CapCut how-to
Best CapCut export settings for TikTok, Instagram and YouTube
Short answer
For TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts, export at 1080p, the same frame rate you shot (usually 30 or 60), bit rate Recommended or Higher, codec H.264 (or HEVC for smaller files), as MP4 with audio on. On mobile, tap the resolution label (such as 1080p) next to Export to change these; on desktop they're in the Export window. Go 4K only for YouTube long-form or when you'll edit the file again.
Checked against: CapCut mobile (iOS, Android), CapCut desktop (Windows, Mac) and CapCut Online, October 2026.
Method 1: CapCut mobile
Open export settings
Tap the resolution label (for example 720p or 1080p) next to Export at the top right.
Set the values
Choose Resolution 1080p, Frame rate matching your footage, and Code rate (bit rate) Recommended or Higher. Turn on Smart HDR only if you're posting HDR on purpose.
Export
Tap Export and keep CapCut open until it finishes.
Method 2: CapCut desktop
Open the Export window
Click Export at the top right.
Set video and audio
Set resolution, bit rate, codec, format and frame rate. Make sure audio export is on and uses AAC at 44.1 or 48 kHz; CapCut notes custom presets can switch audio off.
Export only a section (optional)
Set In and Out points with I and O (or Shift-X) and export just that range.
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Settings by destination
| Destination | Resolution | Frame rate | Bit rate | Codec / format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TikTok | 1080p (1080 × 1920) | Same as source (30 or 60) | Recommended or Higher | H.264, MP4 |
| Instagram Reels | 1080p (1080 × 1920) | Same as source, at least 30 | Recommended or Higher | H.264, MP4 |
| YouTube Shorts | 1080p | Same as source | Higher | H.264, MP4 |
| YouTube long-form | 1080p or 4K | Same as source | Higher | H.264 or HEVC, MP4 |
If it doesn't work
| What you see | Fix |
|---|---|
| Export has no sound on TikTok | Check audio export is on (AAC). If sound plays locally but TikTok mutes it, it's a music copyright mute, not an export problem. |
| Video looks blurry after posting | Export 1080p with Higher bit rate and turn on the platform's high-quality upload setting. |
| File is huge | Use HEVC, or Recommended bit rate; don't export 4K for a 1080p platform. |
| 4K option missing | 4K export depends on the device and project; CapCut's help explains 2K/4K export requirements. |
Questions people ask
Should I export in 4K for TikTok?
No. TikTok and Reels play at 1080 × 1920; 4K makes the upload bigger without a sharper result in the feed.
30 or 60 fps?
Match your footage. 60 fps suits gaming and fast motion; converting 30 fps footage to 60 adds nothing.
What does Smart HDR do?
It exports HDR. Many phones then show it brighter or washed out after posting, so leave it off unless you mean to post HDR.
More CapCut guides
Sources and how we checked
- CapCut: How to add overlays on CapCut (checked 2026-10-05)
- CapCut Help: Why is there no sound after the video is published to TikTok? (checked 2026-10-05)
- CapCut Help: Export a part or clip of a video (checked 2026-10-05)
- CapCut Help: How do I export 2K/4K videos in CapCut? (checked 2026-10-05)
- CapCut Help: How do I fix blurry videos after importing? (checked 2026-10-05)
CapCut lists which export settings exist; the values in the table are the common recommendations of the top-ranking guides for 9:16 platforms, not numbers published by TikTok, Instagram or YouTube.
Reviewed October 5, 2026 by the Koldflux team. Each step is compared with CapCut's own documentation (linked above) and with the top search results for this task; where they disagree, the maker's documentation wins. Steps without a source link follow the menu names that several current guides agree on.