VEGAS Pro export settings for WhatsApp Status.
720 x 1280 at 30 fps, H.264, 5 Mbps and AAC 128 kbps: here is why, and exactly where each setting lives in VEGAS Pro.
VEGAS Pro to WhatsApp Status
Shinel recommendation- Resolution
- 720 x 1280
- Frame rate
- 30 fps, constant
- Codec
- H.264, profile High, level 3.1
- Bitrate
- Variable bit rate + Two-pass: target 5 Mbps (5000 kbps), max 7.5 Mbps
- Keyframes
- Automatic (no setting in VEGAS Pro)
- 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)
WhatsApp Status publishes no bitrate. This follows YouTube's published table for the resolution, which every major platform handles well.
Estimated size: 38.8 MB for 1:00.
- 1080p is above what WhatsApp Status supports here, so this uses 720p.
Step by step in VEGAS Pro
- 1Choose File > Render As, then set the Folder and Name.
- 2Select the AVC (or HEVC) MP4 format and a template close to your target, such as Internet HD 1080p.
- 3Click Customize Template.
- 4Video: Frame size 720x1280, Profile High, Frame rate 30.
- 5Bit rate: Average 5 Mbps, Maximum Bitrate 7.5 Mbps. Tick Two-pass if offered for your encoder.
- 6Audio: Bit rate 128 kbps, Sample rate 48000 Hz. Project: Video rendering quality Best.
- 7Type a new template name, click Save Template, then OK and Render.
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 |
WhatsApp Status upload limits
Each value links to where it was published.
Common mistakes
- Exporting a 16:9 timeline for WhatsApp Status. Build the edit at 720 x 1280 (9:16) from the start, or WhatsApp Status adds bars or crops your edges.
- Uploading HDR (10-bit PQ/HLG) to WhatsApp Status. 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 WhatsApp Status re-encodes it.
- Going over the length limit. WhatsApp Status: 90 seconds (help).
- Built-in templates cannot be overwritten: rename before Save Template.
- Untick Match project settings if the format you need is hidden.
For comparison, YouTube publishes 5 Mbps for 720p at 30 fps. Example length used for sizes: 1:00.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I export from VEGAS Pro for WhatsApp Status?
For 720p vertical at 30 fps use about 5 Mbps (5000 kbps), VBR, 2 pass, with a maximum of 7.5 Mbps. WhatsApp Status publishes no bitrate. This follows YouTube's published table for the resolution, which every major platform handles well.
What resolution and frame rate should I use for WhatsApp Status?
720 x 1280 at 30 fps is a safe choice.
What is the maximum file size and length on WhatsApp Status?
Length: 90 seconds (help).
Which codec should I pick in VEGAS Pro for WhatsApp Status?
H.264, profile High, level 3.1, in an MP4 file.
Can I export HDR from VEGAS Pro to WhatsApp Status?
WhatsApp Status has no published HDR upload path, so export SDR Rec. 709.
VEGAS Pro for other platforms
Other editors for WhatsApp Status
Hubs and tools
Shinel Studios
Rather send the footage and get WhatsApp Status-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.