Really long render time AE 2025

Report · Apr 28, 2025

Hi everyone,

I have encountered a strange problem after updating to after effects 25, the render time is a LOT longer than usual. Some renders jump up to 200 plus hours long.

I tried reverting to AE 2024, but that didn't help. I have also tried exporting from multiple different computers and starting a new AE project but the issue still persists. the only way I have found to reduce that excessive render time was to remove almost all effects, which I would rather not have to do.

Has anyone else encountered this? Or has any advice to help?

Original animation:

- Total time: 4mins

effects: adjustment layers, noise, point light, 3D objects, blurs, orientation wiggle, drop shadow, rough edges.

- export time: 150+ hours

What I was able to get it to:

- Total time: 4mins

Its basically a slide show (with no audio) of images fading in and out with an orientation wiggle effect, drop shadows and rough edges.

- export time: 4hs

My PC:

CPU: Ryzen 9 5950x

GPU: 10 gb MSI GeForce 3080

RAM: 64 gb

Storage: 1TB M.2

Windows 10

After Effects 25.1

Report · Apr 28, 2025

Hi Cassie,

Thanks for writing in.

If you've already tried with multiple After Effects versions and on multiple machines and got the same results, it could be the project. The effects and elements you've mentioned can increase the render time. For example - Noise, Lights, 3D objects, Blur effects. You may need to check the resolution of the photos and optimize them. Also, see if lowering the export resolution helps.

Let us know how it goes.

Thanks,
Nishu