VEGAS Pro 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 VEGAS Pro.
VEGAS Pro to YouTube
Official- Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Frame rate
- 30 fps, constant
- Codec
- H.264, profile High, level 4.0
- Bitrate
- Variable bit rate + Two-pass: target 8 Mbps (8000 kbps), max 12 Mbps
- Keyframes
- Automatic (no setting in VEGAS Pro)
- 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 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 1920x1080, Profile High, Frame rate 30.
- 5Bit rate: Average 8 Mbps, Maximum Bitrate 12 Mbps. Tick Two-pass if offered for your encoder.
- 6Audio: Bit rate 384 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 |
| 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
- Exporting "HDR" from an SDR grade. Only pick HDR when the timeline was graded in Rec. 2100 PQ or HLG; otherwise YouTube 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 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.
- Built-in templates cannot be overwritten: rename before Save Template.
- Untick Match project settings if the format you need is hidden.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I export from VEGAS Pro 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 VEGAS Pro 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 VEGAS Pro to YouTube?
Yes. Export HEVC (H.265) Main10 with Rec. 2100 PQ or HLG. BT.709 primaries, transfer and matrix. RGB matrix not recommended. BT.2020 without HDR transfer is converted to 8-bit BT.709.
VEGAS Pro 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.