Best YouTube Shorts Export Settings (As Recommended by YouTube)

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If you're creating YouTube Shorts, you probably want to know the best export settings to ensure your videos look great when uploaded. While YouTube doesn't have specific settings for Shorts, the guidelines for regular video uploads still apply. Let’s break down the best export settings based on YouTube’s recommendations.

Why Quality Isn’t Everything

First off, it’s important to note that uploading videos in the highest possible quality doesn’t always yield the best results. YouTube compresses your video upon upload, and sometimes that compression can reduce the quality more than you'd expect. So, sticking to YouTube’s recommended settings will help avoid unnecessary compression issues and ensure your video looks sharp.

Key Settings for YouTube Shorts

Here are the main settings you need to focus on:

• Resolution: For YouTube Shorts, you’ll want to use a 9:16 aspect ratio. This means a resolution of 1080x1920 (vertical format) rather than the typical 1920x1080 for horizontal videos.

• Frame Rate: YouTube recommends 8 Mbps for SDR videos at 24, 25, or 30 fps, which is common for Shorts. If you’re shooting at a higher frame rate, the bitrate will naturally increase.

• Codec: Use the H.264 video codec for the best compatibility and compression.

• Audio: YouTube suggests an audio bitrate of 384 kbps for stereo sound, with an AAC sample rate of 48,000 Hz.

Editing Tips for Vertical Videos

1. Create a Custom Sequence: If you're working in Adobe Premiere Pro, create a custom sequence with a 9x16 aspect ratio for easier vertical editing. Simply change the resolution settings from 1920x1080 to 1080x1920.

2. Workspace Layout: Customize your editing workspace for vertical videos by adjusting the program monitor layout. Once you’re happy with the setup, save it as a custom workspace for future projects.

Exporting Your YouTube Shorts

Here’s how to export with the right settings:

1. Format: Select H.264 as the export format.

2. Resolution: Make sure the frame size matches your 9x16 aspect ratio (1080x1920).

3. Frame Rate: Keep it at 23.976 fps (or 24 fps if you prefer).

4. Bitrate: Set the target bitrate to 8 Mbps for 1080p video.

5. Audio: Use AAC with a bitrate of 384 kbps.

You can save these settings as a preset in your editing software to make future exports faster.

Final Thoughts

By following YouTube’s recommended settings, you can ensure your Shorts look great without the risk of excessive compression. If you regularly upload Shorts, saving your export settings as a preset will save you time, so you don't have to adjust everything every time.

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