How to Upload YouTube Shorts from PC

A girl making YouTube Shorts.

Are you ready to join the trend and start uploading YouTube Shorts directly from your PC? Shorts are an exciting way to connect with audiences, capture quick moments, and share creative clips in a format perfect for today’s fast-paced world. In this step-by-step guide, we will cover everything you need to know to upload Shorts on YouTube from your PC, including upload requirements, video details, visibility options, and even how to manage your thumbnails. So, let’s get started!

Step 1: Upload Your Video

  1. Sign in to YouTube – Go to youtube.com and sign into your account.
  2. Access the Upload Feature – In the top right corner, click on the camera icon with the plus sign and select “Upload Video.”
  3. Select Your File – Choose the video file you want to upload. You can drag and drop your file or browse your computer to select it.

Step 2: Upload Requirements for YouTube Shorts

So, how long can a YouTube Short be? To ensure your video qualifies as a YouTube Short, keep these requirements in mind:

  • Vertical Aspect Ratio – The video must have a vertical aspect ratio (either square or up to 9:1).
  • Length – Shorts can now be up to three minutes, though one minute is ideal for maximum impact.

YouTube will automatically detect that this is a Short and categorize it accordingly.

Step 3: Enter Video Details

Once you’ve uploaded your file, it’s time to add essential details:

  • Title and Description – Create a catchy title and add a description to engage viewers.
  • Thumbnail – While you can’t set a custom thumbnail on a desktop, you can still edit this later on mobile.
  • Audience – Choose whether the video is made for kids or general audiences.

If needed, check additional options under Show More for more settings.

All look good? Then, in the bottom right-hand corner click on “Next”.

Step 4: Video Elements – Add Related Videos (Optional)

To boost viewer engagement, consider adding a related video link. This allows you to link your YouTube Short to another video on your channel, whether it’s another Short or a long-form video. This option helps keep your audience on your channel for longer.

A girl recording the YouTube Shorts video.
Image by Canva.

Step 5: Set Visibility and Schedule

On this last screen, you can configure the visibility of your video. You have a few visibility options for your YouTube Short:

  • Private – Only you and selected people can view it.
  • Unlisted – Accessible only to those with the link.
  • Public – Visible to everyone on YouTube.

Down below you can also schedule your Short:

  • Schedule – Set a specific time for your Short to go live.

After selecting your preferred option, click “Save” to complete the upload process!

Step 6: Edit Details for Existing Shorts

After uploading, you can always manage your Shorts within YouTube Studio:

  • Go to Content and select the Shorts tab to view all uploaded Shorts.
  • Use the pencil icon next to each video to edit the title, description, or other settings.
  • Change the visibility status if needed to make a Short public or private.

Changing Thumbnails (Using the Mobile App)

To update your thumbnail, use the YouTube mobile app:

  • Open the Shorts tab on your channel, select the Short, and click on the three dots.
  • Choose Edit and select a new frame from the video as the thumbnail. Click Save to confirm the change.

Supported File Formats

YouTube Shorts accepts several standard video file formats, including:

  • MP4 (recommended due to wide compatibility and high-quality compression),
  • MOV (another high-quality format, often preferred for iOS devices),
  • AVI, MKV, and WebM formats are also accepted, though they may result in larger file sizes and longer upload times.

MP4 and MOV are generally the best choices, as they offer high quality with efficient compression, which is ideal for both upload speed and viewer experience on Shorts!

In Conclusion

Uploading Shorts on YouTube from your PC doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these steps, you can quickly share exciting moments and capture your audience’s attention.

Engage your viewers, and have fun creating content that stands out. Now that you know how to upload Shorts on YouTube, get ready to inspire and connect with your community on a new level!

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