How do I export for YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or Shorts?

Different platforms need different video formats. Smooth Operator makes it easy to export the right aspect ratio and quality for each platform. Here is a guide to the recommended settings.

Quick reference

Step-by-step for each platform

YouTube (landscape)

1. Open the Export sheet.
2. Make sure Output Orientation is set to Landscape.
3. Set Resolution to 4K (best quality) or 1080p (faster upload).
4. Set Codec to H.264 for maximum YouTube compatibility.
5. Keep Frame Rate at 30 fps (or match your source).
6. Export as Full Video.

TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts (portrait)

These platforms all use vertical 9:16 video. The process is the same:

1. Open the hamburger menu → Output Orientation → Portrait.
2. Review your camera anchors — the framing may need adjustment for vertical format.
3. Open the Export sheet.
4. Set Resolution to 1080p (these platforms do not benefit from 4K).
5. Set Codec to HEVC for smaller file size.
6. Keep Frame Rate at 30 fps.
7. Export as Full Video (or use a custom range if your video is longer than the platform limit).

Instagram Feed (square or 4:5)

1. Open the hamburger menu → Output Orientation → Square or 4:5.
2. Review your anchors — the square crop changes the composition significantly.
3. Open the Export sheet.
4. Set Resolution to 1080p.
5. Export as Full Video.

Repurposing landscape footage for vertical platforms

If you have landscape (16:9) footage and want to create vertical (9:16) content:

1. Set Output Orientation to Portrait.
2. Use camera anchors to follow the main subject, keeping them centered in the vertical frame.
3. The app automatically crops the sides. What was the full width of your landscape video now fills the height of the portrait frame.
4. For a more polished result, use the Video Analysis Plan with Content Type set to "Social" — the AI will create subject-following camera moves optimized for vertical video.
5. Use the Social Punch motion preset for energetic, platform-appropriate movements.

Tips

• Always preview in Output mode before exporting for social media — what looks good in landscape may need adjustment in portrait or square.
• Social media platforms compress video. Exporting at higher quality (High quality slider, 4K for YouTube) gives the platform more data to work with during compression.
• Keep videos short for TikTok, Reels, and Shorts. Use the custom range export to trim to the right length.
• Motion blur is helpful for social media — it makes fast camera movements look smoother on small screens.
• Vertical Follow and Social Punch presets are specifically designed for portrait video.

Related articles

• How do I rotate source footage or change output orientation?
• How do I export a finished video?
• How do I export only part of a video?
• How do I choose a motion preset or style?