The best export settings for online video
Updated: November 8, 2026
Exporting at “maximum quality” usually produces huge files that take ages to upload and don’t look better on a phone screen. Exporting too compressed leaves blocks and blur. These are the settings that work for almost everything you’ll publish online.
Settings that work for almost everything
- Format: MP4.
- Video codec: H.264 (also called AVC). It’s the most compatible.
- Audio: AAC, 44.1 or 48 kHz, around 128–192 kbps stereo.
- Resolution: the same as you recorded, usually 1920 × 1080 (or 1080 × 1920 vertical).
- Frame rate: the same as the recording (24, 25, 30 or 60). Don’t raise it on export.
- Quality (bitrate) for 1080p: around 8–12 Mbps if the program lets you choose; 4–6 Mbps for 720p.
CapCut
- 1Click Export.
- 2Resolution 1080p, frame rate matching the recording and MP4 format.
- 3Leave the bitrate on “Recommended” or pick a higher one if you see blocks in dark areas.
Premiere Pro
- 1File → Export → Media.
- 2Format H.264 and a preset such as “Match Source – High bitrate”.
- 3To fine-tune, under Video use variable bitrate (VBR, 1 pass) targeting 8–12 Mbps for 1080p.
DaVinci Resolve
- 1Go to the Deliver page.
- 2Format MP4 and codec H.264.
- 3Under quality, restrict the bitrate to around 10,000 kb/s for 1080p, or leave automatic quality on high.
Common mistakes
- Exporting a video shot in 1080p at 4K: four times the size for no gain.
- Publishing ProRes or editing formats: they’re for editing, not for the web.
- Exporting MKV or audio in uncommon formats: it may play without sound in the browser.
Frequently asked questions
H.264 for publishing: it works in every browser. H.265 is smaller, but not every browser plays it.