Audio/Video issues with .MOV and .MP4

How to ensure proper Audio/Video sync through a QuickTime conversion

MOV/MP4 files exported from programs such as iMovie, Final Cut Pro, and QuickTime Pro have certain elements that are not handled well by YouTube transcoding.  In order to ensure optimal upload quality–and specifically that the Audio and Video of the file remain in sync–use the encoding settings outlined below.

Export your video using QuickTime

  • In iMovie, select Share > Export Using QuickTime
  • In Finalcut Pro, select File > Export > Using Quicktime Conversion > Options
  • In QuickTime Pro, select File > Export > Export: Movie to QuickTime Movie > Options

 

Alter your video encoding

  1. Enter a name for your file, and select Movie to QuickTime Movie from the Export dropdown.

  1. Click Options and make the following changes to Videosettings:
    • Compression Type: H.264
    • Frame Rate: 30 is preferred.  23.98, 24, 25, 29.97 are also acceptable.
    • Data Rate: Automatic
    • Key Frames: Automatic
    • Frame Reordering: Unchecked

  2. Make the following changes to Audio or Soundsettings:
    • Format: AAC
    • Click Show advanced settings and choose Constant Bit Rate as encoding strategy.
  3. Select Size and choose the original size of the video.
  4. The section Prepare for Internet Streaming must be set to Fast Start.
  5. Save your video, and then upload the resulting file to YouTube