How to Upload YouTube Shorts

Learning how to upload YouTube Shorts correctly is essential for maximizing your content's reach and ensuring it appears in the Shorts feed. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about uploading YouTube Shorts successfully.

YouTube Shorts Upload Requirements

Technical Specifications

Video Requirements for YouTube Shorts:


  • Duration: Maximum 60 seconds

  • Aspect Ratio: Vertical (9:16) or square (1:1)

  • Resolution: Minimum 720p (1080p recommended)

  • File Format: MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, FLV, WebM

  • File Size: Maximum 256GB or 12 hours

Important Note: Videos must be 60 seconds or shorter to qualify as Shorts, regardless of other specifications.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Upload YouTube Shorts

Method 1: Upload YouTube Shorts via Desktop (YouTube Studio)

Step 1: Access YouTube Studio


  1. Go to studio.youtube.com

  2. Sign in to your YouTube account

  3. Click "Create" button (camera icon with +)

  4. Select "Upload video"


Step 2: Upload Your Shorts Video


  1. Drag and drop your video file or click "SELECT FILES"

  2. Choose your YouTube Shorts video file

  3. Wait for upload to complete

  4. Proceed to video details section


Step 3: Optimize Video Details


  1. Title: Include relevant keywords and #Shorts hashtag

  2. Description: Add #Shorts hashtag (essential for Shorts feed)

  3. Thumbnail: YouTube auto-generates, but you can choose from options

  4. Audience: Select appropriate audience setting

  5. Category: Choose relevant category for your content


Step 4: Publish Your YouTube Shorts


  1. Choose visibility (Public recommended for maximum reach)

  2. Click "Publish" or schedule for later

  3. Video will process and appear in Shorts feed within minutes

Method 2: Upload YouTube Shorts via Mobile App

Step 1: Open YouTube Mobile App


  1. Launch YouTube app on your smartphone

  2. Tap the "+" (Create) button at bottom

  3. Select "Create a Short" or "Upload a video"


Step 2: Select Your Video


  1. Choose video from your device gallery

  2. Ensure video meets Shorts requirements

  3. Use editing tools if needed


Step 3: Add Details and Upload


  1. Add title with keywords and #Shorts

  2. Include description with relevant hashtags

  3. Select thumbnail option

  4. Tap "Upload" to publish

YouTube Shorts Upload Optimization

Title Optimization for Upload

Best Practices for YouTube Shorts Titles:


  • Keep titles under 60 characters

  • Include primary keywords naturally

  • Add #Shorts hashtag when relevant

  • Use compelling, action-oriented language

  • Test different title formats


Example Titles:


  • "5 Quick Marketing Tips #Shorts"

  • "Behind the Scenes: How We Create Content #Shorts"

  • "Product Demo in 60 Seconds #Shorts"

Description Optimization

Essential Description Elements:


  • #Shorts hashtag: Critical for Shorts feed inclusion

  • Relevant keywords: Include 3-5 related keywords

  • Call-to-action: Encourage engagement

  • Channel promotion: Mention related content

  • Contact information: For business inquiries


Description Template:


Quick tutorial on [topic] that every [target audience] needs to know!


What's your biggest challenge with [topic]? Let me know in the comments!


🔔 Subscribe for daily tips

📱 Follow us on [social media]

💼 Business inquiries: [email]


#Shorts #[TopicKeyword] #[IndustryKeyword]

Common YouTube Shorts Upload Issues and Solutions

Upload Problems and Fixes

Issue 1: Video Not Appearing in Shorts Feed


  • Solution: Ensure #Shorts hashtag in title or description

  • Check: Video duration under 60 seconds

  • Verify: Vertical orientation (9:16 aspect ratio)


Issue 2: Poor Video Quality After Upload


  • Solution: Upload at minimum 720p resolution

  • Tip: Use 1080p for best quality

  • Check: Stable internet connection during upload


Issue 3: Upload Processing Stuck


  • Solution: Check internet connection stability

  • Try: Refresh browser or restart app

  • Alternative: Try uploading during off-peak hours


Issue 4: Copyright Claims


  • Solution: Use YouTube Audio Library music

  • Avoid: Copyrighted music without proper licensing

  • Check: Video content for copyrighted material

YouTube Shorts Upload Best Practices

Timing Your Upload

Optimal Upload Times:


  • General Best Times: 2-5 PM and 8-11 PM

  • Weekend Performance: Saturday and Sunday often perform well

  • Consistency: Upload at similar times regularly

  • Audience Analysis: Check your YouTube Analytics for peak times

Content Preparation Before Upload

Pre-Upload Checklist:


  • Video duration under 60 seconds

  • Vertical orientation (9:16 ratio)

  • High-quality audio and video

  • Engaging thumbnail frame selected

  • Title and description optimized

  • Relevant hashtags researched

  • Call-to-action planned

Post-Upload Actions

After Uploading YouTube Shorts:


  1. Share immediately on other social platforms

  2. Engage with early comments to boost algorithm signals

  3. Monitor performance in first few hours

  4. Cross-promote in community posts or stories

  5. Analyze metrics and adjust future content

YouTube Shorts Upload Analytics

Tracking Upload Performance

Key Metrics to Monitor:


  • Views and impressions within first 24 hours

  • Click-through rate from Shorts shelf

  • Average view duration percentage

  • Subscriber growth from Shorts

  • Engagement rate (likes, comments, shares)


Using YouTube Analytics:


  1. Go to YouTube Studio

  2. Click "Analytics" tab

  3. Select "Shorts" section

  4. Review performance metrics

  5. Compare with previous uploads

Advanced Upload Strategies

Batch Upload Planning

Content Calendar Approach:


  • Plan weekly Shorts topics

  • Prepare multiple videos in advance

  • Schedule uploads for optimal times

  • Maintain consistent posting frequency

  • Track themes that perform best

A/B Testing Uploads

Test Different Elements:


  • Upload times and days

  • Title formats and keywords

  • Thumbnail selections

  • Description lengths

  • Hashtag combinations

Integration with Long-Form Content

Strategic Upload Coordination:


  • Use Shorts to tease longer videos

  • Upload Shorts before main content releases

  • Create Shorts from highlights of longer videos

  • Cross-reference between Shorts and regular content

Uploading YouTube Shorts for Business

Business Account Considerations

Professional Upload Practices:


  • Maintain consistent brand voice in titles

  • Use branded thumbnails when possible

  • Include business contact information

  • Track ROI from Shorts uploads

  • Integrate with overall marketing strategy

Content Series Upload Strategy

Building Audience Through Series:


  • Upload related Shorts in sequences

  • Use consistent naming conventions

  • Number episodes for easy following

  • Promote series across uploads

  • Create playlists for series organization


Successfully uploading YouTube Shorts requires attention to technical requirements, optimization best practices, and strategic timing. Focus on creating engaging content that meets YouTube's specifications, optimize your titles and descriptions for discovery, and maintain consistent upload schedules to build audience and algorithm favor.


Start implementing these upload strategies today to maximize your YouTube Shorts performance and grow your channel's reach through short-form content.


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