If you're having problems uploading your video, select the error message that you're seeing and follow the troubleshooting steps to solve your issue.
Shorts Audio Library commercial use and paid promotions
Channels that upload videos for commercial purposes, including Shorts with paid product placement, may see errors when uploading Shorts containing sounds from the Shorts Audio Library. These errors are a result of our agreements with some music partners, which restrict use of music in Shorts to personal and non-commercial uses.
As an alternative:
- You can reupload your Short and remove the music added from the Shorts Audio Library.
- You can reupload your Short, but add the music outside of the Shorts creation tools.
- Note: Before publishing your Short, make sure that you've cleared all the necessary rights with the copyright owner or owners. If you don't clear rights with them, your Short could be subject to enforcement, including copyright takedowns and other legal actions.
- You can reupload your Short, but use royalty-free music. To find royalty-free music:
- Go to the Shorts Audio Library.
- Search for 'YouTube Audio Library'.
Double-check before uploading that the song you've selected has:
- Green album artwork that says 'YouTube Audio Library'
- The YouTube logo
If the search results meet this criteria, they do not require you to clear rights beforehand. If the search results don't meet this criteria, they may not be cleared for use.
Note: For non-English speakers, it's recommended to search for 'YouTube Audio Library' in English for accurate results.
'We have encountered unexpected problems'
Try waiting a few minutes then upload again.
'The server has rejected the file'
This error message occurs when you're uploading a file in the wrong format. Make sure that you're using a supported file type.
'An error has occurred while sending data over the network'
This error message occurs when your browser needs to be updated to the latest version. Below are some of the browsers that we recommend using to upload videos:
- Google Chrome
- Firefox 4 or higher
- Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge with Silverlight turned on
Once you've updated your browser, try to upload again.
'Processing abandoned'
This error message may occur if the uploaded file is shortened or invalid. It can also occur on reduced upload speeds. Try playing your video back on your device and make sure that you're using a supported file type, then upload again. If the problem remains, try uploading your video from a different platform.
'A network error has occurred'
This error message occurs when your browser needs to be updated to the latest version. Below are some of the browsers that we recommend using to upload videos:
- Google Chrome
- Firefox 4 or higher
- Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge with Silverlight turned on
Once you've updated your browser, try to upload again.
This error message may occur when:
- Your channel has a Community Guidelines strike.
- Your admin has turned on Restricted mode on your Google Workspace account.
'A security error has occurred'
This error message occurs when you have unusual security settings on your browser. The settings are likely to be from a firewall, anti-virus, anti-spyware or other related software. We recommend that you temporarily turn off this software and try to upload again.
'Rejected (file too small)'
This error message occurs when you've tried to upload a file that is smaller than 2 KB. Make sure that your video file is at least 2 KB and try to upload it again.
'Failed (empty .mov file)'
This error message occurs when QuickTime movies are saved as reference movies. To make sure that your video is converted properly, select 'Save as a self-contained movie' and try to upload it again.
'Daily upload limit reached. You can upload more videos in 24 hours.'
To ensure safety at YouTube, we limit how many videos a channel can upload in a 24-hour period across desktop, mobile and YouTube API.
Limits may vary by country/region or channel history. Copyright strikes may impact channel history eligibility. Community Guidelines strikes will affect how much you can upload.
If you get an error saying 'Daily upload limit reached' when trying to upload a video on YouTube, try again in 24 hours.
Other
You may get an error message when you upload a file in the wrong format. Make sure that you're using a supported file type. You can also try changing your codecs or editing software.