Social Video Bitrate & Safe-Zones Export Calculator

Calculate ideal target export bitrates (Mbps) to prevent algorithm compression degradation and verify platform safe-zone overlays.

Export bitrate per social network: presets and clip file size

Pick the platform (Reels, TikTok, Shorts, YouTube, X, LinkedIn), the length in seconds and the frame rate: the tool returns a target video bitrate, from 6 to 68 Mbps depending on the case, and the file size = bitrate × duration ÷ 8. A 45-second Reel at 30 fps is exported at 12 Mbps and weighs about 69 MB.

Tool presets (Mbps at 30 / 60 fps)

  • Instagram Reels: 12 / 18, audio 320 kbps.
  • TikTok: 14 / 20, audio 320 kbps.
  • YouTube Shorts: 15 / 24, audio 320 kbps.
  • YouTube long-form 4K: 45 / 68, audio 384 kbps.
  • X (Twitter): 8 / 12, audio 192 kbps.
  • LinkedIn: 6 / 10, audio 192 kbps.

The 24 fps option uses the 30 fps bitrate. The suggested maximum bitrate for VBR encoding is 1.5 × the target.

Formulas

Video (MB) = bitrate (Mbps) × duration (s) ÷ 8. Audio (MB) = audio bitrate (kbps) × duration ÷ 8,000 (decimal megabytes, as for video). Total = video + audio.

Example

45-second Reel at 30 fps: 12 × 45 ÷ 8 = 67.5 MB of video, 320 × 45 ÷ 8,000 = 1.8 MB of audio, about 69.3 MB in total; suggested maximum 18 Mbps. A 50-second Short at 60 fps: 24 Mbps, 150 + 2.0 = 152.0 MB.

Limits

  • The Reels, TikTok, Shorts, X and LinkedIn bitrates are the tool's guidelines: these platforms re-encode every upload and publish no target bitrate.
  • This tool targets short clips measured in seconds with one preset per platform; to compare codecs (H.265, AV1, ProRes) and resolutions up to 8K on long exports, use the video bitrate and file size calculator. Interface margins are covered in the social media safe zone guide.

Sources and dates: YouTube's recommended upload encoding settings give 35 to 45 Mbps for 4K SDR (24 to 30 fps) and 53 to 68 Mbps (48 to 60 fps), 8 and 12 Mbps for 1080p, and 384 kbps for stereo audio: the tool's YouTube 4K preset uses the upper bounds. The Shorts presets (15 / 24 Mbps) exceed the 8 / 12 Mbps recommended for a 1080p frame (checked on 14/10/2026).

Frequently Asked Questions

What bitrate should I use to export an Instagram Reel?

The tool suggests 12 Mbps at 30 fps and 18 Mbps at 60 fps in 1080 × 1920, with 320 kbps AAC audio. Instagram then re-encodes the file and publishes no official target bitrate.

How big is a 60-second TikTok video?

With the TikTok preset at 30 fps (14 Mbps): 14 × 60 ÷ 8 = 105 MB of video, plus 2.4 MB of audio at 320 kbps, roughly 107 MB.

What bitrate does YouTube recommend for 4K?

YouTube recommends 35 to 45 Mbps for 4K SDR at 24-30 fps and 53 to 68 Mbps at 48-60 fps, with 384 kbps for stereo audio. The tool uses 45 and 68 Mbps.

Should I export at 60 fps for social media?

Only if the footage was shot at 60 fps (sports, gaming). The bitrate then rises by about 50% in the tool's presets, for example from 12 to 18 Mbps for a Reel.

Is this tool really free?

Yes, all tools on Kristools are 100% free and accessible without registration.

Is my data protected?

Yes. All processing is performed directly and securely inside your browser. No personal data is sent to our servers.