# Export settings for YouTube Shorts

> Export Shorts as vertical or square MP4 with H.264, up to 1080p and 3 minutes, AAC audio at 48 kHz. YouTube's bitrates and a file-size example, checked 3 Nov 2026.
- **Author**: Marxx
- **Published**: 2026-11-05
- **Category**: Ad specs
- **URL**: https://marxx.ai/library-guides/export-settings-for-youtube-shorts

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Export Shorts as a vertical or square MP4 with H.264 video, up to 1080p, with stereo AAC audio at 48 kHz. A Short can run up to 3 minutes (checked 3 Nov 2026).

## YouTube's settings

| Setting | YouTube's figure |
|---|---|
| Length | Up to 3 minutes |
| Shape | Square or vertical |
| Maximum size | 1080p |
| Container | MP4, with no edit lists |
| Video codec | H.264, High Profile |
| Scan and colour | Progressive, 4:2:0 |
| Closed GOP | Half the frame rate |
| Audio | AAC-LC (or Opus), stereo, 48 kHz |

Sources: YouTube's [upload encoding page](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/1722171) and its Shorts help pages. GOP is the run of frames between full reference frames. Half the frame rate means one every 15 frames at 30 fps. If your editor shows none of these options, keep its H.264 preset.

## Bitrate

YouTube lists bitrates for standard uploads. Shorts top out at 1080p, so these two rows matter.

| Resolution | 24, 25 or 30 fps | 48, 50 or 60 fps |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p | 8 Mbps | 12 Mbps |
| 720p | 5 Mbps | 7.5 Mbps |

YouTube's audio bitrate is 384 kbps for stereo. The bitrate is variable and YouTube sets no limit.

## Frame rate and loudness

Encode at the frame rate you filmed. YouTube lists 24, 25, 30, 48, 50 and 60 and accepts others. Deinterlace first, so 1080i60 becomes 1080p30.

YouTube's upload page gives no loudness target. The "-14 LUFS for YouTube" figure online comes from creators, not from YouTube.

## A worked example

Say your Short runs 45 seconds at 1080p and 30 fps.

1. Add the video and audio rates: 8 + 0.384 = 8.384 Mbps.
2. Multiply by the length: 8.384 x 45 = 377.28 megabits.
3. Divide by 8: about 47 MB.

## Before you upload

- Shorts uploaded on or after 15 Oct 2024 can qualify at up to 3 minutes. Earlier uploads stay long-form.
- A Short over one minute with an active copyright claim is blocked worldwide.
- Keep text inside the area the app leaves clear. See [YouTube Shorts safe zone](/guides/youtube-shorts-safe-zone).
- Running Shorts as an ad? The rules differ. See [YouTube Shorts ad specs](/guides/youtube-shorts-ad-specs).

[Marxx's AI video editor](/features/ai-video-editor) has safe-zone overlays for Shorts and exports MP4 (H.264). It offers four quality levels, up to 1080p and 30 frames per second. We make Marxx.

## FAQ

### What resolution should I export Shorts at?

Use up to 1080p. YouTube says Shorts have a maximum resolution of 1080p, so 1080 x 1920 is the sensible vertical size.

### How long can a Short be?

Up to 3 minutes for videos uploaded on or after 15 Oct 2024.

### What audio settings does YouTube want?

AAC-LC or Opus, stereo, at 48 kHz. Use about 384 kbps for stereo.

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- [More Ad specs articles](https://marxx.ai/library-guides/category/ad-specs)
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