Rendering to H264 file, automatically lowers bitrate in Media Encoder 2018

Hello,

When I try to render to an H264 file using a target bitrate of 18MBPS, the file renders out to around 5mbps automatically. I tried CBR and VBR as well and kept changing render settings, but every time Media Encoder automatically lowers the bitrate on the final output.

Is this a new feature with 2018? Is it because the video does not need that high of a bitrate?

I also just tried the Vimeo 1080p preset, and it still renders out to a bitrate of around 5mbps, instead of 16mbps.

Thank you