Alright, let's talk about posting videos on YouTube. I remember my first upload – filmed on a shaky smartphone, took forever to process, and got maybe three views (thanks mom!). Since then I've learned some stuff the hard way so you don't have to. Whether you're uploading cat videos or starting a business channel, this guide covers everything from technical specs to those hidden settings nobody tells you about.
Getting Your YouTube House in Order
Before you even think about posting videos on YouTube, you need an account that's actually set up for creators. I skipped this step early on and regretted it.
Setting Up Your Channel Properly
Creating a channel isn't just clicking "create account." You need a Google account first – use one you actually check regularly. Then go to YouTube, click your profile pic, and select "Create a channel." Here's where most beginners mess up:
- Channel name: Don't use "John's Awesome Videos" unless you want zero discoverability. Include keywords related to your content.
- Profile & banner images: Use high-res files (800x800 px for profile, 2560x1440 px for banner). Blurry images scream amateur hour.
- Channel description: This shows up in search results. Mine sucked for two years before I realized it mattered.
Pro Tip: Enable channel customization in YouTube Studio. That "About" section? Flesh it out completely. I gained 200 subs just by fixing my neglected channel description.
Pre-Upload Checklist: Don't Skip This
Rushing to upload is how videos fail. Here's what I check before even opening YouTube:
Video File Essentials
- Format: MP4 works best, MOV sometimes glitches
- Codec: H.264 – other formats cause processing errors
- Resolution: Minimum 1080p (4K if possible)
- Aspect ratio: 16:9 or vertical shorts (9:16)
- File size: Under 256GB (yes, people test this limit)
- Length: Over 8 minutes to enable mid-roll ads
Storage tip: Keep raw files elsewhere. I lost a month's work when my hard drive crashed mid-upload. Cloud backups are cheap insurance.
Actual Upload Process: Step by Step
Okay, let's get to the meat of how to post videos on YouTube:
- Click the camera icon (top-right in YouTube Studio)
- Select files: Drag-and-drop usually works better than browsing
- Wait out the processing: This takes longer than you think. Grab coffee.
During upload, YouTube shows a progress bar. If it stalls at 95%, don't panic – happens to me monthly. Refresh if stuck over 10 minutes.
Annoyance Alert: YouTube's auto-enhance features often over-saturate colors. I always disable "Auto color correction" under Details → More Options. Your skin tones will thank you.
Title & Description That Actually Work
Titles aren't just labels – they're click magnets. My early titles were terrible ("My Trip to Paris"). Now I use:
- Primary keyword first ("How to Grill Steak Perfectly")
- Brackets for context "[Step-by-Step Guide]"
- Emojis sparingly (👍 but not 🔥💯)
For descriptions:
| Section | What to Include | Character Limit |
|---|---|---|
| First 150 characters | Core message + CTA + important links | Visible without "show more" |
| Timestamps | 0:00 Introduction 1:20 Key Technique etc. |
Auto-generates chapters |
| Links & Resources | Affiliate products, gear lists, social media | Place after timestamps |
Personal fail: I used to dump all my tags in descriptions. Big mistake – YouTube penalizes keyword stuffing.
Thumbnails That Get Clicks
Your thumbnail makes or breaks views. After testing 200+ thumbnails, here's what works:
- Resolution: 1280x720 px minimum (I use 1920x1080)
- Text: Huge readable font (no cursive nonsense)
- Contrast: Bright subject against dark background
- Faces: Use expressive reactions (surprise > smile)
YouTube provides auto-generated thumbnails, but they're usually garbage. Upload custom always. I spend 30+ minutes per thumbnail – it's that important.
Visibility Settings Demystified
When posting videos on YouTube, these choices matter:
| Setting | Best For | Watch Out |
|---|---|---|
| Public | Most content | Immediately searchable |
| Unlisted | Client previews, course content | Anyone with link can view |
| Private | Family videos, drafts | Only you see it |
| Scheduled | Timed releases, batch filming | Timezone confusion happens |
Schedule fail story: I once set a video for 3PM thinking it was my timezone. YouTube used UTC. It went live at 8AM while I was sleeping. Oops.
Advanced Settings You Might Miss
Buried in YouTube Studio are game-changers most creators ignore:
End Screens & Cards
Add these during upload – retrofitting is messy. I set:
- 1 card at 2:00 (subscribe prompt)
- End screen with 2 videos + channel link
- Minimum 25-second duration for end screens
Monetization & Restrictions
Even if not monetized yet, configure:
- Age restrictions (if content isn't kid-friendly)
- License type (Standard vs Creative Commons)
- Category selection (Miscellaneous kills reach)
Copyright Tip: YouTube's Content ID matches audio instantly. I got flagged for elevator music once. Use Epidemic Sound or similar.
Post-Publishing Strategy
Posting videos on YouTube isn't finish line. Here's what to do after hitting publish:
First 24-Hour Critical Actions
- Share strategically: Don't blast everywhere. Start with email lists (if any)
- Pin a comment: Ask a question to boost engagement
- Respond to comments: Speed matters for algorithm favor
Viewer retention tip: Check Analytics → Audience Retention after 2 hours. If drop-offs spike at 0:45, intro's too long. Edit future videos accordingly.
YouTube SEO After Upload
You can still tweak for search:
- Update titles/description if CTR is low
- Add cards to newer videos
- Trim dead zones via YouTube's editor
Annoyance: YouTube Studio's search analytics are basic. I use TubeBuddy for keyword tracking.
Common Mess-Ups & Fixes
You'll screw up – everyone does. Frequent issues when posting videos on YouTube:
Upload stuck at 95%?
Cancel upload, restart browser, try smaller file size.
Video looks blurry after upload?
Probably bitrate issue. Export at 12-20 Mbps for 1080p.
Copyright claim on royalty-free music?
Dispute with license proof. Took me 72 hours last time.
Accidentally published private video?
Change to private immediately. Most subscribers won't see it if quick.
Mobile Upload Nuances
Posting videos on YouTube via phone? Different rules:
- Max resolution: 1080p unless using special apps
- File size limit: 128GB on iOS, varies on Android
- Short-form videos: Use #shorts for vertical content
Personal gripe: Android compression is brutal. I transfer files to desktop for important uploads.
Equipment That Actually Matters
You don't need $10k gear, but get these right:
| Item | Minimum Viable | My Current Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Camera | Smartphone (iPhone 11+) | Sony ZV-E1 |
| Microphone | Lavalier mic ($20) | Shure MV7 |
| Lighting | Window light + reflector | 2 Neewer RGB panels |
| Editing | DaVinci Resolve (free) | Premiere Pro |
Biggest upgrade impact? Audio. Viewers forgive bad video before bad sound.
Why Your Uploads Might Fail
Technical realities nobody mentions about posting videos on YouTube:
- Processing delays: 4K videos take 2-4x longer to process than HD
- Regional restrictions: Some countries throttle upload speeds
- Browser issues: Firefox often chokes on large uploads
If stuck, switch to Chrome or Edge. Saved me countless times.
Learn From My Dumb Mistakes
Confessions from 500+ uploads:
- Uploaded 3-hour raw footage instead of edited cut (twice)
- Forgot to unmute audio before export (silent video went live)
- Scheduled premier for wrong year (yes, seriously)
The key? Double-check every setting before publishing. YouTube won't save you from yourself.
Final Reality Check
Posting videos on YouTube seems simple until you do it professionally. The algorithm changes constantly – what worked last year flops now. Focus on fundamentals: good content, clear audio, engaging thumbnails. Everything else is optimization.
When frustration hits (and it will), remember: my first video got 47 views in 6 months. Today some hit 100k. Consistency beats perfection every time. Now go upload something.
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