Upload videos

You can upload videos to YouTube in a few easy steps. Use the instructions below to upload your videos from a computer or from a mobile device.

Upload videos

Use the YouTube iOS app to upload videos by recording a new video or selecting an existing one:

  1. Sign in to your channel on the YouTube app.
  2. At the top of the app, tap the camera  .
  3. Record  a new video or select an existing video from your gallery.
  4. Add a title (max 100 characters) and description (max 5,000 characters) to your video. 
  5. (Optional) Use enhancements:
    • Add a filter to your video
    • Add music Music note to your video
    • Trim your video by dragging the edges of the white box beneath your video.
  6. Tap Upload to finish.
  7. Visit studio.youtube.com after your upload to set your video’s audience setting. In order to comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), you’re required to let us know if your content is made for kids.

Sometimes we begin uploading your video while you’re recording the video. We never publish a video without your consent.

Watch an example

If you’d like a demo of how to upload videos on your iPhone or iPad, watch the following video.

Upload to YouTube using your iPhone or iPad

Learn more about uploading videos

Upload over mobile network vs. Wi-Fi

You can change the type of connection used to upload your videos.

  1. Tap your profile picture .
  2. Tap Settings.
  3. In the “Uploads” box, toggle “Upload over Wi-Fi only” on or off.

Learn the difference between “upload” and “publish”

When you upload a video, the video file is imported to YouTube.
When you publish a video, the video is available for anyone with access to watch it.
Publish vertical videos
When you publish your video, YouTube will figure out the best way to display the content. For the best experience, don’t add black bars to the sides of your vertical video. Whether the video is vertical, square, or horizontal, the video will fit the screen.
Was this helpful?
How can we improve it?