How To Upload A YouTube Video Not As A Short?
Want to upload a longer YouTube video? It’s easier than you think! This guide will show you how to upload a YouTube video not as a Short, ensuring your content is properly categorized and reaches the right audience.
Understanding YouTube Shorts vs. Standard Videos
YouTube Shorts, introduced to compete with platforms like TikTok, are vertical videos with a maximum length of 60 seconds. Standard YouTube videos, on the other hand, can be much longer and typically offer a horizontal viewing experience. Understanding the difference is crucial to ensure your content is categorized and presented correctly. Mistaking a standard video for a Short can severely limit its reach and impact.
The Benefits of Uploading as a Standard Video
Why bother ensuring your video isn’t uploaded as a Short? The benefits are significant:
- Longer Content Allowed: Standard videos can be as long as you need them to be, allowing for in-depth tutorials, vlogs, or documentaries.
- Monetization Options: Longer videos are more conducive to monetization, as they can accommodate more ad breaks.
- Better Watch Time: Longer watch times signal to YouTube that your content is engaging, potentially boosting your video’s ranking in search results and recommendations.
- Greater Creative Control: You have more freedom to tell your story and structure your content in a way that best suits your message.
- Wider Audience Reach: While Shorts can attract viewers, many users still primarily engage with standard YouTube videos.
Step-by-Step Guide: Uploading a Non-Short YouTube Video
Here’s a comprehensive guide to how to upload a YouTube video not as a Short:
- Prepare Your Video: Ensure your video is longer than 60 seconds and ideally formatted for horizontal (16:9) viewing.
- Access YouTube Studio: Log in to your YouTube account and navigate to YouTube Studio (studio.youtube.com).
- Upload Your Video: Click the “Create” button in the top-right corner and select “Upload video.”
- Select Your File: Choose the video file you want to upload from your computer.
- Add Details: Provide a compelling title, a detailed description, and relevant tags. This is crucial for discoverability.
- Choose a Thumbnail: Select a visually appealing thumbnail image to attract viewers.
- Select Audience: Indicate whether your video is made for kids or not.
- Add Subtitles, End Screens, and Cards: Enhance viewer engagement by adding subtitles, end screens, and cards.
- Check Video: YouTube will perform checks for copyright issues and ad suitability.
- Visibility: Choose whether to publish your video immediately, schedule it for a later date, or keep it private/unlisted.
- Publish: Click the “Publish” button to make your video live.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Uploading a Vertical Video Longer Than 60 Seconds: Although YouTube may not always classify it as a Short, it’s best practice to use horizontal videos for longer content.
- Forgetting to Add a Title and Description: Missing these elements drastically reduces your video’s visibility.
- Using a Low-Resolution Thumbnail: A blurry or unappealing thumbnail can deter viewers from clicking on your video.
- Not Optimizing for Search: Research relevant keywords and incorporate them into your title, description, and tags.
- Ignoring Audience Interaction: Respond to comments and engage with your viewers to build a community.
Ensuring Proper Formatting
| Feature | Standard Video | YouTube Short |
|---|---|---|
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 (Ideally) | 9:16 |
| Maximum Length | Unlimited | 60 seconds |
| Video Style | Horizontal | Vertical |
| Monetization | Full options | Limited |
Following these formatting guidelines will help you avoid accidentally uploading your video as a Short.
Promoting Your Newly Uploaded Video
Once your video is live, it’s time to promote it! Share it on social media, embed it on your website, and encourage viewers to subscribe to your channel. The more you promote your video, the more likely it is to reach a wider audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I accidentally upload a long video as a Short?
If you accidentally upload a video longer than 60 seconds with a vertical aspect ratio, YouTube might classify it as a Short. However, the algorithm is constantly evolving. It’s always best to ensure your longer videos are horizontal to avoid any confusion. You can try re-uploading it in the correct format if it’s misclassified.
Can I convert a Short into a standard video after it’s been uploaded?
Unfortunately, YouTube doesn’t offer a direct way to convert a Short into a standard video. Your best option is to delete the Short and re-upload the video using the standard upload process.
How important are tags for YouTube videos?
Tags are extremely important for helping YouTube understand what your video is about. Use relevant keywords that viewers might search for to find your content. Think of them as digital breadcrumbs that lead viewers to your video.
What is the ideal length for a YouTube video?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but videos between 8 and 15 minutes tend to perform well because they provide enough time for in-depth content while still holding viewers’ attention. However, the best length depends on the topic and your audience’s preferences.
How can I improve my video’s search ranking on YouTube?
To improve your video’s search ranking, optimize your title, description, and tags with relevant keywords. Also, focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that keeps viewers watching. Encourage them to like, comment, and subscribe.
Does the resolution of my video affect its performance on YouTube?
Yes, higher resolution videos generally perform better. YouTube prioritizes videos with good visual quality. Aim for at least 1080p (HD) for a crisp and clear viewing experience.
How often should I upload videos to YouTube?
Consistency is key. Establish a regular upload schedule that you can maintain. Whether it’s once a week or several times a week, sticking to a schedule helps build anticipation and keep your audience engaged.
How do I create an eye-catching thumbnail?
Use a high-resolution image that accurately represents your video’s content. Incorporate text that clearly communicates the video’s topic. Use bright colors and a simple design to capture attention.
What are end screens and cards, and how do they help?
End screens appear in the last 5-20 seconds of your video and allow you to promote other videos, playlists, or your channel. Cards are interactive elements that appear as small notifications and can link to external websites, other videos, or polls. Both are valuable tools for increasing engagement and driving viewers to more of your content.
Is it better to schedule my videos or upload them immediately?
Scheduling your videos allows you to upload them at a time when your audience is most active. Analyze your YouTube Analytics to determine the best times to post. Scheduling also helps you maintain a consistent upload schedule.
How do I analyze my video’s performance on YouTube?
YouTube Analytics provides valuable insights into your video’s performance, including views, watch time, audience retention, and demographics. Use this data to understand what’s working and what’s not, and adjust your content strategy accordingly.
What if my video keeps getting classified as a Short, even when it’s longer than 60 seconds?
If your video is consistently being classified as a Short despite being longer than 60 seconds and having a horizontal aspect ratio, contact YouTube support for assistance. It’s possible there’s a technical issue or a bug in the system. Double-check that you followed the proper steps for how to upload a YouTube video not as a Short, and remember that the YouTube algorithm can sometimes be unpredictable.