How to Post a Video on YouTube: Everything You Should Know

YouTube remains the ultimate platform for sharing videos, whether you’re a vlogger, educator, gamer, or business owner. But if you’re new to content creation, you might be wondering: how to post a video on YouTube? Don’t worry—it’s easier than you think! With just a few simple steps, you can upload and share your video with the world.

Knowing how to post a video on YouTube correctly ensures your content looks professional, reaches the right audience, and performs well in search rankings. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step, from uploading your video to optimizing it for maximum engagement. Let’s get started!

How to Post a Video on YouTube: Step-by-Step Guide

Posting a video on YouTube is straightforward, but there are a few key things to consider to make sure your upload is smooth and optimized for visibility. Here’s a detailed guide on how to post a video on YouTube the right way.

Before you can upload a video, you’ll need to sign in to YouTube. Make sure you’re logged into the correct Google account that’s linked to your YouTube channel.

At the top-right corner of the YouTube homepage, you’ll see a camera icon with a plus sign (+). Click on it, then select ‘Upload Video’ from the dropdown menu. This will take you to the YouTube Studio upload page.

2. Select Your Video File

Click on the ‘Select Files’ button or simply drag and drop your video file into the upload window. YouTube supports multiple video formats, including MP4, MOV, AVI, and WMV. For the best quality and performance, MP4 with H.264 encoding is recommended.

3. Add a Title, Description, and Tags

Once your video is uploading, it’s time to add important details:

Title: Keep it clear, engaging, and keyword-rich. Use phrases like how to post a video on YouTube to improve searchability.
Description: Provide an informative summary of your video. Include relevant keywords naturally and add links to your social media or website if needed.
Tags: Use relevant tags to help YouTube understand your content and recommend it to the right audience.

4. Choose a Thumbnail

Your thumbnail is the first impression viewers get of your video. You can select one of the auto-generated thumbnails or upload a custom one. A high-quality, eye-catching thumbnail can increase clicks and engagement.

5. Select a Playlist (Optional)

If your video fits into a specific category or series, consider adding it to a playlist. This helps keep similar content organized and encourages viewers to watch more of your videos.

6. Choose Your Audience Settings

YouTube requires creators to specify whether their video is made for kids. If your content is targeted at children under 13, select ‘Yes, it’s made for kids’; otherwise, choose ‘No, it’s not made for kids’ to avoid restrictions on comments and personalized ads.

8. Adjust Visibility Settings

You have three options for your video’s visibility:

Public: Anyone can watch your video.
Unlisted: Only people with the link can view it.
Private: Only you and selected users can see it.

For most content creators, Public is the best option to reach a wider audience.

9. Add Video Elements (End Screens & Cards)

Enhance your video with interactive elements:

End Screens: Promote other videos or encourage viewers to subscribe.
Cards: Add clickable links to related videos, playlists, or external sites.

10. Check Video Settings and Publish

Before finalizing, review your settings, including video quality, monetization options (if applicable), and copyright details. Once everything looks good, click ‘Publish’ to post your video on YouTube.

Now that your video is live, promote it by sharing the link on social media, embedding it on your website, or sending it to your email subscribers. The more exposure, the better!

12. Monitor Performance and Engage with Your Audience

Posting a video on YouTube is just the beginning. Track its performance using YouTube Analytics to see views, watch time, and engagement metrics. Respond to comments, encourage likes and shares, and interact with your audience to build a strong community.

How to Edit YouTube Videos with Podcastle

Editing your YouTube videos can be a daunting task, but with Podcastle, the process is both intuitive and efficient. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy way to refine your content or a seasoned creator wanting quick yet powerful editing tools, Podcastle’s video editor has everything you need. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to edit your YouTube videos seamlessly with Podcastle.

1) Open the Video Editor and Upload Your Footage

To start editing, log into Podcastle and navigate to the Video Editor. From here, simply drag and drop your recorded footage. As the video uploads, you can begin making edits right away, saving you time and streamlining your workflow. Unlike complex editing software, Podcastle allows you to focus on the creative aspects rather than technical difficulties.

2) Enhance Your Video Quality with AI Tools

A high-quality video is key to engaging your audience, and Podcastle makes this easy with its AI-powered video enhancer. This feature automatically improves brightness, contrast, and overall clarity, giving your content a polished and professional look. Even if you’re working with suboptimal lighting or an older recording, Podcastle’s AI adjustments help make your video visually appealing with minimal effort.

3) Adjust Video Size and Layout

Not all platforms have the same video requirements, and Podcastle allows you to customize your video’s aspect ratio to match your needs. For YouTube, the standard 16:9 format is ideal, but if you plan to repurpose your content for platforms like Instagram Reels or TikTok, you can easily switch to a 9:16 layout. Additionally, if your video includes a webcam feed or multiple elements, you can reposition them to create a more balanced and engaging composition.

4) Add Text, Subtitles, and Branding Elements

Captions and on-screen text can significantly enhance viewer retention and accessibility. Podcastle offers an automatic transcription feature that generates subtitles with a single click, making your video more inclusive for viewers who prefer or need captions. You can also add titles, lower-thirds, and branded elements such as logos to maintain a cohesive and professional look.

For those creating educational content or tutorials, adding text overlays can help highlight key points, making your video more informative and engaging. Simply drag and position the text elements where needed, adjust their font and size, and align them with your content’s theme.

5) Cut, Split, and Rearrange Clips

Editing is all about refining your footage, and Podcastle provides intuitive tools to cut, split, and arrange video segments effortlessly. Trim out unnecessary parts, rearrange scenes for better storytelling, or remove awkward pauses to keep your content crisp and engaging. If you’ve recorded multiple takes, you can seamlessly combine the best segments for a smooth final product.

Once your video is polished to perfection, it’s time to export it. Podcastle provides high-quality export options, ensuring your content looks sharp on YouTube. After downloading your video, the next step is posting a video on YouTube.

To do this:

Head to YouTube and sign into your account.
Click on the Create button (the camera icon with a plus sign) and select Upload Video.
Drag and drop your edited file into the upload window.
Add a compelling title, description, and tags to optimize discoverability.
Choose a thumbnail that grabs attention and select appropriate settings for visibility (public, private, or unlisted).
Hit Publish, and your video is live!

If you want to schedule the release for later, YouTube allows you to set a specific date and time for automatic posting.

Why Use Podcastle for Editing?

Podcastle simplifies video editing without compromising on quality. It offers:

User-friendly interface: No need for prior editing experience.
AI enhancements: Automated tools for improving video clarity and brightness.
Flexible formats: Adjust video sizes for YouTube and other platforms.
Built-in transcription: Easily add captions for accessibility.
Quick export options: Seamless download and upload process.

Best Practices for Uploading YouTube Videos

Uploading a YouTube video isn’t just about clicking "Upload" and hoping for the best. To maximize your video's reach and engagement, you need to optimize every step of the process. Here are some key best practices to follow:

Choose the Right Video Format & Aspect Ratio

Format: YouTube supports multiple formats, but MP4 (with H.264 codec) is the best choice for a balance of quality and file size.
Aspect Ratio: Stick to 16:9 for standard YouTube videos. If you’re posting Shorts, go for 9:16 (vertical).

Optimize Video Quality to Avoid Compression Issues

YouTube compresses videos during processing, which can lead to a drop in quality. To prevent this, export your video in a higher bitrate and resolution than necessary (e.g., 1440p or 4K, even if you plan to publish in 1080p). On top of that, we suggest you avoid excessive color grading and artificial sharpness, as YouTube’s compression can make these look worse.

Create an Eye-Catching Thumbnail

A strong thumbnail can drastically increase your click-through rate. Keep these tips in mind:

Use high-contrast colors and readable text to make it pop.
Show a clear expression or action if your video features people.
Stick to a consistent style across your videos for brand recognition.

4. Craft a Strong Title & Description

Keep the titles concise, engaging, and keyword-rich. Avoid clickbait, but make viewers curious. For the description, provide a brief overview, include relevant keywords naturally, and add links to your social media, website, or related videos.

5. Schedule Your Upload for Maximum Views

Instead of posting randomly, time your uploads strategically to maximize your YouTube views:

Check YouTube Analytics to see when your audience is most active.
Generally, posting between 6 PM – 9 PM (local time) on weekdays or weekend afternoons works best.
Consider scheduling your video in advance for consistent posting.

6. Double-Check Your Upload Settings

Before you hit "Publish," review these settings:

Privacy: Set it to Public when ready, or Unlisted for testing.
Subtitles & Captions: Add them for accessibility.
End Screens & Cards: Guide viewers to more of your content.

7. Troubleshoot Common Upload Issues

Upload stuck at 99%? Try refreshing or re-uploading the file.
Video looks blurry at first? YouTube processes higher resolutions last, so wait a bit for full quality.
Copyright claims? Double-check music and video clips before uploading.+

Final Thoughts

Posting videos on YouTube is an accessible way to share your content with the world, whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your existing channel. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can ensure your videos are properly optimized for maximum visibility and engagement.

Don't be discouraged if your videos don't gain immediate traction. Growing on YouTube takes time, patience, and a willingness to adapt. Pay attention to what works well in your niche, learn from successful creators, and most importantly, stay authentic to your unique voice and perspective.

With the right tools like Podcastle for editing and a strategic approach to optimization, you can transform your video ideas into polished content that resonates with your target audience. So get started today—your future viewers are waiting!

FAQ

Can you edit a YouTube video after posting?

Yes, but with limitations. YouTube allows you to make minor edits using the YouTube Studio editor, such as trimming sections, adding end screens, or blurring elements. However, you can’t replace the video file itself. If you need to make major changes, you’ll have to delete the video and re-upload a new version. Keep in mind that re-uploading means losing your existing views, likes, and comments.

How to delete a YouTube video?

To delete a YouTube video, go to YouTube Studio, select Content, find the video you want to remove, click on the three-dot menu, and choose Delete Forever. YouTube will ask you to confirm the action since deleting a video is permanent, and there’s no way to recover it once it's gone. If you want to keep the video but hide it from public view, you can set it to Private instead.

How long does it take for YouTube to process a video?

Processing time depends on your video’s length, resolution, and YouTube’s server load. Standard 1080p videos typically take a few minutes, while 4K videos can take hours. If your video appears blurry at first, it’s likely because YouTube is still processing the higher resolutions.

What happens if my video is copyrighted?

If your video contains copyrighted content, YouTube may flag it automatically. Depending on the claim, the video might get demonetized, blocked in certain regions, or muted if it contains copyrighted music. If you believe the claim is unfair, you can dispute it through YouTube Studio. Always check YouTube’s copyright policies before uploading content.

Can I change my video's title or thumbnail after uploading?

Yes! YouTube allows you to edit your video’s title, description, tags, and thumbnail at any time through YouTube Studio. Updating these elements can help improve your video’s visibility and engagement, especially if you’re testing different strategies for better performance.