Technical Guide

Video Optimization Guide

Technical specifications for every platform. Resolution, aspect ratio, file size, codec recommendations.

Platform Specifications

PlatformResolutionAspect RatioMax LengthMax File SizeCodecFPS
TikTok1080x19209:1610 min287 MBH.26430 fps
Instagram Reels1080x19209:1690 sec250 MBH.26430 fps
YouTube Shorts1080x19209:1660 secNo limitH.264/VP960 fps
Facebook Reels1080x19209:1690 sec4 GBH.26430 fps
LinkedIn1920x108016:9 or 1:110 min5 GBH.26430 fps

Key Recommendations

Resolution

Export at 1080x1920 (vertical) or 1920x1080 (horizontal). 4K is overkill - platforms compress heavily. 1080p offers the best quality-to-file-size ratio.

Aspect Ratio

9:16 vertical for TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Facebook Reels. 16:9 horizontal or 1:1 square for LinkedIn and YouTube long-form.

File Format

MP4 with H.264 codec is universally supported. MOV works but MP4 is smaller. Avoid AVI, WMV, or obscure formats.

Audio

AAC codec, 128-256 kbps. Stereo audio. -14 to -6 dB loudness for comfortable listening. Avoid clipping.

Captions

Burn-in captions (hardcoded in video). 85% of users watch without sound. Use readable fonts, contrasting colors, and proper timing.

Bitrate

8-12 Mbps for 1080p video. Higher bitrate = larger file = slower upload. Platforms re-encode anyway, so don't over-optimize.

Recommended Export Settings

export-settings.txtUniversal Settings
Resolution: 1080x1920 (9:16 vertical)
Frame Rate: 30 fps
Codec: H.264 (AVC)
Container: MP4
Bitrate: 8-12 Mbps (VBR)
Audio: AAC, 256 kbps, Stereo
Loudness: -14 LUFS

Premiere Pro: H.264 preset, match source
Final Cut: Apple Devices 1080p
DaVinci Resolve: YouTube 1080p preset
CapCut: Default export settings

Upload Optimized Videos

Export your videos with these settings, then schedule them across all platforms.

Start Uploading

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use 4K or 1080p for short-form video?

1080p is plenty. TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts all compress video heavily. 4K adds upload time without visible quality improvement.

What's the best export codec?

H.264 (.mp4) is universally supported and well-compressed. For YouTube, H.265 or VP9 can work but aren't necessary for Shorts.

Do I need to add captions/subtitles?

Yes. 85% of social media videos are watched without sound. Burned-in captions increase watch time by 12% on average.

What frame rate should I use?

30 fps for most content. 60 fps for fast-paced content (sports, gaming). Higher fps = larger file size with diminishing returns on mobile screens.