Learn how to upload videos on YouTube with this fast, easy step-by-step guide. Discover how to use YouTube Studio, optimize details, and publish correctly.
Key Takeaways
Uploading videos to YouTube, the second-largest search engine in the world, is a straightforward process, but getting the settings right is crucial for your content's success. Whether you are launching a brand-new channel or looking to optimize your current upload workflow, this step-by-step guide will show you how to upload your videos quickly, easily, and correctly.
Step 1: Open YouTube Studio
To manage and upload content, you need to access your creator dashboard.
Visit studio.youtube.com.
If you don't already have a YouTube channel, you will be prompted to create one before you can proceed.
YouTube Studio is your central hub for uploading videos, analyzing metrics, and managing your channel's backend.
Step 2: Start the Upload Process
FAQ
Why is my newly uploaded YouTube video blurry or low quality?
When you first upload a video, YouTube processes the standard definition (SD) version first to get it online quickly. High-Definition (HD) and 4K processing take additional time on YouTube's backend. If your video looks blurry during the initial preview, simply wait a short while and the crisp, high-quality version will automatically become available.
Why is it a best practice to set a YouTube upload to 'Unlisted' first?
Setting your video to gives YouTube's system a few extra hours to run automated checks and detect any hidden monetization or copyright issues before your audience actually sees the content. It also allows you to securely share the video link with colleagues or friends for a final review before you make it public.
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Keep your browser window open until the initial video file upload is completely finished in YouTube Studio.
Optimize your metadata by adding a keyword-rich title, a detailed description, and a custom thumbnail using tools like Canva.
Accurately self-report ad suitability to prevent your video from facing unexpected demonetization later.
Wait for YouTube's automated checks to turn green, ensuring you are clear to monetize, or take the necessary steps to address copyright claims before publishing.
Set your video visibility to "Unlisted" initially to give the system time to detect hidden issues and to allow for a final review.
Automatically generate clickable video chapters by simply listing timestamps and titles directly in your video description (e.g., 0:00 Intro).
Wait for HD processing to finish before switching your video to Public, as videos will temporarily appear blurry immediately after uploading.
Once inside YouTube Studio, starting your upload takes just a couple of clicks:
Look to the upper right corner of your screen and click the Create button.
Select Upload videos from the dropdown menu.
An upload dialog box will appear. You can either click to select a file from your computer or simply drag and drop your video file directly into the window.
The upload will begin immediately. Important: Leave this browser window open until the initial file upload is complete. Once the file is fully uploaded, the backend processing happens on YouTube's end, allowing you to move on to filling out your video's details.
Step 3: Optimize Video Details
While your video is processing, you can start optimizing its metadata. This information tells YouTube and your viewers exactly what your video is about.
Title and Description: Add a compelling title and a thorough description. Explain the value of your video and use relevant keywords to help it appear in search results.
Thumbnail: Custom thumbnails significantly impact whether people click on your video. You can drag and drop an image file directly into the thumbnail slot. If you need a simple and effective tool to design your thumbnails, Canva is highly recommended.
Playlists: Group your new video into an existing playlist if applicable.
Audience: You are legally required to tell YouTube whether or not your video is "Made for Kids." Select the appropriate option for your content.
Step 4: Monetization and Ad Suitability
If you are a part of the YouTube Partner Program, you will have access to the Monetization tab.
Select On to monetize the video.
You will be asked to rate your video's Ad Suitability. You must indicate if your video contains profanity, adult content, violence, controversial issues, or other sensitive topics.
Always be completely honest with your rating. Accurately self-reporting prevents your video from being unexpectedly demonetized later. Once you have made your selections, click Submit rating.
Step 5: Add Video Elements
Video elements are optional but highly encouraged, as they keep viewers engaged with your channel longer.
Subtitles: YouTube automatically generates default subtitles, but you can upload your own for better accuracy.
End Screens: Add clickable elements to the final 5–20 seconds of your video to promote other videos or encourage subscriptions.
Cards: Add interactive pop-ups throughout your video to link to relevant content.
Creator Music: If you used licensed tracks through YouTube's Creator Music library, you can manage those details here.
Step 6: Pass YouTube Checks
Before publishing, YouTube will run automated checks on your video to look for copyright claims and verify monetization suitability.
Wait until you see green checks across the board. If YouTube detects copyright-protected music or footage, you will need to address it before earning ad revenue. If you ever run into this issue, you can learn how to handle it by watching this guide on how to address copyright claims.
Step 7: Choose Video Visibility
The final step is choosing when and how the public will see your video.
Visibility Option
How It Works
Private
Only you and specific people you invite can view the video.
Unlisted
The video will not show up in search results or recommended feeds, but anyone with the direct link can watch it.
Public
The video is live, searchable, and available to everyone on YouTube.
Scheduled
The video remains private until a specific date and time of your choosing, at which point it automatically becomes Public.
Best Practice Tip: YouTube recommends initially setting your video to Unlisted. This gives the system a few extra hours to detect any hidden monetization or copyright issues before your audience sees it. It also allows you to share the link with friends, co-workers, or family for a final review.
Once you click Save, your video will appear in your Studio's video list.
Pro-Tips for a Better Viewer Experience
After your video is uploaded and saved in your dashboard, consider these final tweaks before taking it Public:
Add Video Chapters
Make your video easy to navigate by adding timestamps to your description. Simply list the times and chapter titles (e.g., 0:00 Intro, 1:07 Add video thumbnail). YouTube will automatically read these and create clickable chapters on your video timeline.
Wait for HD Processing
If you click your video thumbnail to preview the live link and the footage looks blurry, don't panic. High-Definition (HD) and 4K processing take additional time on YouTube's backend. Hang tight; the crisp, high-quality version will become available shortly.
Publish When Ready
Once your video has finished processing into HD and you are happy with the setup, return to the Visibility settings, change it to Public (or schedule it for a future date), and click Save. Your video is now live on YouTube!
Unlisted
How do I create clickable video chapters on YouTube?
You can add video chapters by simply typing timestamps and their corresponding titles directly into your video description (e.g., 0:00 Intro, 1:07 Add video thumbnail). YouTube will automatically read these timestamps and convert them into clickable chapter segments on your video timeline.
What should I do if YouTube detects a copyright claim during the upload checks?
If YouTube's automated checks detect copyright-protected music or footage in your upload, you will need to address the issue before you can earn ad revenue on that video. If you ever run into this problem, you can learn how to fix it by watching this helpful guide on how to address copyright claims.
What is a good tool to design custom YouTube thumbnails?
Custom thumbnails are crucial for grabbing viewers' attention and getting them to click on your content. If you need a simple, drag-and-drop design tool to create professional-looking images, Canva is highly recommended.
