Question 1

What’s the best bitrate for 1080p or 4K video?

Accepted Answer

The best bitrate depends on your delivery platform and desired quality. For 1080p, a bitrate between 8–12 Mbps is typically sufficient for high-quality results. For 4K, 35–45 Mbps is common. However, if you're uploading to platforms like YouTube, check their specific recommendations, as they apply additional compression.

Question 2

How do I reduce my video file size without losing quality?

Accepted Answer

Use an efficient codec like H.265 (HEVC), choose VBR (Variable Bitrate) over CBR when appropriate, and optimize resolution and bitrate based on your audience’s playback needs. Also, consider trimming unnecessary footage and removing unused audio tracks.

Question 3

Does a higher bitrate always mean better quality?

Accepted Answer

Not always. While higher bitrates allow for more data (and potentially better quality), the improvement plateaus beyond a certain point. An excessively high bitrate just bloats file size without noticeable gains. Plus, the efficiency of the codec also plays a major role in quality.

Question 4

What’s the difference between CBR and VBR, and which should I use?

Accepted Answer

CBR (Constant Bitrate) maintains the same data rate throughout the video, making it ideal for streaming but potentially less efficient. VBR (Variable Bitrate) adjusts bitrate based on the complexity of the content—better for quality and file size optimization. Use VBR when quality matters and file size is a concern, and CBR when uniform streaming performance is critical.

Question 5

Why is my video file so big even if the resolution is only 1080p?

Accepted Answer

File size isn’t just about resolution—it also depends on bitrate, codec, frame rate, and whether you’re using intra-frame or inter-frame compression. Using a high bitrate, less efficient codec (like ProRes), or exporting with minimal compression can lead to massive file sizes, even at modest resolutions.

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File size vs quality

Balancing Act: Mastering Video Compression, Bitrate, Resolution, and Quality