Uploading a Video to YouTube

Modified on Thu, 04 May 2023 at 03:25 PM

Sometimes a Module Activity will involve making a video.  We recommend that students upload their video to the YouTube platform and then copy-paste the URL link into a Word Document and upload this into the submission area.


Please also see How to Upload a Module Activity Video Submission onto Moodle


There are many ways to upload a video to YouTube.  You can upload a video from a web browser or smartphone.


You can watch a video tutorial on uploading to YouTube here or, follow the steps below...


Upload a Video via your Web Browser


1. Sign in to your Google Account

You can log into your YouTube account here: https://www.youtube.com/index?hl=en-GB


Make sure you are signed in to the right Google account on YouTube by clicking the profile icon on the top right of the YouTube website, which shows the email address that you’re signed in with.


2. Upload Video with Tube’s Interface

Click the camera icon in the top right corner and select “upload video” (see image 1. below, the camera icon is circled for clarity)   

 


You will see a popup window where you can either select your video file or drag and drop it into the popup. image 2. the YouTube drag and drop popup

Once you’ve selected your video file, YouTube will start the uploading process. Depending on the file size this process can take a few seconds or a few hours.


The best file format for YouTube is MP4 with H.264 video codec / AAC audio codec. This retains high quality while keeping the file size small. 


Video files should also have a 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio for the best viewing experience.


Convert your video file type here: https://video.online-convert.com/convert-to-mp4 


3. Fill Out Your Video’s Details

While the video is uploading, add a title, description, and thumbnail. You can choose one that YouTube auto-generates from your video or you can upload a custom thumbnail. 


You’ll also need to indicate whether your video is suitable for children. You can add tags here too, and upload any closed captions.


4. Choose the visibility of your content. 

There are four options

  • Public: the video goes live immediately. You can also premiere the video, which will set a countdown and allow your viewers to watch the video while interacting with one another.
  • Unlisted: the video is live, but can only be found by people with the link. It won’t show up in the search results just yet.
  • Private: only you and the people you select can view this video.
  • Schedule: set a date and a time when your video will go live.


For the purposes of your Module Activity, we suggest you opt for Unlisted so that only you and your tutor can view your video.


Upload a Video using YouTube Mobile App


Here’s how you can upload videos to YouTube with your phone. Download and install the app on your iPhone or Android phone, if you haven’t already done so.


1. Open the YouTube App and Sign In

Firstly, open the YouTube app. (making sure you are logged in with the right Google account (look in the top right corner). Then from the bar at the bottom of the app, select the “+” (plus) sign that is in a circle (see image 3. below, the circled + in the YouTube app.).




YouTube will open a “Create” menu. Select “Upload a Video” from this menu. If you tap the “Create a Short” option you can make a video of 60 seconds or less, or if you want to stream a video, tap the “Go Live” option.  Neither of these options are suitable for your Module Activity.

If YouTube asks to access your phone’s gallery, tap “Allow Access”.

After selecting “Upload a Video” you will see an “Upload” screen that displays all your phone’s videos. Select the video you would like to upload. Then, when the video begins to play, tap “Next” at the top-right corner of the app.


2. Add Details

You are now on the “Add Details” screen. Tap the “Title” field and enter the name of your video. In the “Add Description” field, add a brief overview of the video subject.

Back to the “Add Details” screen, tap “Location” and add a location to your video. If you want to add your video to a playlist, tap the “Add to Playlists” option. Then at the top-right corner of the app, select “Next.”

3. Visibility / Upload

You then need to tap on the "public" option to “Set Visibility”. Select one of these visibility options for your video, we firmly recommend you opt for Unlisted

  • Public: This allows anyone on YouTube to watch your video.
  • Unlisted: With this option, only the people you share your video’s link with can watch the video.
  • Private: Only you and the people you choose can watch the video.


On the “Select Audience” page choose for who your video is made.  If your video is child friendly, select the “Yes, It’s Made for Kids” option. Otherwise, select the “No, It’s Not Made for Kids”.  If you choose “No, It’s Not Made for Kids,” specify further options by tapping “Age Restriction (Advanced).” 

At the top-right corner of the app, tap “Upload.”  Your video will upload to YouTube. You can find your uploaded videos in the Library > Your Videos section 

YouTube supports the following file formats:

  • .MOV

  • .MPEG4

  • .MP4

  • .AVI

  • .WMV

  • .MPEGPS

  • .FLV

  • 3GPP

  • WebM

  • ProRes

  • CineForm

  • HEVC (h265)

  • DNxHR

Please also see How to Upload a Module Activity Video Submission onto Moodle



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