A YouTube video, from idea to upload
Everything to do for each video, in order: the idea, the outline, filming, editing, uploading and the first two days online.
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Time: about a week
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The idea
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If you can’t say who it’s for, the idea isn’t ready yet.
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Those are the words people actually use to find it.
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Yours needs to add something: clearer, more current, or more you.
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If they don’t sell you, they won’t sell someone scrolling past.
The outline
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Skip the long intro: viewers want to know they’re in the right place.
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Other people’s material can trigger Content ID claims or copyright strikes.
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The FTC wants the disclosure in the video itself, not just in the description. UK: an upfront “Ad” label.
Filming
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Viewers forgive so-so video; they rarely forgive bad audio.
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A pause before each retake makes editing easy.
Editing
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These are YouTube’s recommended upload encoding settings.
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To upload custom thumbnails, you first need to verify your channel with a phone number.
Uploading
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They’re the only lines people see without expanding it.
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You need at least 3, each at least 10 seconds long.
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Every creator must do this for every video, wherever they live, under COPPA and other laws.
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Not needed for clearly unrealistic effects, beauty filters, or AI used only for the script or captions.
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Viewers will then see an “Includes paid promotion” label.
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They help people watching on mute and viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
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End screens go in the last 5 to 20 seconds of a video at least 25 seconds long; they aren’t available on videos made for kids.
The first two days
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The first tells you whether the title and thumbnail work; the second, whether the video holds attention.
Video live
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Good to know
- YouTube’s rules on kids’ content, altered content and paid promotions apply to every channel, big or small: you answer them every time you upload.
- Tags matter little: YouTube says they play a minimal role in discovery. The title, thumbnail, description and how well the video keeps viewers matter far more.
- Disclosing sponsors isn’t just good manners. In the US, the FTC expects a clear disclosure whenever a brand pays you or gives you something; in the UK, the ASA expects a clear “Ad” label, up front.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a video be?
As long as it takes to deliver on the title, and no longer. Check audience retention: if a lot of people leave halfway, your next one can be shorter.
Can I use a popular song if it’s only a few seconds?
There’s no “safe” length: YouTube warns that even a few seconds of a song can get you a copyright claim. Use music you have the rights to, like the free tracks in the YouTube Studio Audio Library.
Do I have to disclose a product I got for free?
Yes. The FTC counts free or discounted products as a connection viewers should know about. Say it in the video, not just in the description.
Next step
- The calculatorYouTube earnings
- The short guideHow YouTube pay really works
- The routeBecoming a creator
Sources
- YouTube Help — Determine if your content is made for kids
- YouTube Help — Disclosing use of GenAI content
- YouTube Help — Paid product placements, sponsorships and endorsements
- YouTube Help — Video chapters
- YouTube Help — Add end screens to videos
- YouTube Help — Add video thumbnails
- YouTube Help — Recommended upload encoding settings
- YouTube Help — Add tags to your videos
- YouTube Help — Fair use on YouTube
- FTC — Disclosures 101 for social media influencers
- ASA (UK) — How to label ads on social media
For sponsor contracts, copyright and taxes on your earnings, check with a professional if you’re unsure.