Want to put your first video on YouTube but not sure where to start? Or maybe you’re tired of uploading videos that don’t get the views they deserve? You’re in the right place.
Let’s face it – uploading a video to YouTube sounds simple. Just hit the upload button and you’re done, right? Not quite. With over 500 hours of video uploaded every minute, standing out takes more than just good content.
The good news? A proper upload process can make a huge difference in how many people watch your video.
Think of it like baking – you might have the best ingredients, but following the right steps in the right order is what makes a perfect cake.
In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly how to upload your YouTube video the right way. Plus, you’ll get a complete checklist to help your video get more views. We’re talking about everything from basic upload steps to pro tips that most creators miss.
Let’s get your video up and running, shall we?
Want to take your videos to the next level?
Preparation
Preparation steps before uploading will make sure your upload is not only successful but reaches your target audience. Let’s walk through everything you need to check before hitting that upload button.
Video File Requirements
Your video needs to meet certain technical requirements for YouTube to accept it. YouTube works best with MP4, MOV, AVI, or WMV files.
For size limits, you can upload files up to 256 GB. New YouTube channels can upload videos up to 15 minutes long, while verified accounts can post videos up to 12 hours in length.
Quality Standards
YouTube recommends uploading in HD quality – at least 720p resolution (1280 x 720). The standard aspect ratio is 16:9, which looks best on most devices. Before uploading, make sure your video plays smoothly without any glitches or quality issues.
Audio Check
Good sound quality is just as important as video quality. Check that your audio is clear and properly balanced.
Listen with both speakers and headphones to catch any issues. Make sure the audio stays in sync with your video throughout the entire length.
File Organization
Name your video files in a way that makes them easy to find and manage. Use a simple format like the date and a short description. For example: “2024-02-10-How-to-Make-Pancakes”. Avoid using special characters or spaces in the file name.
Final Pre-Upload Check
Before you start the upload process, run through this quick checklist:
Pro Tip: Always save a backup copy of your video file on your computer or external drive. Upload issues can happen, and you’ll want that original file just in case.
Step-by-Step Uploading Guide
Preparation brings us to the main part of this guide — uploading your videos. This process is straightforward especially if you’ve completed the preparation steps.
For Computer
- Step: Sign in to YouTube Studio
- Step: Tap Create by the top right corner of your screen and click Upload Videos
- Step: You can upload up to 15 videos at a time by dragging and dropping video in the designated area or using Select Files.
- Step: You’ll see the estimated upload time while you update the video name and descriptions, among other details.
For Mobile
- Step: Enter the YouTube app
- Step: Tap the + icon below and switch to video
- Step: Record or upload videos from your gallery
- Step: Fill in the necessary fields like description and privacy settings. And upload
Note, videos less than 1 minute long with a square or vertical aspect ratio, it will be uploaded as a Short.
The Ultimate YouTube Video Upload Checklist for More Views
Use this checklist to give your videos the best chance of success. Each item plays an important role in helping your video get more views.
Video Optimization
Title
Description
Tags and Keywords
Visual Elements
Thumbnail
End Screens and Cards
Engagement Setup
Comments and Community
Playlists
Promotion Plan
Before Publishing
After Publishing
Technical Checks
Final Review
Pro Tips
Keep this checklist handy for every upload. You might not need every item every time, but following most of these steps will help your videos perform better.
Summary
Uploading a YouTube video isn’t just about pressing a button anymore. But don’t let the checklist overwhelm you – you don’t need to nail everything perfectly on your first try.
Start with the basics: Good title, solid description, custom thumbnail, and proper tags. Once you’re comfortable with those, add more elements from the checklist to your routine. Think of it like building a habit – one step at a time.
Remember, even top YouTubers started somewhere. The key is to learn from each upload and keep improving.
Pay attention to which videos do well and try to understand why. Your YouTube Studio analytics will tell you a lot about what works for your audience.
Keep this guide bookmarked – it’ll help you stay consistent with your uploads. And consistency, combined with smart optimization, is what turns views into subscribers.
Ready to upload your first video? Go ahead and give it a shot. You’ve got this!
