profile High, level 4.0, in an MP4 file.
Can I export HDR from Kdenlive to Discord?
Discord has no published HDR upload path, so export SDR Rec. 709.
Kdenlive for other platforms
Other editors for Discord
Hubs and tools
Shinel Studios
Rather send the footage and get Discord-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.