A complete guide on how to post videos on YouTube

YouTube has grown into a vital platform for both creators and brands, serving as the second-most popular social network and an influential search engine. To get started with posting videos, first, understand the supported formats—like MP4 or MOV—and their size limitations. Uploading from a desktop involves signing in, clicking the create button, and following steps for video details. For mobile users on iPhone, simply use the YouTube app to upload directly by tapping the “+” icon. Tools like Sprout Social can help streamline your uploads and optimize settings. Focus on quality content and SEO strategies to grow your audience effectively!

1. Importance of YouTube

Importance of YouTube for creators and marketers

YouTube is the second-most popular social platform globally and serves as a powerful search engine, second only to Google. This makes it a vital tool for individuals and brands alike. With 76% of consumers having a YouTube profile, it is essential for businesses to invest time and resources into this platform. For example, brands can showcase their products through tutorials or behind-the-scenes videos, reaching a vast audience. Engaging with viewers on YouTube can lead to increased brand loyalty and higher conversion rates, as potential customers often seek video content to inform their purchasing decisions.

2. YouTube Video Formats Supported

YouTube video formats infographic

YouTube supports various video formats, which allows creators to upload content in multiple ways. The accepted formats include 3GPP, AVI, CineForm, DNxHR, FLV, HEVC (h265), MOV, MP4, MPEG4, MPEGPS, ProRes, WebM, and WMV. Each of these formats has its unique features and advantages. For instance, MP4 is widely used due to its balance between quality and file size, making it ideal for online streaming. It’s important to note that unverified users can upload videos with a maximum file size of 3GB, while verified users have the advantage of uploading videos up to 12 hours long. This flexibility in format and duration helps accommodate different types of content, from short clips to full-length features.

Video Format File Size Length
3GPP Up to 3GB 12 hours for verified users
AVI Up to 3GB 12 hours for verified users
CineForm Up to 3GB 12 hours for verified users
DNxHR Up to 3GB 12 hours for verified users
FLV Up to 3GB 12 hours for verified users
HEVC (h265) Up to 3GB 12 hours for verified users
MOV Up to 3GB 12 hours for verified users
MP4 Up to 3GB 12 hours for verified users
MPEG4 Up to 3GB 12 hours for verified users
MPEGPS Up to 3GB 12 hours for verified users
ProRes Up to 3GB 12 hours for verified users
WebM Up to 3GB 12 hours for verified users
WMV Up to 3GB 12 hours for verified users

3. How to Upload a YouTube Video on Desktop

Step by step guide to upload video on YouTube desktop

To upload a video on YouTube using your desktop, start by opening the YouTube website in your browser. Make sure you’re signed in to your account. In the top right corner, you’ll see a ‘Create’ button, represented by a camera icon. Clicking on this will present a dropdown menu; select ‘Upload videos.’ Next, you’ll see an option to ‘Select Files.’ You can either click this button to navigate to the video file on your computer or drag and drop the file directly into the upload area.

While your video is uploading, you need to provide some important details. Enter a catchy title that reflects your video’s content, write a detailed description to help viewers understand what to expect, and include relevant tags to improve discoverability. You can also upload a custom thumbnail that will appear as the video’s cover image and select a playlist to categorize your video. Don’t forget to indicate whether your video is suitable for children by selecting the appropriate option.

Once you’ve filled in all the necessary information, click ‘Next.’ This will take you to a page where you can add additional elements to your video, such as subtitles and end screens. After the copyright checks are complete, proceed by clicking ‘Next’ again. The final step is to choose your video’s visibility setting. You can set it to Public (anyone can see it), Private (only you can see it), or Unlisted (only people with the link can view it). Finally, click ‘Publish’ to make your video live on YouTube.

4. How to Upload a YouTube Video on Mobile (iPhone)

To Upload a video on YouTube using your iPhone, first, ensure you have the YouTube app installed. Open the app and log in to your account. Once logged in, look for the ‘+’ icon located at the bottom of the screen; tapping this will bring up several options. Select ‘Upload a video’ from the list. You may need to grant the app permission to access your camera and photo library if prompted. After that, browse through your videos and choose the one you want to upload. Once selected, tap ‘Next’ to proceed. On the next screen, fill in the essential details about your video, such as the title and description. You will also need to select the privacy setting for your video – options include Public, Unlisted, or Private. After filling in these details, tap ‘Next’ again, where you’ll indicate whether the video is suitable for kids. Finally, tap ‘Upload video’ to publish your video on YouTube. Your video will be processed and made available to your audience shortly after.

5. Streamlining Uploads with Sprout Social

Using Sprout Social can greatly simplify your YouTube video uploads. This platform allows you to publish content directly to YouTube, streamlining the entire process. You can manage video titles, tags, and privacy settings all in one place, saving you time and effort. For example, if you have multiple videos to upload, you can prepare everything in advance in Sprout Social and schedule them for release at optimal times. Additionally, the analytics tools provided by Sprout Social help you track the performance of your videos, so you can see what resonates with your audience. This integrated approach not only enhances your workflow but also allows for better engagement management, making it easier to respond to comments and feedback from viewers.

6. Publishing Tips to Grow Your YouTube Channel

Producing quality content is the foundation of a successful YouTube channel. Focus on creating videos that are entertaining, informative, or both, as this resonates with viewers. Understanding your audience is vital; use tools like social listening to find out what they like and tailor your content accordingly. Compelling thumbnails can significantly impact your click-through rate, so invest time in designing eye-catching visuals that represent your video accurately. Adding subtitles not only makes your videos more accessible but can also improve viewer retention. Experimenting with different features, such as YouTube Shorts and live streams, can help engage viewers in new ways. Don’t forget to optimize your videos for SEO by incorporating relevant keywords in titles, descriptions, and tags, which can enhance discoverability. Partnering with influencers can also broaden your audience reach, especially if they share similar interests with your target demographic. Promoting your videos on social media platforms can drive additional traffic to your channel. Finally, staying updated on trends allows you to create timely content that captures viewer interest.

  • Optimize your video titles with relevant keywords
  • Create eye-catching thumbnails to improve click-through rates
  • Write detailed descriptions with links and calls to action
  • Use tags wisely to categorize your content
  • Promote your videos on social media platforms
  • Engage with your audience through comments and community posts
  • Analyze your performance with YouTube Analytics to refine your strategy

7. Regularly Posting High-Quality Content

Regularly posting high-quality content on YouTube is essential for building a loyal audience and improving your channel’s visibility. Quality matters more than quantity; viewers are more likely to subscribe and engage with your channel if they find your videos informative, entertaining, or inspiring. For instance, a cooking channel that consistently posts well-edited, visually appealing recipes will attract more subscribers than one that posts low-quality videos haphazardly.

Consistency is also key. Establish a posting schedule that your audience can rely on, whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. This not only helps retain viewers but also signals to YouTube’s algorithm that you are an active creator, which can positively impact your video’s reach.

Additionally, consider the importance of storytelling in your videos. Crafting a narrative that resonates with your audience can significantly enhance viewer retention. For example, a travel vlogger might share personal experiences and anecdotes that draw viewers into their journey, making them feel connected.

Lastly, encourage viewer feedback and adapt your content accordingly. Engaging with comments and conducting polls can provide valuable insights into what your audience enjoys, helping you refine your content strategy over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What format should my video be in to upload it to YouTube?

YouTube supports various video formats like MP4, AVI, MOV, and WMV, but MP4 is recommended for better quality.

2. How do I add a title and description to my YouTube video?

After uploading your video, you’ll see options to add a title and description in the video’s settings. Make sure to write a catchy title and a detailed description.

3. Can I schedule my video to go live at a later time?

Yes, while uploading your video, you can select an option to schedule it for a specific date and time instead of publishing it right away.

4. What are tags, and should I use them for my video?

Tags are keywords related to your video. Using them helps YouTube understand your video’s content and can improve its visibility.

5. Is it possible to edit my video info after uploading?

Absolutely! You can go back to your video settings anytime after uploading to change the title, description, tags, and even the thumbnail.

TL;DR YouTube is a vital platform for brands, being the second-most popular social media and a major search engine. It supports numerous video formats with specific file size limits. Uploading videos is easy, whether on desktop or mobile; just follow the step-by-step guides provided. Streamline uploads through Sprout Social to manage your content effectively. To grow your channel, focus on high-quality content, understand your audience, create compelling thumbnails, utilize SEO tactics, and stay aware of trends. Regularly posting quality content is key to success.