Platform Delivery Specs Lookup

Netflix requires IMF (Interoperable Master Format) as the primary delivery format, with ProRes 422 HQ as an alternative. Minimum 4K (3840×2160) resolution at the original frame rate, 10-bit color depth, Rec.709 or HDR10/Dolby Vision color space. Audio must be delivered as separate stems in 5.1 or Atmos format.

YouTube accepts most common formats but recommends: H.264 codec in MP4 container, 16:9 aspect ratio, up to 8K resolution. Recommended bitrates: 35-68 Mbps for 4K, 16-24 Mbps for 1080p, 8-12 Mbps for 720p. Audio should be AAC-LC at 384-512 kbps stereo. YouTube re-encodes everything, so upload the highest quality possible.

Most major platforms (Netflix, Amazon, Apple TV+, Disney+) prefer 4K UHD (3840×2160) delivery. HBO/Max and Hulu accept 1080p minimum. PBS requires 1080i or 1080p. YouTube accepts up to 8K. When in doubt, deliver at the highest resolution available — platforms will create their own lower-resolution encodes.

Broadcast specs (PBS, BBC, networks) typically require specific formats like XDCAM HD422, exact bitrates, closed captions in specific formats, and audio levels to strict standards (-24 LKFS). Streaming specs (Netflix, Amazon) are more flexible on codec but demand higher resolutions (4K) and accept modern formats like IMF and ProRes.

Most platforms require: 48kHz sample rate, 24-bit depth, -24 LKFS loudness (±2 dB), true peak below -2 dBTP. Stereo (2.0) is minimum; 5.1 surround is preferred by Netflix, Amazon, and Apple TV+. Dolby Atmos is optional but increasingly requested. Audio must be delivered as separate stems (dialog, music, effects).

Netflix requires TTML (Timed Text Markup Language). Amazon accepts SRT or TTML. Apple TV+ requires iTT. PBS requires CEA-608 embedded captions. YouTube accepts SRT, VTT, or SBV. Most platforms require captions in all languages the content is available in. Accuracy must be 99%+ for professional delivery.

HDR is increasingly preferred but not universally required. Netflix strongly prefers HDR10 or Dolby Vision for original content. Amazon accepts HDR10+. Apple TV+ prefers Dolby Vision. For documentaries using archival footage (which was shot in SDR), delivering in SDR Rec.709 is perfectly acceptable on all platforms.

Each platform has specific naming conventions. Netflix uses a structured format like 'Title_S01E01_ProRes422HQ_EN_20_TXTL.mov'. Amazon requires ISPNs and specific metadata fields. Most platforms provide detailed delivery guides — our tool shows the key specs, but always check the platform's current delivery guide for naming.

IMF (Interoperable Master Format) is a standardized delivery package containing JPEG 2000 video essence, PCM audio, subtitles, and metadata in a structured folder. It enables platforms to create multiple versions (languages, edits) from one master. Netflix, Amazon, and Disney+ all accept or prefer IMF delivery.

Create one high-quality master (ProRes 422 HQ or higher at your maximum resolution) and then create platform-specific deliverables from that master. Tools like Resolve, Premiere, and dedicated delivery platforms can batch-export to multiple specs. Some aggregators like Quibi/DistroTV handle multi-platform delivery for a fee.