Kdenlive export settings for YouTube.
1920 x 1080 at 30 fps, H.264, 8 Mbps and AAC 384 kbps: here is why, and exactly where each setting lives in Kdenlive.
Kdenlive to YouTube
Official- Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- 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 0.5 s = 15 frames, 2 B-frames, closed GOP
- Audio
- AAC-LC, 384 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)
YouTube's published upload bitrate for this resolution and frame rate.
Estimated size: 635.1 MB for 10:00.
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 8000k. GOP 15 frames, tick Fixed.
- 6Audio: aac, 384k, 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 | 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 upload limits
Each value links to where it was published.
Common mistakes
- Typing 0.5 into Kdenlive's keyframe field. It counts frames, not seconds: at 30 fps that is 15.
- Entering 8 in a Kbps field. Kdenlive takes kilobits: 8 Mbps is 8000.
- 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 YouTube re-encodes it.
- Starving the upload to save time. YouTube re-encodes anyway; a higher-bitrate upload gives YouTube's encoder more to work with, especially for 4K.
- Render is in the File menu in current versions; older tutorials say Project > Render.
- Built-in presets cannot be edited: save a copy first.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I export from Kdenlive for YouTube?
For 1080p at 30 fps use about 8 Mbps (8000 kbps), VBR, 2 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?
1920 x 1080 at 30 fps is a safe choice. YouTube: Upload at source resolution; bitrate table covers 360p to 8K (e.g. 1920 x 1080, 3840 x 2160). Frame rate: Upload at the recorded frame rate; common rates 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, 60. Deinterlace first (1080i60 to 1080p30).
What is the maximum file size and length on YouTube?
File size: 256 GB or 12 hours, whichever is less. Length: 12 hours; uploads over 15 minutes need a verified account.
Which codec should I pick in Kdenlive for YouTube?
H.264, profile High, level 4.0, in an MP4 file. YouTube lists: H.264, progressive, High Profile, 2 consecutive B-frames, closed GOP of half the frame rate, CABAC, VBR, 4:2:0.
Can I export HDR from Kdenlive to YouTube?
Kdenlive does not export HDR, so export SDR Rec. 709.
Kdenlive for other platforms
Other editors for YouTube
Hubs and tools
Shinel Studios
Rather send the footage and get YouTube-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.