How To Upload Videos on YouTube: 31 Key Settings

Uploading videos to YouTube involves more than just hitting the publish button. I need to make sure everything is set up correctly, from choosing the right channel and uploading the video file to fine-tuning the title, description, and thumbnail. This helps boost searchability and ensures my videos appear polished from the start.

During the upload, I pay special attention to details like playlists, tags, playlists, and the correct audience and licensing settings. Managing notifications, playback options, and other advanced features further improves each video's visibility and audience experience.

Key Takeaways

• Properly setting up videos increases searchability and user engagement
• Customizing titles, details, and settings makes videos look professional
• Time-saving upload strategies streamline publishing multiple videos

Selecting the Correct YouTube Channel

Before I upload any content, I double-check that I have selected the right YouTube channel in YouTube Studio. If I have multiple channels on my account, I use the account switcher at the top to choose the correct one.

Tip: Always ensure you are working inside the desired channel to avoid accidentally uploading content to the wrong place.

• In my case, I typically use my main channel.
• The channel selection option is available before clicking Create and then Upload Videos.

Uploading videos to the intended channel keeps content organized and prevents confusion for subscribers. I make this a habit at the very beginning of the process to save time and avoid mistakes later.

Uploading Your Video File

To start, I go to YouTube Studio and make sure I have the correct channel selected. If I have multiple channels, I can switch accounts here. Then I click Create and select Upload videos.

I store my video files on Google Drive, so I select my MP4 file directly from there. It's important to name the video file as close as possible to my intended YouTube title, including relevant keywords. Doing this helps YouTube recognize keywords in the file name even before processing is complete.

As my video uploads, the title field auto-populates with the file name. I recommend preparing your video description in advance. I copy my description—adding bullet points and spaces for clarity—and paste it in the description box. I include a lead magnet at the top and highlight key benefits using a numbered or bulleted list:

• Clear description with keywords
• Lead magnet above the fold
• Bullet-pointed video benefits
• Three relevant hashtags
• Custom chapters for navigation

Next, I upload a custom thumbnail by clicking the thumbnail option and selecting my pre-made PNG file. Although YouTube offers AI-generated thumbnails, I prefer uploading my own for consistent branding.

Once the video and thumbnail are in place, I select the appropriate playlist(s). For audience settings, I confirm whether the video is made for kids; usually, I select No. I specify if there's paid promotion or AI-generated content, depending on the video.

For settings like chapters and feature places, I either let YouTube auto-generate chapters or use my own, and toggle extra features like automatic concepts as needed.

The Tags field allows up to 500 characters. While tags have limited impact, I still add keyword-rich tags, especially for commonly misspelled terms.

I set language preferences, skip irrelevant certification, and allow standard licensing and embedding. Before finalizing, I check that notifications go to subscribers and enable remixing for broader sharing. For monetization—if available—I enable ads at the start and end, but leave midroll ads off to support engagement.

I keep my approach consistent for each upload to save time and ensure all settings are correct.

Optimizing Video Title and Filename

Best Practices For Video File Naming

When uploading a video, I always name the video file as close as possible to the final YouTube title. Using a keyword-rich and descriptive file name helps ensure that the file name matches the actual content and title, which can help with visibility.

I make sure to include relevant keywords in the file name before upload. For example:

This practice gives YouTube immediate context about the video even before processing is finished.

Creating a Keyword-Rich Title

For the video title, I always aim for clarity and relevance. I align the title with common search terms so that viewers and algorithms instantly understand the content.

Tips I follow for writing titles:

• Place main keywords at the beginning
• Be specific about the value (e.g., "How to Create a Blog Post in 5 Minutes with Koala Writer")
• Avoid vague titles; match the file name to the title wherever possible

I make sure that my title reflects the core subject and uses keywords that potential viewers might use in their searches. This not only helps people find the video but allows YouTube to process and categorize it efficiently from the start.

Crafting an Effective Video Description

Using Keywords

I always make sure to include as many relevant keywords as possible in my video description. By talking about the main topics—like koala.ai, Koala Writer, blog post, and how to write a blog post in 5 minutes—I help YouTube and viewers quickly understand what the content covers. I also match my video file name to the video title, using my main keywords there as well, so YouTube gets an early signal about the video's focus.

Example Format:

Structuring With Lead Magnets and Bullet Points

At the very top of my description, I place a clear lead magnet. Directly after, I present the benefits of watching the video as bullet points. This makes the value of the video clear and easy to scan, encouraging viewers to continue watching.

Structure:

• Lead Magnet: Highlight an incentive or resource
• Brief Overview: Short introduction or summary
• Benefits/Bullet Points:
• Key benefit 1
• Key benefit 2
• Key benefit 3
• Key benefit 4

I always check the format to ensure proper spacing and clarity between sections.

Adding Hashtags and Chapters

I add three relevant hashtags at the end of my description, like #KoalaWriter, #KoalaSH, and #KoalaAI. Hashtags help categorize the video and improve discoverability.

I also manually add video chapters. I let YouTube generate chapters automatically for videos where I haven’t created them, but when possible, I add my own to help viewers jump to specific topics.

Checklist:

• Add 2–3 descriptive hashtags
• Include manual chapters:
• 0:00 Introduction
• 1:15 Main Topic
• 3:30 Demo/Walkthrough
• ... and so on

I end the description with another mention of my lead magnet to reinforce the call to action.

Customizing Thumbnails

When I get to the thumbnail step in the upload process, there is an option to use an AI generated thumbnail from YouTube, but I recommend against that at this time. I always upload a custom file that I have created earlier. For my videos, I use PNG files for thumbnails and upload them directly here.

Steps I follow for thumbnails:

1. Create a thumbnail before uploading.
2. Save it as a PNG file.
3. Click the upload thumbnail button in YouTube Studio.
4. Select my custom thumbnail file and upload.

A quick comparison:

Using my own thumbnails ensures my videos look consistent and polished. It also lets me control exactly what viewers see before clicking.

Organizing Playlists

When I'm uploading a video, I make sure to select the most relevant playlists. If I have multiple playlists that fit, I select more than one. This helps group my videos for easier viewing and targets specific audience interests.

Why use playlists?

• They organize related content for viewers.
• They make it easier for users to binge-watch similar topics.
• They support YouTube's algorithm in understanding the content theme.

Example:

By linking each video to focused playlists, I ensure my content stays accessible, organized, and discoverable for both new and returning viewers.

Audience Settings And Restrictions

Designating Made For Kids Content

When uploading a video, YouTube asks if the content is made for kids. I usually select No, this is not made for kids because my videos aren't targeted to children. This avoids any age restrictions being applied.

Steps:

1. Scroll to the Audience section.
2. Choose "No, it's not made for kids" if that applies.

Choosing the correct option is important for compliance and for the intended audience to view the content without unnecessary restrictions.

Paid Promotion Disclosure

If a video includes paid promotion, I need to declare it during the upload process. Most of my videos do not contain paid promotions, so I typically leave this box unchecked.

Checklist:

• Check the paid promotion box if you have any sponsorships or product placements.
• If not, leave it unchecked for regular content.

Failure to disclose paid promotions can lead to compliance issues with YouTube policies.

AI-Generated Content Declaration

YouTube now asks if any part of the video uses AI-generated content. For my standard uploads, I do not use AI-generated video, so I do not select this option.

How I handle it:

• Read the "Altered content" section during upload.
• I confirm that no AI was used for my videos by not checking this box.

This helps maintain transparency about the content's origin and ensures accurate labeling on the platform.

Advanced Video Features

Automatic Chapters

I enable automatic chapters for my videos so that YouTube can generate chapters when I haven't created them myself.
If you'd rather create your own chapters, you can uncheck this feature. Otherwise, leaving it on helps viewers jump to specific sections in the video.

Tip: I still include my own chapters in the description for better control, but automatic chapters offer a helpful backup.

Feature Places

The feature places setting allows automatic tagging of locations in your video.
This is especially useful if you are a travel blogger because viewers can easily see where you are. Since I don't make travel content, I leave this setting as is, and it doesn't impact my videos.

Key Point:

• Useful for geographic or travel-related content
• Not necessary if your videos aren't about specific places

Automatic Concepts

Automatic concepts is an experimental feature by Google that surfaces explanations of unfamiliar terms in your video.
If viewers encounter a term they don't know, this feature can help them learn more without leaving your content.

You can choose to leave this on or off depending on your preference. I generally leave it enabled to assist viewers with new terminology.

Using Tags Strategically

When I add tags to my videos, I focus on placing keyword-rich tags within the 500-character limit provided. Although tags now play a minimal role in helping viewers find your video, I still use them for every upload.

Tags can be particularly helpful if the content or keywords in your video are commonly misspelled. In those cases, using likely misspellings as tags can improve discoverability.

Tag Tips:

• Use relevant keywords that accurately reflect your video’s content.
• Include common misspellings if applicable.
• Fill the character limit where possible, but avoid irrelevant or misleading tags.

While tags have a reduced impact today compared to other metadata like titles and descriptions, they still offer utility for categorizing and clarifying your content to YouTube. I find that giving a little attention to this section helps reinforce what my video is about.

Additional Video Details

Language And Caption Certification

• Video Language: English (UK)
• Caption Certification: I do not use caption certification for my videos.

Recording Date And Location

• Recording Date: I do not enter a specific recording date for my uploads.
• Location: I do not enter a location, as I focus on creating evergreen content rather than location-based topics.

Licensing And Embedding Options

When it comes to licensing, I always select the standard YouTube license for my videos. This covers basic copyright and distribution on the platform.

For embedding, I ensure that embedding is allowed. I regularly use the YouTube embed function to add my videos to my own blog posts. I also allow others to embed my videos on their websites.

Summary of Settings:

These settings help maximize the reach and accessibility of my videos. Enabling embedding and remixing makes content more widely shareable and easy to repurpose.

Notifications For Subscribers

In the upload process, there is a setting labeled "Publish to subscriptions feed and notify subscribers." I always make sure this is turned on. When enabled, this setting ensures that everyone subscribed to my channel receives a notification about my new video.

This feature is crucial for reaching my audience promptly. It helps to maximize early engagement and allows subscribers to stay updated without missing content. Here's a quick overview:

I rely on this option to alert my subscribers whenever I release a new video, making it an essential part of my upload workflow.

Shorts Remixing Permissions

I always allow videos and audio remixing for my YouTube Shorts. Enabling this setting means others can share and repurpose my content without restrictions. This helps extend the reach of my videos and makes sharing easy for anyone interested in using my material.

Shorts Remixing Settings:

• Allowing remixing increases the chances of my content being shared across the platform.
• I have no issue with others remixing or repurposing my content.

If you want your content to be shared and discovered by more people, I recommend enabling these options when you upload your videos.

Choosing A Video Category

When I upload a video to YouTube, I make sure to select the most relevant category for my content. This is important for organizing videos and helping viewers find them.

YouTube offers several categories. For my content, I typically choose Education since my videos focus on teaching tools and workflows.

I just pick the one that best matches my topic. For most of my uploads, Education is the most appropriate, so I select that.

It's straightforward—choose the option that fits your video. I don't adjust the "type" field; I leave it blank. My focus is just on placing my video under the right main category to make it easy for the right audience to find.

Managing Comments And Ratings

When I upload a video, I set the comments section to moderation basic. This helps me filter out inappropriate or irrelevant comments, ensuring the discussion stays constructive and on-topic. I then sort comments by top, making it easier for viewers to see the most relevant interactions first.

For ratings, I always choose to show how many viewers like this video. I leave this feature on because I think it's important for transparency. Hiding likes can seem suspicious, so I keep this visible for everyone.

I prefer allowing viewers to express their feedback openly while maintaining a level of control over what appears in the comments. Using these settings keeps the engagement authentic and professional.

Monetization Settings

Ad Placement Preferences

I am currently testing monetization enabled for my YouTube videos. For ad placement, I allow ads at the start and the end of the video.
I do not enable midroll ads in my content. This is intentional to encourage better user engagement and viewing experience.

Ad Placement Settings

I recommend reviewing these options based on your own channel goals and audience preferences. For now, this approach aligns best with how I want viewers to interact with my videos.

Content Rating Submission

When I reach the content rating section, I review the options presented to confirm the nature of my video. I clearly select that my video contains none of the controversial content types specified by YouTube.

Submission Process:

• I read through the checklist provided for content restrictions.
• I check the applicable statements. For my uploads, this usually means confirming there is no controversial or restricted content present.
• I then submit the rating by clicking the provided button.

Tips:

• Completing this section accurately helps ensure appropriate viewing settings and avoids unnecessary age restrictions.
• Here’s a quick overview of my selections:

I always make sure my choice reflects the actual content of my video and that everything in this section is double-checked before I proceed. This keeps my videos in good standing with YouTube’s policies.

Time-Saving Upload Tips

To make uploads faster, I always prepare my materials in advance. Before uploading, I create the video file (MP4), a thumbnail (PNG), a detailed video description, and a blog post version. Having everything ready in a folder lets me select and upload all the necessary files quickly.

Efficient Steps:

• Name the video file as close to the final title as possible, including keywords. This helps YouTube pull the correct title and metadata.
• Copy and paste a pre-written description. I lead with a strong offer, add key points in bullet lists, and include hashtags and chapters.
• Use my custom thumbnail by uploading it directly, rather than opting for the AI-generated option.
• Select or create playlists as needed to organize my videos.

Useful Upload Settings Table:

Extra Tip:
When uploading multiple videos, I use the same description template and settings for each upload. This approach saves time and keeps my channel consistent.