One of the best things about YouTube as a platform is that anyone can be a YouTube creator. Thanks to the advent of accessible editing software and cameras, being an online creator has never been easier. If you pare it down, all you need is wi-fi, a web browser, and a Google account. That’s everything you need to upload a YouTube video.
However, things can sometimes get confusing when it comes down to the steps behind uploading a YouTube video. Countless buttons, switches, icons, and pop-ups can make the whole process tricky for the average person.
Because of that, we've made a step-by-step guide for uploading your video files to the internet via YouTube. This upload process may seem daunting at first, but this tutorial will help you understand everything you need to know!
Make a High-Quality Video
One of the most important things to focus on before considering the video upload process is the content of the video. Is it made well? Is it accurate? Does it say exactly what you want it to say?
Once something is on the internet, the rest of the world can see it. Even if you make a video unlisted and delete any online access, the video will never really go away if someone sees it. So make sure that all of the video elements and your content are as well-designed as possible.
The truth is, video creation can sometimes be an arduous process. However, if you focus on ensuring that every new video has a little bit of soul and energy, it will make your YouTube channel more engaging.
Export Your Video in the Correct File Format
After your video is created, the next step is to ensure it is in the proper format and file type. Your video editing software should enable you to export your video in the correct formats. This allows YouTube to process the video to display and store it on their website.
Luckily, since YouTube is one of the most popular video-sharing websites in the world, most common file types will work. Some of the most popular file types include:
.MOV
.AVI
.MP4
.MPEG4
The odds are pretty good that your video is already in one of those formats, but double-check and make sure.
If your video isn't in one of the supported file types, look up ways to convert the file. The internet is host to many different conversion tools, so all it should take is a quick search.
Once your video is in the correct format and type, hit the upload button, and you'll be on your way.
Create an Effective Thumbnail
Creating a compelling thumbnail will help inform viewers as to why they should watch your video.
A thumbnail can be even more engaging than the video title. In smaller interfaces that might hide the full title, like on an iPhone or Android, a captivating thumbnail will stick out to your viewers.
While many videos just take a screenshot from the video, creating a custom thumbnail is a better idea, and it isn't too hard.
While creating a compelling thumbnail is not an exact science, it still has a considerable impact on the overall reception of your video. Make sure that you're looking for potential thumbnails that might add real value to your video through the whole editing process!
Create an Accurate and Effective Title and Description
If you want search engines to promote your video, you need to focus on search engine optimization, also known as SEO. This is a process that you work on in your YouTube studio to make sure that YouTube will show your content to as many people as possible.
One of the biggest mistakes that SEO beginners make is creating a title or description that is vague, confusing, or inaccurate. Along with your thumbnail, your title is what helps make a first impression on potential viewers. A good title will do you good in the long run, while an inaccurate title will turn people away.
Putting a little thought and effort into your title and description goes a long way. Don't forget about this part — in a lot of ways, it's the make or break aspect of the video.
Set Up All the Right Settings
This is where things start getting technical. For YouTube to know what to do with your video, you must go through all specific settings. These include privacy settings, playlist additions, age restrictions if the video is made for kids, your end screen, the ability to add tags, and more.
YouTube wants to know how to group and identify every video on its platform. Putting in the necessary information will help YouTube recommend the suitable videos to the right people, leading to more viewership for you! Knowing how to use this aspect of your YouTube account makes it easier for your videos to find their way to the front YouTube page.
Sometimes, these settings can seem confusing and unclear. If you are ever unsure about what a setting means, look it up. Google and YouTube have large forums full of questions and answers. The odds are good that you aren't the first person to ask whatever question you're looking to answer.
Go Live!
Once you’ve completed all of the above steps, wait for the video to be processed, and it'll be uploaded and live on YouTube!
Then, feel free to promote and share your video on social media and other mobile apps. This can help increase your viewership right from the start, which can boost how YouTube treats your video in the long run. Hopefully, your video will be something you can be proud of for years to come!
How 7 Wonders Can Help Your Company
If you're looking for a video company, 7 Wonders can help. We have worked with companies in all kinds of fields, doing everything from video partnerships to larger productions. Our award-winning strategies allow us to produce explainer videos, motion graphics, social videos, and so much more.
If you want to see if our previous clients and videos align with your needs, check out our extensive portfolio.
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