VN 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 VN Video Editor.
VN to WhatsApp Status
Shinel recommendation- Resolution
- 720 x 1280
- Frame rate
- 30 fps, constant
- Codec
- H.264
- Bitrate
- Average Bitrate (Manual): target 5 Mbps (5000 kbps), max 7.5 Mbps
- Keyframes
- Automatic (no setting in VN)
- Audio
- AAC-LC, default bitrate, 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 VN
- 1Tap Export at the top right of the editor.
- 2Switch from Auto to Manual.
- 3Resolution: 720p vertical. FPS: 30.
- 4Average Bitrate: 5 Mbps. Set this last, because changing resolution or FPS resets it.
- 5Leave HDR off unless every clip was shot in HDR.
- 6Tap Export.
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).
- Changing resolution, FPS or HDR resets the bitrate to automatic, so set Average Bitrate last.
- HDR on with SDR clips can shift colours; HDR off tone-maps HDR clips to SDR.
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 VN for WhatsApp Status?
For 720p vertical at 30 fps use about 5 Mbps (5000 kbps), VBR, 1 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 VN for WhatsApp Status?
H.264, profile High, level 3.1, in an MP4 file.
Can I export HDR from VN to WhatsApp Status?
WhatsApp Status has no published HDR upload path, so export SDR Rec. 709.
VN 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.