Are you terrified of posting a YouTube video without fear of either selecting the wrong settings or having a blurry video? This guide explains how to post a video from YouTube using your computer or phone, and includes tips for increasing the number of viewers.
Use the tips below to upload for the first time and avoid having to redo settings later. Desktop is more controlled, but it is faster when you’re posting from your phone.
Way 1: On a Computer
If you want complete control and are still learning how to upload to YouTube, use YouTube Studio on a computer. It is the easiest place to set your title, thumbnail, and visibility. You can upload a bunch of videos at once to edit their metadata (including thumbnails and titles), language, captioning, end screens, and more.
Upload steps:
Visit YouTube Studio, log in, and select Create → Upload videos.
Drag and drop your file (or select it from your computer). The upload will start.
On the left side, enter your Title and Description, upload a thumbnail image, and set Audience (for kids or not).
Fill in any extras you have, such as a playlist, tags, or the paid promotion toggle if it applies.
Click "Next" to include any optional items (subtitles, end screens, and cards).
Click "Next" and then check the checks screen for copyright or restrictions.
Select Private, Unlisted, Public, or Schedule, then Save or Publish.
Choosing the Right Visibility and Settings:
One thing to quickly mention about the Audience setting: It doesn’t matter how old your audience is, except for whether the video is made for kids, according to YouTube’s rules.
The Checks stage is worth hitting the brakes for: If you do get flagged (or limited) by YouTube for copyright, you can fix it before hitting Public, instead of discovering the issue after a video is live.
When you opt for visibility, consider what outcome you want:Unlisted is good for feedback or testing playback, Private is great if you are still adding details, and Schedule allows you to publish when your audience may be online.
If you’re still learning to upload HD video on YouTube: Export in MP4 (H.264), then wait for processing to complete before sharing the link. At 4K, HD/4K processing might take longer, so keep it Private or Unlisted until those options appear.
Way 2: On Mobile
If you are looking for how to add a video to YouTube from your phone, the quickest way is to use the YouTube app. You still need to verify visibility, audience settings, and if the upload has finished processing.
Follow these steps to upload a video directly from your phone:
Open the YouTube app and sign in.
Tap the ➕ Create button at the bottom.
Select "Upload a video".
Choose the video from your phone.
Add title, description.
Select visibility (Public/Private).
Tap "Upload / Next", then Publish.
Note:
Mobile uploads may lack some desktop options. For more control, use the YouTube Studio app to adjust details, add end screens, or schedule uploads.
Mobile uploads can be interrupted. Use Wi-Fi and keep your phone plugged in, and avoid switching apps until the upload is complete.
YouTube Shorts Upload: Videos under 60 seconds will be recognized as Shorts. Ensure the video is vertical (9:16) and centered for the best results.
Part 2: Best Practices to Post YouTube Videos That Actually Grow Your Channel
Once your upload goes live, small details like title, thumbnail, and on-screen legibility can affect whether people press play and continue watching. These tips are basic, but they make a difference.
Write an engaging, search-friendly title
Lead with the main topic and make it clear. One successful pattern is something along the lines of topic + outcome, i.e., “How to Edit X Faster” or “X Mistakes To Avoid,” as long as the video actually does that for the viewer.
Keep it brief so that people can skim it. 55–65 characters is a good range so that the title doesn’t get truncated on some devices.
Create a clear, keyword-rich description
Use the first two lines to tell readers what the video is about and who it might interest. That’s what most users see before they click “Show more,” so make it clear.
Next, structure the description so it’s easy to scan. All you need is a brief overview, chapters, a single key link, and a watch-next link.
If you choose to include links, please only include relevant ones. It can make your page appear spammy, and people may not find what they want.
Design a thumbnail that matches the video quality
A great thumbnail wins the click, especially on mobile. Keep it simple: one focal subject, strong contrast, and minimal text.
Ensure the thumbnail lives up to the title. If the headline says setup, show the gear or setup shot, not a random reaction face. A safe size would be 1280×720 and < 2 MB.
Polish your videos before you publish them
The clearer the video and the cleaner the audio, the more people will keep watching. Good lighting and a camera at eye level can be more important than fancy editing. Before uploading your video to YouTube, ensure the quality is top-notch. The OBSBOT Tiny 2 is a great choice for this. With its 4K resolution, AI tracking, and autofocus, it ensures your face stays sharp and centered, even in low-light environments, giving you a professional look with minimal effort.
Subtitles are also helpful when people watch on mute, and the audio is not so great. Plus, they make your video clearer and easier to follow for more people.
Begin with auto-captions and clean up the names and other key terms. Even a fast cleanup can do wonders and make your video professional.
Use end screens and cards
End screens and cards encourage people to click on another video instead of navigating away. Link to one related video and one playlist.
The best time for an end screen is the final seconds, after you’ve wrapped the main point. Cards work best when you mention a related topic and want to guide the viewer right then.
Choose the right video category
Choose the nearest category so YouTube can determine where your video belongs. It’s not going to rescue a bad video, but it can assist YouTube in positioning it correctly.
If you’re unsure, just go look at what other channels in your niche pick up. It will also give you some great video inspirations.
Manage comments and filters
Pin a useful comment (a link to your next video, a helpful resource, or a quick recap) to the top. Sometimes, a straightforward question in that pinned comment can also elicit more responses.
Eliminate spam by blocking words and reviewing settings. A cleaner comment section helps your channel appear more trustworthy and easier on the eyes.
Use tags to increase discoverability
Tags help YouTube understand what your video is about and make it more discoverable. Use relevant tags that reflect your video's content and potential search terms your audience might use.
Avoid stuffing too many tags. A mix of broad and specific terms works best for reaching the right audience.
Add time stamps for easy navigation
If your video is long, consider adding time stamps in the description. This helps viewers skip to the sections they’re most interested in and improves the user experience.
Time stamps also help with SEO and can appear in search results, making your video more accessible and discoverable.
Upload consistently to build a loyal audience
Regular uploads keep your channel active and help retain your audience. Consistency is key to building long-term engagement.
Determine a schedule that works for you (whether weekly, bi-weekly, etc.), and try to stick to it to create anticipation among your viewers.
Part 3: FAQs about How to Post a Video from YouTube
1. How Do I Share a YouTube Video as a Post?
If your channel has the Posts/Community feature, open your channel, go to Posts, paste the YouTube link, and publish. Here is YouTube’s own summary video: Learn about posts
2. Does Video Quality Affect YouTube Growth?
Yes, because quality influences watch time, and watch time factors into recommendations. The goal is “clear and easy to watch,” not perfection.
3. Does YouTube Allow 4K Upload?
Yes, you can upload in 4K, but it requires a longer time to finish processing after uploading. By recording in 4K with a camera such as the OBSBOT Tiny 2, you’re providing YouTube with a strong file to compress.
4. How Many YouTube Subscribers Do I Need to Make $10,000 a Month?
There is no magic number of subscribers at which you are guaranteed this, because the subscribers aren’t paying you directly. The important thing is steady views and how much your ‘niche’ pays per 1,000 views, plus any extra money from sponsors or products.
5. How Long Does a Video Have to Be to Be Considered a Short on YouTube?
Shorts can run up to 3 minutes. When you upload from mobile, vertical or square videos that are three minutes long or less are classified as Shorts.
Conclusion
You've learned how to post a video from YouTube using your PC or phone without any hassle. If you want a cleaner, more professional look before you publish, get the best choice for good lighting and a sharp 4K webcam like the OBSBOT Tiny 2.