Here’s a comprehensive checklist for uploading a video on YouTube to ensure your video looks and performs its best:
Before Uploading:
- Video File: Make sure your video is in an acceptable format (commonly MP4, MOV, AVI) and is of high quality. YouTube recommends a resolution of at least 1080p.
- Video Editing: Edit your video to ensure it’s well-paced, error-free, and engaging. Add any necessary captions, subtitles, or end screens.
- Thumbnail: Create an eye-catching custom thumbnail that accurately represents your video’s content. It should be high-resolution and follow YouTube’s guidelines.
- Video Title: Craft an enticing and descriptive title for your video. Include relevant keywords for better discoverability.
- Video Description: Write a detailed and engaging video description. Include relevant keywords and links to your website or social media.
- Tags: Add relevant tags to help YouTube understand your video’s content. Use both broad and specific tags.
- Video Category: Choose the appropriate category for your video to help it appear in relevant search results.
Uploading the Video:
- Sign In: Log in to your YouTube account.
- Upload: Click the “Upload” button at the top right of the YouTube homepage.
- Video Privacy: Choose the video’s privacy setting – Public, Unlisted, or Private.
- Upload Video: Select the video file from your computer and wait for it to upload. While it’s uploading, you can work on the following:
During Upload:
- Video Title: Double-check and refine your video title for accuracy and relevance.
- Description: Write or refine your video description, including important information and links.
- Thumbnail: Upload your custom thumbnail if you have one.
- Tags: Add tags that accurately describe your video.
- Video Language: Choose the primary language spoken in your video.
- Video Location: Specify the location where the video was filmed, if relevant.
- Recording Date: Indicate the recording date, if it’s important for your content.
After Upload:
- Visibility: Once the video is uploaded, set your video to “Public” or the desired privacy setting.
- Thumbnail Selection: YouTube may offer several thumbnail options; select the one that best represents your video.
- End Screens and Annotations: Add end screens, cards, or annotations to promote other videos or links within your video.
- Video Chapters: If your video is long, create chapters for easy navigation.
- Monetization: Set up monetization options if you plan to earn revenue from ads.
- Captions and Subtitles: Add closed captions or subtitles to improve accessibility and SEO.
- Video Elements: Add video elements like info cards, music, or end screen templates.
- Video End Screen: Design an end screen that encourages viewers to take action, such as subscribing or watching related content.
- Video Schedule: Choose whether to publish the video immediately or schedule it for a specific date and time.
- Notifications: Share your video on social media or with your email list to generate initial views.
- Analytics: Monitor video performance using YouTube Analytics after it’s live.
- Engage with Comments: Respond to viewer comments to build a sense of community and engagement.
- Promote: Share your video on social media, your website, and any relevant online communities to reach a wider audience.
- SEO: Keep an eye on video SEO and adjust tags, descriptions, and keywords as needed.
- Copyright: Ensure you have the rights to all content in your video to avoid copyright issues.
- Monetization Settings: If applicable, set up monetization options like ad types and ad placement.
- Analytics and Optimization: Regularly review video analytics to understand viewer behavior and make improvements.
By following this checklist, you’ll be well-prepared to upload your video to YouTube, optimize it for visibility, and engage with your audience effectively. Happy uploading! 🎥🚀