Kdenlive 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 Kdenlive.
Kdenlive to TikTok
Community-tested- Resolution
- 1080 x 1920
- Frame rate
- 30 fps, constant
- Codec
- H.264, profile High, level 4.0
- Bitrate
- Average Bitrate + 2 pass: target 8 Mbps (8000 kbps), max 12 Mbps
- Keyframes
- Every 2 s = 60 frames, 2 B-frames, closed GOP
- Audio
- AAC-LC, 192 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)
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 Kdenlive
- 1Set the project profile to 1080 x 1920 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 8000k. GOP 60 frames, tick Fixed.
- 6Audio: aac, 192k, 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.
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.
- Typing 2 into Kdenlive's keyframe field. It counts frames, not seconds: at 30 fps that is 60.
- Entering 8 in a Kbps field. Kdenlive takes kilobits: 8 Mbps is 8000.
- 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.
- 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: 0:45.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I export from Kdenlive for TikTok?
For 1080p vertical at 30 fps use about 8 Mbps (8000 kbps), VBR, 2 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 Kdenlive 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 Kdenlive to TikTok?
TikTok has no published HDR upload path, so export SDR Rec. 709.
Kdenlive 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.