After all that outlining, scripting, filming, and editing, you've finally created a video you're proud of. Then comes that oddly frustrating moment: staring at YouTube's interface wondering, "Where exactly is that upload button hiding?" It's like finishing a marathon only to get confused about where the finish line is.

This guide cuts through the confusion, showing you exactly how to post a video on YouTube from any device—no cryptic menus or hidden buttons. We'll also walk through eight actually useful best practices that'll help your video perform better than the average first upload (which, let's be honest, usually disappears into the YouTube void).

TL;DR: How to post a video on YouTube

On mobile, tap the plus icon at the bottom of the YouTube app and select Post. On the web, click on the video camera icon in the top right corner and select Upload video.

Why post a video on YouTube

YouTube isn't just a video-viewing platform, it's an entertainment behemoth. If you want to start creating content, build an audience, and eventually monetize your platform and buy an island, start with YouTube.

Let's break down why:

• Second largest search engine in the world: YouTube isn't just a platform; it's a massive search engine, second only to Google. People aren't just browsing—they're actively searching for content like yours.
• Second most visited website in the world: This isn't just a numbers game. It's about being where the action is, where millions gather daily, every minute, every second.
• Most watched online streaming service in the US: Dominating the streaming landscape, YouTube is the go-to for millions looking for everything from how-to and unboxing videos to vlogs and viral moments.

So, if you want your content to be surfaced, discovered, and viewed, posting your videos on YouTube is a good move. And it's the only move you need, if you plan and execute strategically on YouTube.

Understanding the difference between upload and publish

Uploading to YouTube simply brings your video file into your account, but it’s not available for public viewing until you actually publish it. Publish settings determine whether your video is public, private, or unlisted, each offering different levels of visibility. According to YouTube's official guidelines, you can change these settings at any time, so you’re never locked in. Publishing also triggers notifications for subscribers and sets your video into the YouTube ecosystem so it can appear in search results. If you’re new, keep in mind that an unlisted video won’t show up in your public channel or search results, though anyone with the link can still watch it. Understanding this difference helps you control how and when your audience sees new content.

How to post a video on YouTube from a computer

1. Log in to YouTube Studio.

2. Click CREATE in the top right corner and then Upload videos.

3. Choose the file you want to upload. You can upload up to 15 videos at a time. Be sure to click Edit on each file to edit your video details—we'll explain best practices for that later on in the article.

Note: To ensure successful playback on different devices and networks, YouTube will process your video and convert it to the highest available resolution after upload.

How to post a video on YouTube from mobile

There are two ways to post a video on YouTube with a mobile device—via the traditional YouTube app and the YouTube Studio app. Let's look at each.

How to post a video using the YouTube app

1. Launch the YouTube app.

2. Tap on Create (+) at the bottom of the screen and then choose Upload a video.

3. Pick the file you want to upload and press NEXT.

• If your video is 60 seconds or less with a square or vertical aspect ratio, it will be uploaded as a Short.

You can also directly record with the YouTube app by clicking Create (+) at the bottom of the screen and choosing Record.

Note: If you exit the upload process before completing your settings, your video will be saved as a draft on your Content page. This is the difference between 'upload' and 'publish' - uploading is just getting the file to YouTube, while publishing makes it available to viewers.

How to post a video using the YouTube Studio app

1. Open the YouTube Studio app.
2. Tap Create (+) at the top, then select Upload a video.
3. Choose the file you want to upload.
4. Add details to your video, like the title, description, privacy settings, and monetization options.
5. Tap Next.
6. Select “Yes, it's made for kids" if your video is specifically designed for kids. If not, choose "No, it's not made for kids."
7. Tap Upload video to publish your video.

Note: Self-certifying video ratings and some advanced settings are not available in the YouTube Studio app. For more control over your upload, consider using a desktop browser.

Key YouTube content restrictions and video length guidelines

YouTube doesn’t impose a strict maximum video length for most creators, but extremely long uploads can take extra time to process. According to YouTube’s Community Guidelines, content depicting violence, harassment, or explicit material may be subject to removal or age restrictions. Additionally, YouTube’s automated system checks for copyrighted material, and infringing content risks being blocked or monetized by the rights holder. If you plan to premiere longer videos, you might encounter more rigorous checks and a delay before your video becomes visible. These guidelines ensure that YouTube maintains a safe environment for users while still offering creators plenty of flexibility. Staying aware of these restrictions helps you cater to your audience and keep your channel in good standing.

Best practices when posting videos on YouTube

You can't just post a video on YouTube and expect it to go viral. You need to package it in a way that makes people want to watch it and helps YouTube understand what your content is about.

Here are the eight best practices you should follow:

1. Write an engaging title

Crafting a title is an art. It should be intriguing yet informative, sparking curiosity without resorting to clickbait. Aim for a balance between keyword optimization and viewer engagement. A great title gives viewers a reason to watch and helps your video get discovered in searches. Remember to include your main keywords like 'how to' or descriptive terms related to your content.

Here are a few ways to make a great YouTube title:

• Give viewers a hint of what's to come, sparking curiosity and interest without giving everything away.
• Use urgent phrases like “must-see,” “right now,” or “before it's too late” to encourage immediate clicks.
• Aim for clarity and brevity—a concise title is easier to read and remember.
• Use humor, wordplay, or an interesting angle to stand out in a sea of similar videos.

2. Write a keyword-rich description

A detailed, search-optimized YouTube description is crucial for your video's success. It provides context for viewers and, with the right keywords, helps your video rank higher in search results. Start with a brief summary of your video, include key points discussed, and add relevant keywords naturally throughout. Don't forget to include links to related videos, your social media profiles, and any other resources mentioned in the video. A well-optimized description can significantly enhance your video's visibility and engagement.

🤖 Automate your workflow: The best AI YouTube description generators, reviewed

3. Design an eye-catching thumbnail

Your thumbnail is the first impression viewers get, so make it count. Think of it as the movie poster for your video. Use bold colors, clear images, and large but simple text to grab attention. YouTube's algorithm analyzes both your thumbnail and title when recommending videos to potential viewers.

For best results, make your thumbnail work together with your title. For example, this video by Jenny Hoyos is titled "I Sold My Family's Stuff Without Them Knowing," and the thumbnail shows a speech bubble with the word "Where is the couch?!"

A compelling thumbnail can significantly boost your click-through rate, drawing viewers in before they even hit play.

4. Add relevant tags

Tags are like breadcrumbs for YouTube's algorithm. Use a mix of broad and specific tags that relate to your video's content. Think about what your audience might search for and include those keywords. Proper tagging helps YouTube categorize your video and suggest it to the right viewers, increasing your chances of being discovered by a wider audience.

Try these quick tips to pick relevant tags:

• Choose tags that reflect what your viewers might type into the search bar. Put yourself in their shoes and consider their search habits.
• Use a combination of general tags (like “vlog” or “tutorial”) and more specific ones (like “how to bake a chocolate cake”) to cover a wider range of search queries.
• Check out tags used by popular videos in your niche. This can give you insights into effective tags and help you find gaps you can fill.

5. Add subtitles for accessibility

Subtitles make your videos accessible to a larger audience, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing. They also help non-native speakers understand your content better and can improve your video's SEO because the text makes them searchable.

YouTube's automatic captions are a good start, but make it a point to review and edit them for accuracy. If you use Descript to edit, you can export your already-corrected transcript as an SRT file and upload it when you upload your video.

6. Use end screens and cards

End screens are the interactive thumbnails that show up inside your videos when it ends. Adding appropriate, contextual, and interesting end screens can take your ideal customer down a content rabbit hole—or right to your subscribe button. Cards can be added throughout your video to highlight related content, polls, or links.

Here are some tips for strategically adding end screens and cards:

• Encourage subscriptions: Add a subscribe button on your end screens to make it easy for viewers to subscribe without leaving the video.
• Highlight playlists: Direct viewers to playlists instead of single videos to boost watch time and keep them watching multiple videos in a row.
• Call to action: Clearly instruct viewers on what to do next—e.g., watch another video, support you on Patreon, or jump to your Instagram channel. Make your CTAs compelling and direct.

7. Choose the right video category

Think of video categorization as arranging books in a library—Einstein belongs in "Science" and Tom Cruise belongs in "Films." Similarly, categorization helps YouTube understand your content and suggest it to the right audience.

Select a category that best fits your video's theme and subject matter.

For example, if you're posting your fitness routine, choose "Sports" or "Workout" to ensure it reaches viewers looking for exercise videos.

8. Set up comment filters

Maintaining a positive community starts with setting up comment filters. Use filters to block inappropriate language, spam, and irrelevant comments. Then, engage with your audience by responding to constructive questions.

A well-moderated comment section will help you foster a supportive environment and encourage both new and returning users to engage. Keep it clean and positive, and watch your community thrive.

How Descript helps you post videos on YouTube

Admittedly, we're a little biased, but we really do think Descript is the best all-in-one software for creating YouTube videos.

Descript lets you create, edit, and post—all in one place. No need to use multiple apps, wrestle with complicated timelines, or wait a lifetime for your file to export.

Here are three Descript features that are particularly helpful when you're creating content on YouTube:

1. Transcription and text-based editing: Descript automatically transcribes your audio, allowing you to edit your video by just editing the text. This makes cutting out filler words, reordering segments, and making precise edits incredibly easy and intuitive.
2. Overdub: With Overdub, you can create synthetic voiceovers that sound just like you (or the person you're interviewing). It's perfect for fixing mistakes or adding new content without having to re-record entire sections.
3. Screen recording and multitrack editing: Descript's screen recording feature lets you capture and edit screen recordings seamlessly. Combined with multitrack editing, you can manage complex projects with multiple audio and video tracks effortlessly.

But the best part?

You don't have to follow a single "Upload to YouTube" step from the guide above. Descript's YouTube integration allows you to publish directly to YouTube without ever leaving the platform.

Ready to take Descript for a test drive?

Frequently asked questions about YouTube videos

How do you post a video on YouTube for the first time?

To post a video on YouTube for the first time, sign in to your YouTube account, click on the camera icon (on web) or plus button (on mobile), and select "Upload video." Follow the prompts to select your video file, add details like title and description, choose visibility settings (public, unlisted, or private), and publish.

How do I start posting videos on YouTube?

To start posting on YouTube, create a YouTube account, click on the camera icon (on web) or plus button (on mobile), choose your video file, and fill in the necessary details like title, description, and tags before hitting Publish. YouTube will check for copyright issues during the upload process.

How do I upload a video to YouTube?

To upload a post to YouTube, click the camera icon at the top of the homepage on web or the plus button at the bottom of the screen on mobile, select "Upload video," choose your file, and complete the details required before publishing. Note that videos shorter than 60 seconds may be uploaded as YouTube Shorts.

Is it free to post videos on YouTube?

Yes, it is free to post videos on YouTube. You can upload as many videos as you want without any cost, but you must comply with YouTube's Community Guidelines and copyright policies to avoid strikes or account termination.

Can I schedule my YouTube video to publish at a later time?

Yes, YouTube lets you schedule a previously uploaded video to go public at a specific time via the YouTube Studio scheduling feature. This allows creators to plan content releases in advance without manually switching the video’s visibility settings. According to YouTube’s Community Guidelines, you should still comply with all policies to keep your scheduled video from being restricted or taken down. Scheduling is especially useful for creators who want to maintain a regular posting calendar. Once scheduled, YouTube will automatically switch the video to public status at your chosen release time.

Why is my YouTube video stuck in processing for so long?

High-resolution or lengthy videos may require extensive processing time after you upload them. According to YouTube’s official guidance, slower internet speeds can also extend processing. If your video remains stuck, try rechecking your file format, ensuring stable internet, and reviewing any copyright checks that could cause holds. You can monitor your processing status in YouTube Studio to see if an error or community guideline issue arises. Typically, giving the upload extra time to process will resolve most delays.