Best Settings for YouTube Export: Format, Resolution & BitrateExporting your video correctly is one of the most important steps between finishing an edit and getting it ready for viewers. The right format, resolution, and bitrate preserve quality, minimize playback issues, and ensure YouTube’s processing produces the best possible result. This guide covers recommended export settings, explains why they matter, and offers practical tips for different types of videos and workflows.
Why export settings matter
YouTube re-encodes every uploaded file. If you supply a high-quality source with appropriate encoding parameters, YouTube’s re-encoding preserves more detail and produces sharper results, especially after compression. Incorrect settings can lead to artifacts, banding, excessive motion blur, or unnecessarily large files that slow uploads.
Recommended container and formats
- Container: MP4 (preferred)
- Video codec: H.264 (widely supported) or H.265/HEVC (smaller files at same quality but longer encoding and less universal support on upload)
- Audio codec: AAC-LC
- Audio sample rate: 48 kHz (or 44.1 kHz acceptable)
- Audio bit depth: 16-bit or 24-bit PCM before AAC encoding
Use MP4 with H.264 for the best compatibility and fastest uploads. H.265 can be used for smaller files, but YouTube will transcode it anyway — H.264 is safer.
Resolution and frame rate
Match the source footage:
- Resolution: Export at the native resolution of your project (3840×2160 for 4K, 1920×1080 for 1080p, 1280×720 for 720p). Avoid upscaling lower-res footage to higher resolutions.
- Frame rate: Match the original frame rate (e.g., 24, 25, 30, 48, 50, 60 fps). Do not mix frame rates in one timeline.
- Aspect ratio: 16:9 is standard. For vertical or square videos, upload the native aspect ratio—YouTube supports them and will display appropriately on mobile.
Bitrate recommendations
Bitrate affects file size and visual quality. Use YouTube’s bitrate ranges as a baseline; export with higher bitrates within the recommended ranges if your content is high-motion or contains fine detail.
Suggested video bitrates (H.264):
- 2160p (4K) at 24, 25, 30 fps: 35–45 Mbps
- 2160p (4K) at 48, 50, 60 fps: 53–68 Mbps
- 1440p (2K) at 24, 25, 30 fps: 16–24 Mbps
- 1440p (2K) at 48, 50, 60 fps: 24–36 Mbps
- 1080p (Full HD) at 24, 25, 30 fps: 8–12 Mbps
- 1080p (Full HD) at 48, 50, 60 fps: 12–18 Mbps
- 720p at 24, 25, 30 fps: 5–8 Mbps
- 720p at 48, 50, 60 fps: 7.5–12 Mbps
For H.265/HEVC, you can use ~20–40% lower bitrate for similar perceived quality.
Encoding settings (H.264 specifics)
- Profile: High
- Level: Match resolution/frame rate (e.g., Level 4.2 for 1080p60, Level 5.1 for 4K60)
- Rate control: Variable Bit Rate (VBR) 1-pass or 2-pass (2-pass yields slightly better compression efficiency)
- Keyframe (GOP) interval: 2 seconds (set keyframe every 48–120 frames depending on fps) — YouTube prefers 2-second intervals.
- Pixel format: yuv420p
- Chroma subsampling: 4:2:0
Audio settings
- Codec: AAC-LC
- Bitrate: 128 kbps for stereo voice content is usually enough; use 192–384 kbps for higher-fidelity music.
- Sample rate: 48 kHz recommended.
- Channels: Stereo (or surround if your source supports it; YouTube will downmix as needed).
Color, dynamic range, and HDR
- For SDR content, use Rec.709 color space and standard video levels (16–235 for Y in 8-bit). Avoid crushing blacks or clipping highlights during export.
- For HDR, use HDR10 PQ/HLG metadata and export in a supported HDR container and codec (HEVC or VP9 with proper metadata). YouTube supports HDR uploads but follows strict requirements—use a dedicated HDR workflow if needed.
File size and upload considerations
Higher bitrates and resolutions increase upload time. If upload bandwidth is limited:
- Consider exporting with efficient codecs (H.265) or slightly reduce bitrate without dropping below recommended minimums.
- Use two-pass VBR to reduce file size while preserving quality.
Subtitles, chapters, and thumbnails
- Upload separate subtitle files (SRT) rather than burning subtitles into the video for accessibility and SEO.
- Use chapter markers in your video timeline to create YouTube chapters (timestamped markers in the description or embedded markers during export if your NLE supports it).
- Export a high-quality thumbnail (1280×720, JPG/PNG) with clear imagery and text.
Common export presets by use-case
- Vlogs / talking heads (1080p30): H.264 MP4, 1080p, 8–12 Mbps, AAC 128–192 kbps.
- Gaming / high-motion (1080p60): H.264 MP4, 1080p60, 12–18 Mbps, AAC 192 kbps.
- Cinematic / cinematic 4K (4K24): H.264 MP4 or HEVC, 35–45 Mbps, AAC 256–384 kbps.
- Music / high-fidelity: H.264 MP4, higher audio bitrate 256–384 kbps.
Troubleshooting tips
- If YouTube shows lower quality initially, wait—YouTube processes higher resolutions after the initial upload.
- Blocky artifacts: increase bitrate or use 2-pass encoding.
- Banding in gradients: add subtle noise (dithering) in the edit or export as 10-bit if available.
- Upload fails repeatedly: try smaller file, different codec, or upload via wired connection.
Quick checklist before upload
- Project frame rate and export frame rate match.
- Resolution equals source (no unnecessary upscaling).
- H.264 MP4 container, AAC audio.
- Bitrate within recommended range for your resolution/fps.
- Keyframe every ~2 seconds, yuv420p, High profile.
- Separate SRT subtitle file ready.
- Thumbnail 1280×720.
Following these settings will help ensure YouTube re-encodes your video with minimal quality loss and delivers the best possible viewing experience to your audience.
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