Video export settings for clean overlays and social delivery
Use these resolution, codec, and bitrate defaults when you export videos with letterbox mattes, film borders, and transparent PNG overlays.
Start from the delivery canvas
Pick the final platform size before you build overlays. If the video is 1080x1920, the frame overlay should also be 1080x1920. If the video is 1920x1080, export the matte for that exact size.
- YouTube long-form: 1920x1080 or 3840x2160, 16:9.
- TikTok, Reels, Shorts: 1080x1920, 9:16.
- Instagram feed: 1080x1080 for square or 1080x1350 for 4:5 portrait.
Choose a codec that fits the job
H.264 is still the safest delivery codec because it plays everywhere. H.265 can reduce file size, but compatibility varies. ProRes and DNxHR are better for handoff and archival, not usually final social upload.
Simple codec rule
- Posting online: H.264 High Profile.
- Client review file: H.264 or H.265 depending on their device support.
- Master or edit handoff: ProRes, DNxHR, or the codec requested by the production team.
Bitrate targets that hold up
Social platforms re-encode uploads, so start cleaner than the platform needs. A low-bitrate source will look worse after compression, especially around black bars, subtitles, gradients, and film grain.
- 1080p 16:9: 8-12 Mbps is a solid baseline.
- 4K 16:9: 35-45 Mbps is a practical upload range.
- 1080x1920 short-form: 10-20 Mbps keeps text and borders cleaner.
Overlay export checklist
When you use a FrameGen PNG overlay, the final export should match the sequence size. Do not export the video first and then resize the overlay in another app.
- Confirm the PNG overlay sits on the top layer for the full edit.
- Disable unintended scaling, crop, and blend effects on the overlay layer.
- Render a 5-second proof before the final full-length export.
Build the overlay at the same size as your export.
Open FrameGen, choose the final canvas, then export the transparent PNG before rendering your edit.
Create export-ready overlay