iMovie is a simple video editor that comes standard on many Macs. It can also be downloaded in the Mac App Store for free.
There are two different ways to prepare a video from iMovie for Vimeo. (Note: the following tutorials can only be used for the desktop version of iMovie. Steps for the mobile app will vary.)
Export to your computer, then upload using a browser (recommended)
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PROS |
CONS |
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You’ll be able to check your file to make sure it looks its best before uploading to Vimeo. |
There are more steps involved. |
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You’ll have more fine tuned control over your compression settings in iMovie. |
A browser will be required. |
Instructions:
- Highlight your final sequence.
- Go to File > Share > File...
- In the File menu, select the following options:
- Title
Enter the title for your video. - Description
If desired, enter a description for your video.
⚠️ This description will not appear on Vimeo.
- Tags
If desired, enter some tags for your video.
⚠️ These tags will not appear on Vimeo.
- Format
Video and Audio - Resolution
Choose the highest available for best quality. - Quality*
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*These bitrates are suggested for average video files. If your video contains below average visual complexity (such as a slideshow presentation or talking head interview), choose a lower data rate. If your video contains above average visual complexity (such as a video with high levels of grain or a sporting event), choose a higher video bitrate.
If you’re having trouble with video quality, try switching to the highest bit rate value for your video’s resolution, or setting the quality to “Best (ProRes)” instead.
Remember: Lower data rates lead to smaller file sizes and faster uploads! Experiment to pick the lowest data rate that yields an acceptable image quality.
Custom
Then, choose the average bitrate appropriate to your video file using the slider:
SD: 2-5 mbps
720p: 5-10 mbps
1080p: 10-20 mbps
2K: 20-30 mbps
4K: 30-60 mbps
5K or higher: 50- 80 mbps- Compress
Better Quality - Add to Theater
Unchecked.
Example settings for a standard 1080p video:
- Click "Next..."
- In the next window, name your file next to "Save As" and select a destination location for the exported file on your computer. Pick somewhere that you will remember — for example, your Desktop.
- Click "Save."
- The export will begin. You can track its progress by clicking on the blue circle in the upper right-hand corner of iMovie.
- Once the export is complete, a notification will appear indicating that your share was successful. View your finished, compressed file to make sure it looks and sounds correct — then upload it to Vimeo!
Share directly to Vimeo from iMovie
iMovie offers its own built-in “Share to Vimeo” feature. This feature combines iMovie’s compression process and uploading to Vimeo into one simple step.
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PROS |
CONS |
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You can upload a file to Vimeo from iMovie in one step, without ever having to open a browser. |
You will have less control over the compression settings of the final exported file and won’t be able to see this file before it’s uploaded to Vimeo. |
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You can set the exact title, description, tags, and video privacy setting to be used on Vimeo. |
The share process was built and managed by Apple, so Vimeo's support team may be unable to be assist with certain issues. |
Instructions:
- Highlight your final sequence.
- Go to File > Share > Vimeo
- In the File menu, select the following options:
- Title
Enter the title for your video. - Description
If desired, enter a description for your video. This description will appear on Vimeo. - Tags
If desired, enter some tags for your video. These tags will appear on Vimeo. - Resolution
Choose the highest available for best quality. - Viewable By
Set your video’s privacy setting on Vimeo
- Anyone — Anyone can view
- People I follow — Only people you follow on Vimeo can view
- Anyone with a password — Set a password for viewers to enter
- Only Me — Only someone logged into your account can view.
(Note: Only some privacy options are available through iMovie. If you’re not seeing a specific privacy setting, you can use a browser to update your video’s privacy settings on vimeo.com after the upload is finished.)
- Add to Theater
Unchecked. Example:
- Take note of the estimated file size shown shown next to your video’s runtime. Be sure you have enough space to account for the upload on your Vimeo account.
- If so, Click "Next..."
- If not, try setting a lower “Resolution” - Enter your Vimeo username and password (the one you use to access your account in a browser)
⚠️If you enter an incorrect username/password too many times (or you’ve saved an older password in Keychain Access), you will have to wait an hour before attempting another share from iMovie. If this happens, we recommend that you switch to the ‘Export to your computer’ outlined method above. - Click "Publish"
- The share process will begin. You can track its progress by clicking on the circle icon shown in the upper right-hand corner of iMovie.
- Once the export/upload to Vimeo process is complete, a notification will appear indicating that your share was successful. Click on "Visit" to view your video on Vimeo.
The share process to Vimeo may not be successful if:
- iMovie encounters an error during the export process. In this case, check your sequence and try to share again.
- Your Internet connection stalls or drops out during the upload process to Vimeo. If this happens, try the share process again. Check out this page if you continue to have trouble.
- You do not have enough total storage and/or quota on your Vimeo account to complete the upload. Try exporting to your computer (using the steps in the first section) using a lower video bit rate/quality/resolution. You can also upgrade if you need more space.