Getting Better Quality Online Videos with Movie Maker

Introduction

In this article, we'll revisit the classic Windows Movie Maker, specifically version 2.1.4026.0, which is a well-known tool among many PC users, especially those with Windows XP. As our video-sharing platforms evolve, such as YouTube now supporting 30 frames per second, we need to adapt our video export settings to maintain quality for our uploads.

Exporting Your Videos for Optimal Quality

When working on a project and ready to export your video, follow these steps to enhance the quality of videos that you upload to YouTube:

Open the File Menu
Click on File, then select Save Movie File.
Choose Export Location
From the list of options, select My Computer. This allows you to export the video as a static file before uploading it to YouTube. Click Next.
Name Your File
File naming is straightforward; you can label it whatever you choose. For example, you might just use "movie". Click Next.
Configure Export Options
When you reach the settings screen, click Show More Choices. If you don't see this option already, make sure to click it. From there, select Other Settings from the dropdown menu.
Select Video Settings
Here, you'll want to choose Video for LAN (768 kilobit per second). The suggested settings show:
- Bit rate: 768 kilobit per second
- Resolution: 640 by 480
- Aspect ratio: 4:3
This will give you a proper format suitable for YouTube, which currently favors a letterbox style over widescreen formats.
Consider Higher Quality Options
You can also opt for Video for LAN (1 megabit per second) for improved quality. This higher bit rate may be beneficial if your content features intricate details. However, if your video doesn’t have a lot of small elements, the 768 kbps option will be sufficient and maintain excellent quality.
Upload Size Limitations
Remember that YouTube has restrictions on file sizes and video length. Ensure your file does not exceed 100 megabytes and keep your video length under 10 minutes for optimal upload success.

By following these updated steps, you can achieve much better video quality on YouTube than previous suggestions of just 512 kbps. The difference is quite noticeable, especially when comparing videos exported with a 768 kbps or 1 megabit per second setting against lower bit rates.

Keyword

Windows Movie Maker
Video Quality
YouTube
Export Settings
Bit Rate
640x480 Resolution
Video for LAN
Upload Limitations

FAQ

Q1: What version of Windows Movie Maker is recommended for better video quality?
A1: Version 2.1.4026.0 is recommended for users on Windows XP.

Q2: What export settings should I use for improved video quality?
A2: Use the "Video for LAN (768 kilobit per second)" or "Video for LAN (1 megabit per second)" settings.

Q3: What is the maximum file size I can upload to YouTube?
A3: The maximum file size for uploads is 100 megabytes.

Q4: What is the maximum length of videos I can upload to YouTube?
A4: Videos must be under 10 minutes long to be successfully uploaded.

Q5: Why is the 4:3 aspect ratio suggested for YouTube exporting?
A5: YouTube currently prefers a letterbox style format, which is best achieved with a 4:3 aspect ratio.