The Three Key Terms to Know

  • Goal: To simplify the most confusing parts of video export into three easy-to-understand concepts.

  1. Aspect Ratio (The Shape): This is the relationship between the width and height of your video.

    • 16:9 is the standard for TV and YouTube (a horizontal rectangle).

    • 9:16 is the vertical format for platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels (the shape of your phone screen).

    • 1:1 is the square format, which works well for a general social media feed.

  2. Resolution (The Quality): This refers to the number of pixels in your video. For social media, you don't always need the highest resolution.

    • 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels) is the standard for high-quality social media video.

    • 4K is higher quality but creates a much larger file, which can be slow to upload and may not be necessary.

  3. Frame Rate (The Smoothness): This is the number of individual images (frames) that make up each second of video.

    • 24fps is the cinematic standard.

    • 30fps is the common standard for a cleaner, smoother look, great for vlogs and tutorials.

Your Recommended Settings Cheat Sheet

Step-by-Step Exporting

  1. Finish Your Edit: Make sure your video is fully edited and ready to go.

  2. Locate the Export Menu: In your editing software, find the Export, Share, or Render option. It's often in the File menu or in the top-right corner.

  3. Choose Your Settings: Use the recommended settings from the chart above. Set the Aspect Ratio, Resolution, and Frame Rate based on where you're uploading the video.

  4. Select the Right Format: The best format for social media is .MP4, which uses a codec called H.264.

  5. Export and Upload: Give your file a clear name, choose a save location, and click Export or Save.