So, you’ve finally filmed your first video — maybe it’s a vlog, a tutorial, or your take on the next big crypto trend. You've edited it (or not), and now you’re ready to share it with the world. But there’s just one question left…
How do I actually upload a YouTube video?
If that sounds like you, don’t worry — you’re not alone. Whether you’re starting a channel to grow your brand, share knowledge, or build a community, uploading your first video can feel intimidating. But once you do it once, it becomes second nature.
In this complete beginner-friendly guide, I’ll walk you through how to upload a video to YouTube, step-by-step, from desktop and mobile. I’ll also share some pro tips to help your videos stand out, get discovered, and make a great first impression.
Table of Contents
Why YouTube?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s take a quick second to appreciate why uploading to YouTube is a smart move.
- It’s the second largest search engine in the world.
- Over 2.7 billion monthly users are browsing, learning, and watching.
- You can earn money through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
- It builds your brand — whether personal, business, or both.
So yeah, YouTube isn’t just for entertainment. It’s a powerful platform to teach, inspire, and even earn a living.
Now let’s get to the main event.
How to Upload a YouTube Video from Desktop (Step-by-Step)
This is the most common and straightforward way to upload a video.
Step 1: Sign in to Your YouTube Account
Go to YouTube.com and make sure you’re signed in with the Google account linked to your channel. If you don’t have a channel yet, YouTube will prompt you to create one — it's free and easy.
Step 2: Click the “Create” Button
At the top right of the page, you’ll see a camera icon with a "+" on it. That’s the Create button.
Click it, then select "Upload video."
Step 3: Upload Your Video File
A new window will open, taking you to YouTube Studio. Here, you’ll see the option to "Select files" from your computer. Click it, then browse and upload the video file you want to share.
While the video is uploading, you can start entering your video details. Let’s break them down:
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Video Details: What You Need to Fill In
1. Title
Your title is the first thing people see. Make it clear, relevant, and click-worthy — without being clickbait. For example:
- Good: How to Upload a YouTube Video Step-by-Step (For Beginners)
- Bad: You Won’t Believe What Happened When I Did This!
2. Description
Use the description to tell viewers what the video is about, include key points, and add helpful links (your website, affiliate links, social media, etc.).
Pro Tip: Add timestamps and keywords to help with searchability.
3. Thumbnail
You can either upload a custom thumbnail or choose from the automatic ones YouTube generates. A custom thumbnail with bold text and visuals increases your click-through rate.
Thumbnail rules:
- 1280x720 resolution
- Under 2MB
- JPG, PNG, or GIF
4. Playlist (Optional)
If your video fits into a certain category or topic, you can add it to a playlist — great for organizing content and increasing watch time.
5. Audience
YouTube will ask: “Is this video made for kids?”
Answer truthfully. If it’s general or adult content, select “No.” If it’s designed for kids (like cartoons, toys, etc.), choose “Yes.”
6. Tags (Advanced)
Tags used to matter more in the past, but they still help in slight discoverability. Add 5–10 relevant tags based on your topic.
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Video Elements (Optional But Powerful)
After the details screen, you’ll be prompted to add:
- End Screens: These appear in the last 20 seconds of your video and can link to other videos, playlists, or your subscribe button.
- Cards: These are pop-ups that show during the video and direct viewers to other content.
These keep viewers on your channel — YouTube loves that.
Checks
YouTube will automatically scan your video for copyright issues (audio, visuals, etc.). If there are any problems, it’ll notify you so you can fix them before publishing.
Visibility: Choose Who Sees It
You’ve got 4 main options here:
- Public – Anyone can find and watch your video. (Best for most uploads)
- Unlisted – Only people with the link can view it.
- Private – Only you (or selected users) can see it.
- Schedule – Set a future date/time to auto-publish your video.
After choosing your visibility, click "Publish" (or "Schedule"), and boom — your video is live!
Congrats.
How to Upload a YouTube Video from Your Phone
Maybe you're on the go, or you just shot and edited a video on your phone — no problem.
Here’s how to do it using the YouTube mobile app:
Step 1: Open the YouTube App
- Make sure you're logged in to your channel's Google account.
Step 2: Tap the "+" Icon
- It’s at the bottom center of the screen. Tap it and select “Upload a video.”
Step 3: Choose Your Video
- Select the video you want to upload from your phone gallery. You can trim the video or add filters right from the app.
Step 4: Fill In Details
- Add your title, description, and set your audience.
- You can also choose visibility (public, unlisted, private) here.
Step 5: Upload
- Tap Next, and your video will begin uploading in the background.
Done!
Final Thoughts: Just Start
Uploading your first video might feel overwhelming — but trust me, it gets easier. The hardest part is starting. Your first video won’t be perfect, and that’s okay.
You’ll improve with every upload.
Remember: You don’t need fancy gear or perfect editing. What matters is showing up, sharing value, and staying consistent.
So if you've been waiting for the right time to post that first video.
This is it. Hit upload. Let the world hear your voice.
Ready to Upload?
If you found this guide helpful, consider bookmarking it or sharing it with a friend who’s just starting their YouTube journey.
And if you have any questions or tips of your own, drop them in the comments below — I’d love to hear from you.
Thanks for reading, and happy uploading!