Free reference
Social video export checklist
A practical, source-linked preflight for creators publishing the same video to Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts.
Updated August 4, 2026. Platform requirements change—always verify against the official source before publishing.
Before you export
- Export a clean master before making platform-specific variants.
- Use progressive video; avoid interlacing, letterboxing, and baked-in black bars.
- Keep the original frame rate rather than resampling it during export.
- Use an MP4/H.264 video export with AAC audio when a platform supports it.
- Check captions, on-screen text, and logos inside each platform's safe area.
- Upload a short test clip when changing encoder, bitrate, or editing software.
A useful baseline
| Setting | Practical starting point |
|---|---|
| Container | MP4 |
| Video | H.264, progressive |
| Audio | AAC |
| Frame rate | Keep the source frame rate where possible |
| Framing | Use a platform-appropriate vertical version; no black bars |
Official sources
This page intentionally links to primary platform guidance so writers and creators can check the original requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What is the safest general video export format?
MP4 with H.264 video and AAC audio is a practical cross-platform starting point. Check each platform's current requirements before publication.
Should I change a video's frame rate before uploading?
Usually no. YouTube recommends uploading content in the same frame rate in which it was recorded.
Can one video work everywhere?
A clean vertical master is often reusable, but captions, safe areas, duration, and publishing options should be reviewed for each destination.
Schedule the finished video once
PostPilot helps creators plan and publish platform-ready content from one calendar.