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Flik
Video Editor·Beginner·25 min

Export Settings & Optimization

Master resolution and format selection, export presets, platform-specific optimization for YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, and rendering workflow.

What you'll build: Your video exported in 3 platform-optimized formats
Prerequisites
Complete these tutorials first for the best learning experience:
  • Video Editor Introduction

Tutorial Overview

Export the same video optimized for different platforms: YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

Exercise 1: YouTube Export

Create a horizontal video export:

Settings:

  • Format: MP4
  • Resolution: 1080p (1920×1080)
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Quality: High
  • Bitrate: 8 Mbps

Click Export → Download for YouTube upload.

Exercise 2: Instagram Feed Export

Optimize for Instagram:

Settings:

  • Format: MP4
  • Resolution: 1080×1350 (portrait) or 1080×1080 (square)
  • Aspect Ratio: 4:5 or 1:1
  • Quality: Medium (file size matters)
  • Max duration: 60 seconds

Exercise 3: TikTok/Reels Export

Vertical video for mobile:

Settings:

  • Format: MP4
  • Resolution: 1080×1920
  • Aspect Ratio: 9:16
  • Quality: Medium
  • Max duration: As needed

Exercise 4: Compare Export Sizes

Export same 30-second clip at:

  • 4K High: Note file size
  • 1080p Medium: Compare size
  • 720p Low: Compare size

Understand quality vs file size tradeoff.

Exercise 5: Quick Preview Export

Before final export, create quick preview:

  • Resolution: 720p
  • Quality: Low
  • Fast render for review

Check everything looks right, then do final high-quality export.

Platform-Specific Tips

YouTube:

  • 1080p minimum
  • 16:9 aspect
  • High bitrate okay (no upload limit)

Instagram:

  • Keep under 60 seconds for feed
  • 4:5 portrait gets more screen space than 1:1
  • Medium quality sufficient

TikTok:

  • Always 9:16 vertical
  • First 3 seconds crucial
  • Medium quality sufficient

Export Strategy

  1. Edit in highest quality
  2. Export preview (low): Quick check
  3. Export platform versions: Optimized for each
  4. Keep master export: Highest quality for future use

What You've Learned

✅ Platform-specific export settings
✅ Quality vs file size tradeoffs
✅ Quick preview workflow
✅ Multi-platform optimization

Next Steps

Ready to start learning?

Open Flik and follow along with this tutorial.

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