Shotcut 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 Shotcut.
Shotcut to YouTube Shorts
Official- Resolution
- 1080 x 1920
- Frame rate
- 30 fps, constant
- Codec
- H.264, profile High, level 4.0
- Bitrate
- Average Bitrate + Dual 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: 47.6 MB for 0:45.
Step by step in Shotcut
- 1Settings > Video Mode: pick 1080 x 1920 at 30 fps (or Custom > Add to make it).
- 2Open the Export panel and choose the stock preset YouTube (H.264/AAC MP4), then click Advanced.
- 3Video tab: Resolution 1080 x 1920, Frames/sec 30, Scan mode Progressive.
- 4Codec tab: Codec libx264. Rate control Average Bitrate + Dual pass, Bitrate 8M.
- 5Codec tab: GOP 15 frames, B frames 2. Tick Dual pass if you chose Average Bitrate.
- 6Audio tab: 2 (stereo), 48000 Hz, aac, 384k.
- 7Click Export Video/Audio, name the file and save. Progress shows in the Jobs panel.
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.
- Typing 0.5 into Shotcut's keyframe field. It counts frames, not seconds: at 30 fps that is 15.
- Exporting "HDR" from an SDR grade. Only pick HDR when the timeline was graded in Rec. 2100 PQ or HLG; otherwise YouTube Shorts shows flat or over-bright colour.
- 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).
- Rate control, bitrate and GOP live on the Codec tab, not the Video tab.
- The stock YouTube preset uses quality-based VBR with a GOP of 15 frames; change it if a platform wants 2-second keyframes.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I export from Shotcut for YouTube Shorts?
For 1080p vertical 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 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 Shotcut 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 Shotcut to YouTube Shorts?
Yes. Export HEVC (H.265) Main10 with Rec. 2100 PQ or HLG.
Shotcut 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.