VN 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 VN Video Editor.
VN to YouTube Shorts
Official- Resolution
- 1080 x 1920
- Frame rate
- 30 fps, constant
- Codec
- H.264
- Bitrate
- Average Bitrate (Manual): target 8 Mbps (8000 kbps), max 12 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)
YouTube's published upload bitrate for this resolution and frame rate.
Estimated size: 47.6 MB for 0:45.
Step by step in VN
- 1Tap Export at the top right of the editor.
- 2Switch from Auto to Manual.
- 3Resolution: 1080p vertical. FPS: 30.
- 4Average Bitrate: 8 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 |
| 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.
- 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).
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
What bitrate should I export from VN for YouTube Shorts?
For 1080p vertical at 30 fps use about 8 Mbps (8000 kbps), VBR, 1 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 VN 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 VN to YouTube Shorts?
Yes. Export HEVC (H.265) Main10 with Rec. 2100 PQ or HLG.
VN 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.