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Overview

After creating your masterpiece in VideoDraft, the final step is exporting your video in the right format for your intended platform. This guide covers everything you need to know about exporting, formatting, and optimizing your videos.
Export functionality is available on all paid plans. The free Starter plan allows preview only.

Export Process

1

Final Review

Before exporting:
  • Watch the full video
  • Check all transitions
  • Verify audio sync
  • Review text/graphics
  • Confirm aspect ratio
2

Select Export Settings

Choose appropriate:
  • Resolution (720p/1080p/4K)
  • Format (MP4/MOV)
  • Quality level
  • Frame rate
  • Audio settings
3

Process Export

  • Click “Export Video”
  • Wait for processing
  • Processing time varies by length
  • Don’t close browser
4

Download

  • Click download link
  • Save to desired location
  • Verify file plays correctly
  • Back up if needed

Platform-Specific Settings

YouTube

Recommended Settings:
  • Resolution: 1080p or 4K
  • Format: MP4 (H.264)
  • Frame Rate: 30fps or 60fps
  • Bitrate: 8-12 Mbps (1080p)
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Additional Tips:
  • Include 2 seconds padding at start/end
  • Leave space for YouTube UI elements
  • Export at highest quality possible
  • YouTube will compress further

Instagram

Square (1:1)
  • Resolution: 1080x1080
  • Duration: Up to 60 seconds
  • Format: MP4
  • Frame Rate: 30fps
  • Bitrate: 5-10 Mbps

TikTok

Requirements:
  • Aspect Ratio: 9:16 (vertical)
  • Resolution: 1080x1920
  • Duration: Up to 10 minutes
  • Format: MP4 or MOV
  • Frame Rate: 30fps
  • File Size: Up to 287.6MB
Best Practices:
  • Export at highest quality
  • Keep file under 250MB
  • Ensure good audio quality
  • Test on mobile first

LinkedIn

Specifications:
  • Aspect Ratio: 1:2.4 to 2.4:1
  • Resolution: 1920x1080 recommended
  • Duration: 3 seconds to 10 minutes
  • Format: MP4
  • File Size: Up to 5GB
  • Frame Rate: 30fps
Tips:
  • Use subtitles (auto-play muted)
  • Square (1:1) performs well
  • Keep under 2 minutes
  • Professional quality essential

Twitter/X

Video Specs:
  • Resolution: 1920x1080 max
  • Duration: Up to 2:20
  • Format: MP4 or MOV
  • File Size: Up to 512MB
  • Frame Rate: 30fps or 60fps
Optimization:
  • First 3 seconds crucial
  • Include captions
  • Test different lengths
  • Monitor compression

Resolution Guidelines

Understanding Resolution

1280x720 pixels
  • Good for social media
  • Smaller file sizes
  • Faster uploads
  • Mobile-friendly
Use when:
  • Quick social posts
  • Limited bandwidth
  • Mobile-first content
1920x1080 pixels
  • Standard for most platforms
  • Excellent quality
  • Reasonable file sizes
  • Universal compatibility
Use when:
  • YouTube videos
  • Professional content
  • Website embedding
  • Default choice
3840x2160 pixels
  • Maximum quality
  • Large file sizes
  • Longer processing
  • Future-proof
Use when:
  • Premium content
  • Large displays
  • Archival purposes
  • Client deliverables

File Size Estimates

Resolution1 Minute5 MinutesBitrate
720p~60MB~300MB8 Mbps
1080p~90MB~450MB12 Mbps
4K~350MB~1.75GB45 Mbps

Compression & Quality

Balancing Quality vs Size

Settings:
  • Bitrate: High (15-25 Mbps)
  • Codec: H.264 High Profile
  • Audio: 320 kbps
Best for:
  • Client deliverables
  • Archive copies
  • Further editing

Post-Export Compression

If you need smaller files:
  1. Online Tools
    • CloudConvert
    • Compress Video
    • Clideo
  2. Desktop Software
    • HandBrake (free)
    • Adobe Media Encoder
    • Final Cut Pro Compressor
  3. Command Line
    ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -vcodec h264 -acodec aac output.mp4
    

Audio Considerations

Export Audio Settings

  • Bitrate: 192-320 kbps
  • Sample Rate: 48 kHz
  • Channels: Stereo
  • Codec: AAC

Audio Optimization

Music Balance

  • Keep music 20% lower than voice
  • Fade in/out smoothly
  • Check on different speakers
  • Test with headphones

Voice Clarity

  • Ensure clear narration
  • Remove background noise
  • Normalize audio levels
  • Add compression if needed

Advanced Export Options

Multiple Versions

Create different versions for:
  1. Master Copy
    • Highest quality
    • Original aspect ratio
    • Uncompressed audio
    • For archival
  2. Platform Versions
    • YouTube: 16:9
    • Instagram: 1:1 and 9:16
    • LinkedIn: 16:9 or 1:1
    • TikTok: 9:16
  3. Backup Formats
    • With subtitles
    • Without music
    • Different languages
    • Various durations

Batch Exporting

1

Plan Exports

List all needed versions:
  • Platforms
  • Resolutions
  • Formats
2

Queue Exports

Set up each export:
  • Name clearly
  • Apply settings
  • Add to queue
3

Process Overnight

For multiple exports:
  • Start before leaving
  • Use stable connection
  • Check in morning

Troubleshooting Export Issues

Common problems and solutions:

Export Failed

Causes & Solutions:
  1. Browser timeout
    • Use Chrome/Firefox
    • Disable sleep mode
    • Stay on page
  2. Large file size
    • Reduce resolution
    • Shorten duration
    • Lower quality
  3. Network issues
    • Check connection
    • Try again later
    • Use wired connection

Quality Issues

  1. Pixelation
    • Increase bitrate
    • Check source quality
    • Avoid over-compression
  2. Audio sync
    • Re-export
    • Check frame rate
    • Verify source sync
  3. Color shift
    • Check color space
    • Use standard profiles
    • Test on multiple devices

File Management

Naming Convention

Use descriptive names:
ProjectName_Platform_Resolution_Date_Version
Example: ProductLaunch_YouTube_1080p_2024-01-15_v2

Storage Best Practices

  1. Local Storage
    • Organize by project
    • Keep master copies
    • Regular backups
  2. Cloud Storage
    • Google Drive
    • Dropbox
    • OneDrive
    • Version control
  3. External Backup
    • External drives
    • Network storage
    • Redundancy

Sharing Options

Direct Sharing

Embedding Videos

For websites:
<video width="100%" height="auto" controls>
  <source src="your-video.mp4" type="video/mp4">
  Your browser does not support the video tag.
</video>
For responsive embedding:
.video-container {
  position: relative;
  padding-bottom: 56.25%; /* 16:9 */
  height: 0;
}
.video-container video {
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
  width: 100%;
  height: 100%;
}

Export Checklist

Before exporting:
  • Final review complete
  • Correct aspect ratio
  • Audio levels checked
  • Text/graphics verified
  • Color correction applied
  • Transitions smooth
  • Beginning/end padding
  • Platform requirements met
After exporting:
  • File plays correctly
  • Quality acceptable
  • File size appropriate
  • Backup created
  • Metadata added
  • Ready for upload

Platform Upload Tips

Pre-Upload Optimization

  1. Metadata Preparation
    • Title (with keywords)
    • Description
    • Tags
    • Thumbnail
  2. Scheduling
    • Best posting times
    • Time zone considerations
    • Platform algorithms
  3. Accessibility
    • Captions/subtitles
    • Audio descriptions
    • Transcript

Post-Upload

  • Monitor initial performance
  • Respond to comments
  • Share across platforms
  • Track analytics
  • Iterate based on data

Next Steps

Always keep a high-quality master copy of your video. You never know when you’ll need to create a new version for a different platform or purpose!