Variable bitrate (VBR)
Also known as: VBR, two-pass VBR
An encoding mode that spends more data on complex scenes and less on simple ones, giving better quality for the same file size than constant bitrate.
Updated
What it means
With variable bitrate, the encoder adapts. A static shot of a mountain needs little data, while a crash through spray needs a lot, so VBR shifts data from the easy moments to the hard ones. The average Bitrate over the file stays near the target, but individual seconds can be much higher or lower.
The result is usually better quality at the same file size compared with constant bitrate. Most export presets in editing software use VBR, often with a target and a maximum bitrate.
Two-pass VBR analyzes the whole video first, then encodes it, which spreads data even more intelligently at the expense of a longer export.
How it works in practice
For exports meant for uploading or sharing, VBR with a sensible target is the standard choice. Action footage benefits a lot, because it alternates between calm moments and very complex ones. A higher maximum bitrate lets the encoder handle bursts of detail without breaking up.
Platform guidance usually lists a recommended bitrate. Exporting at or slightly above it gives the platform a clean source for its own recompression.
Some cameras also use variable bitrate internally within a cap, which is why file sizes per minute vary between scenes. A calm beach clip can be much smaller than a forest descent of the same length.
What to watch out for
VBR makes file size harder to predict, which matters for streaming or strict upload limits. If you must hit a size, two-pass encoding gets closest to the target.
A very low target still produces artifacts, because VBR can only move data around, not create it. Water, snow and foliage in fast motion need a generous target to avoid compression artifacts.
Peaks can also exceed what an old playback device or slow drive can handle smoothly. If an export stutters on a specific device, lower the maximum bitrate rather than the average.
How RawClip handles it
RawClip works with your camera files as recorded. Upload the original MP4 or MOV clips rather than heavily compressed exports, and the AI picks the best moments for your highlight.