You’ve edited your video, added effects, music, and polished it to perfection. But there’s one last step that can make or break your content—export settings.

Using the wrong export settings can lead to blurry, pixelated videos that hurt your reach and engagement. In 2025, each platform (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok) has its own preferred video format, resolution, and bitrate for the best results.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best export settings for YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok in 2025 so your videos always look sharp and professional.

General Export Settings (Applies to All Platforms)

Before diving into each platform, here are the universal best practices:

• Format: MP4 (H.264 or H.265 codec)
• Frame Rate: Match your source footage (commonly 24, 30, or 60 fps)
• Bitrate Encoding: Use variable bitrate (VBR) for smaller file sizes without losing quality
• Audio: AAC, 320 kbps, 48 kHz

These settings give you the balance between high quality and manageable file sizes.

Best Export Settings for YouTube (2025)

YouTube supports up to 8K resolution, but most creators export in 1080p or 4K.

Recommended YouTube Settings:

• Resolution: 1920×1080 (Full HD) or 3840×2160 (4K UHD)
• Frame Rate: Same as source (24, 30, or 60 fps)
• Bitrate (1080p): 8–12 Mbps
• Bitrate (4K): 35–45 Mbps
• Audio: AAC, 320 kbps

Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (horizontal)

• For Shorts: 1080×1920 (9:16 vertical)

👉 Pro Tip: Upload higher-quality videos than required. YouTube compresses videos, so giving it a higher bitrate ensures cleaner playback.

Best Export Settings for Instagram (Reels & Feed)

Instagram compresses videos heavily, so the right settings are crucial.

Recommended Instagram Settings:

• Resolution: 1080×1920 (vertical for Reels/Stories) or 1080×1080 (square for feed)
• Frame Rate: 30 fps recommended
• Bitrate: 4–8 Mbps
• Audio: AAC, 320 kbps

Aspect Ratios:

• Reels/Stories: 9:16 (full-screen vertical)
• Feed: 1:1 (square) or 4:5 (portrait)

👉 Pro Tip: Always keep text and key visuals within Instagram’s “safe zone” (centered), so nothing gets cut off.

Best Export Settings for TikTok (2025)

TikTok is designed for vertical, short-form videos.

Recommended TikTok Settings:

• Resolution: 1080×1920 (Full HD vertical)
• Frame Rate: 30 fps (supports up to 60 fps)
• Bitrate: 4–6 Mbps
• Audio: AAC, 320 kbps

Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical)

• Avoid black bars or rotated clips—TikTok prioritizes full-screen content.

👉 Pro Tip: Keep file sizes under 100 MB for smoother uploads.

Exporting for Multiple Platforms

If you’re repurposing the same video for YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok:

• Export two versions: one in 16:9 (YouTube) and one in 9:16 (Instagram/TikTok).
• Use editing templates to quickly adjust aspect ratios.
• Always check how the final upload looks—sometimes compression can shift quality.

Final Thoughts

Perfect export settings ensure your videos look sharp across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. By following these recommendations, you’ll avoid pixelation, heavy compression, and blurry results.

At KirtanFX.com, we not only provide editing assets like overlays, transitions, and SFX, but also tutorials and guides to help creators work smarter. Explore our resources today and start delivering professional-quality videos every time.