Kdenlive 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 Kdenlive.
Kdenlive to Vimeo
Official- Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Frame rate
- 30 fps, constant
- Codec
- H.264, profile High, level 4.0
- Bitrate
- Average Bitrate + 2 pass: target 15 Mbps (15000 kbps), max 20 Mbps
- Keyframes
- Every 2 s = 60 frames, 2 B-frames, closed GOP
- Audio
- AAC-LC, 320 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)
Vimeo recommends 10-20 Mbps at this resolution.
Estimated size: 580.2 MB for 5:00.
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 15000k. GOP 60 frames, tick Fixed.
- 6Audio: aac, 320k, 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 | 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
- Typing 2 into Kdenlive's keyframe field. It counts frames, not seconds: at 30 fps that is 60.
- Entering 15 in a Kbps field. Kdenlive takes kilobits: 15 Mbps is 15000.
- Expecting HDR from Kdenlive. 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.
- 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: 5:00.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I export from Kdenlive for Vimeo?
For 1080p at 30 fps use about 15 Mbps (15000 kbps), VBR, 2 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 Kdenlive 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 Kdenlive to Vimeo?
Kdenlive does not export HDR, so export SDR Rec. 709.
Kdenlive 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.