A Comprehensive Guide for Indian Creators
Step 5. Uploading Your Videos
Once you’ve finished editing your video, you’re ready to upload it to YouTube. Here are some tips:
a. Writing Descriptions
Your video description is one of the most important factors in determining whether or not people will watch your video. It’s important to write a compelling description that provides context and engages your viewers. You should also include relevant keywords to improve your video’s discoverability.
Here are some tips for writing a good video description:
- Start with a strong hook.
- Summarize your video in a few sentences.
- Use relevant keywords.
- Tell the viewer what you want them to do after they watch your video. Do you want them to subscribe to your channel? Like your video? Leave a comment? Be sure to tell them what you want them to do at the end of your description.
b. Creating Thumbnails
Your thumbnail is the first thing that people will see when they come across your video in search results. It’s important to create a thumbnail that is eye-catching and accurately represents your content.
Here are some tips for creating a good thumbnail:
- Use bright and vibrant colors.
- Use bold and clear fonts.
- Use engaging imagery.
- Make sure your thumbnail is relevant to your video content.
- Use text overlays to highlight important information, such as the title of your video or a call to action.
c. Generating Subtitles
Subtitles are important for two reasons: accessibility and SEO. They make your videos accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and they can also help to improve your video’s SEO performance.
YouTube offers auto-generated subtitles, but these can be inaccurate. If you want to ensure that your subtitles are accurate and complete, you can upload your own subtitles.
d. End Cards
End cards are a great way to encourage viewers to take action after they watch your video. You can use end cards to promote other videos, encourage viewers to subscribe to your channel, or direct them to your social media profiles.
Here are some tips for creating effective end cards:
- Keep your end cards short and to the point. Viewers have short attention spans, so you want your end cards to be easy to read and understand quickly.
- Use clear and concise text. Avoid using jargon or technical language.
- Use bright and vibrant colors. This will help your end cards stand out from the rest of your video.
- Use engaging imagery. This could include images of other videos, your social media icons, or your logo.
Once you’ve finished editing your video, you’re ready to upload it to YouTube. Here are some tips on how to optimize your video for success:
“>a. Writing Descriptions
Why is your video description important?
Your video description is one of the most important factors in determining whether or not people will watch your video. It’s important to write a compelling description that provides context and engages your viewers. You should also include relevant keywords to improve your video’s discoverability.
Tips for Writing a Good YouTube Video Description:
- Start with a Compelling Hook: Begin with an attention-grabbing statement, question, or anecdote that intrigues the viewer and sets the tone for the video.
- Summarize Your Video: Provide a concise summary of what the video is about. Explain what viewers can expect to learn or experience by watching.
- Incorporate Relevant Keywords: Use keywords related to your video’s content. These are the terms people are likely to search for on YouTube. Conduct keyword research to find the most relevant ones.
- Include Timestamps (if applicable): If your video covers multiple topics or sections, include timestamps in the description. This helps viewers navigate to specific points of interest.
- Encourage Engagement: Include a call to action (CTA) at the end of your description. Ask viewers to like, comment, subscribe, or share the video.
- Add Links (if relevant): You can include links to related videos, your website, social media profiles, or other resources mentioned in the video.
- Provide Additional Information: Offer context or background information related to the content of the video. This can enhance the viewer’s understanding.
- Use Proper Formatting: Break up your description into paragraphs for readability. You can also use bullet points or numbered lists to organize information.
- Be Transparent and Honest: Ensure that the description accurately represents the content of the video. Misleading or clickbait descriptions can lead to viewer disappointment.
- Optimize for Accessibility: If applicable, provide a brief description of any visual elements for viewers who may be visually impaired.
Tools to Help Write YouTube Video Descriptions:
Google Keyword Planner: This free tool from Google helps you find relevant keywords to include in your video description. It’s especially useful for SEO purposes.
VidIQ: VidIQ offers similar features to TubeBuddy, helping you optimize your video descriptions for better discoverability and engagement.
Grammarly: Grammarly is a writing assistant that checks for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. It ensures your description is well-written and professional.
- Bitly: Bitly is a URL shortening service that can help you create clean and manageable links to include in your video descriptions.
- TubeBuddy: TubeBuddy is a browser extension that provides a range of tools to optimize your YouTube channel, including a keyword explorer and tag suggestions for your video descriptions.
- Hootsuite: Hootsuite is a social media management platform that can schedule and publish video posts on multiple platforms, including YouTube. It can help with cross-promotion in your video descriptions.
Remember, while these tools can be helpful, it’s important to maintain authenticity and relevance in your video descriptions. Avoid overloading your description with keywords or using misleading information to attract viewers. The goal is to provide value and engage your audience genuinely.
b. Creating Thumbnails
Why is your thumbnail important?
Your thumbnail is the first thing that people will see when they come across your video in search results. It’s important to create a thumbnail that is eye-catching and accurately represents your content.
Steps to Create Thumbnails for YouTube Videos:
1.Select a Relevant Image:
Choose an image from your video that accurately represents its content. It could be a captivating frame or a still shot that conveys the essence of the video.
2.Use a High-Quality Image Editor:
Open an image editing software. You can use professional tools like Adobe Photoshop, or free alternatives like GIMP, Canva, or Pixlr.
3.Set the Thumbnail Dimensions:
YouTube recommends a thumbnail size of 1280×720 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio). Adjust the canvas size accordingly.
4.Add Text and Graphics:
Include the video title or a concise, engaging phrase. Use bold and readable fonts. Tools like Canva have a variety of text options. Add any relevant graphics or icons that enhance the visual appeal.
5.Use Vibrant Colors:
Bright and contrasting colors can make your thumbnail stand out. Consider using colors that are consistent with your brand or channel theme.
6.Maintain Clarity and Simplicity:
Thumbnails should be easily understandable, even at smaller sizes. Avoid cluttering with excessive text or intricate details.
7.Ensure Relevance:
The thumbnail should accurately represent the video’s content. Misleading thumbnails can lead to viewer disappointment and decreased trust.
8.Save in the Right Format:
Save the thumbnail as a high-quality JPEG or PNG file. Use compression if needed to reduce file size without sacrificing image quality.
9.Upload the Thumbnail:
Once the thumbnail is ready, upload it to YouTube along with your video. You can do this in the YouTube Studio during the video upload process.
Recommended Tools for Creating Thumbnails:
1. Adobe Photoshop:
Photoshop is a professional-grade image editing software with a wide range of tools and features for creating high-quality thumbnails.
2. Canva:
Canva is a user-friendly online design tool that offers pre-made templates for YouTube thumbnails. It’s great for beginners and requires no graphic design experience.
3. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program):
GIMP is a free and open-source image editor with capabilities similar to Photoshop. It’s a powerful alternative for those who don’t have access to Photoshop
4. Pixlr:
Pixlr is an online photo editing tool that offers both basic and advanced features. It’s a good option for creating thumbnails without the need for software installation.
5. Snappa:
Snappa is an online graphic design tool with a variety of templates, including YouTube thumbnails. It’s easy to use and suitable for creating engaging visuals.
6. Fotor:
Fotor offers a range of design tools, including thumbnail templates. It’s user-friendly and can help you create visually appealing thumbnails.
Remember, your thumbnail should complement your video’s title and description to provide viewers with a clear understanding of what to expect. Experiment with different designs and elements to find what works best for your channel’s style and audience.
c. Generating Subtitles
Why are subtitles important?
Subtitles are important for two reasons: accessibility and SEO. They make your videos accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and they can also help to improve your video’s SEO performance.
How to generate subtitles:
- YouTube offers auto-generated subtitles, but these can be inaccurate. If you want to ensure that your subtitles are accurate and complete, you can upload your own subtitles.
- There are a number of different ways to generate subtitles. You can use a transcription service, or you can create your own subtitles using a video editing software.
Steps to Generate Subtitles in YouTube:
- YouTube Auto-generate (Automatic Captions): YouTube offers an automatic captioning feature that can generate subtitles for your videos. However, note that these may not always be entirely accurate, and they might need manual adjustments.
- Upload Your Own Subtitles: Prepare your subtitles in a compatible format like .srt, .vtt, or .sbv. These files contain the timecodes and corresponding text for each subtitle.
- Using YouTube Studio: Go to your YouTube Studio, find the video you want to add subtitles to, and click on it. Then, go to the ‘Subtitles’ tab.
- Add Subtitles: Click on the ‘Add’ button and select ‘Upload a file’. Choose the subtitle file from your computer.
- Review and Edit: YouTube will attempt to sync the subtitles with your video. Review the generated subtitles for accuracy. Make any necessary adjustments using the YouTube subtitle editor.
- Save and Publish: Once you’re satisfied with the subtitles, click ‘Publish’. Your subtitles will now be available for viewers.
Recommended Tools for Generating Subtitles:
- YouTube Studio: YouTube Studio offers a built-in subtitle editor where you can manually add, edit, and sync subtitles to your videos. It’s a convenient tool provided by YouTube.
- Amara: Amara is a popular platform for creating and editing subtitles. It allows for collaborative subtitling, making it useful for larger projects or when multiple people are involved.
- Rev: Rev is a professional captioning and transcription service. You can upload your video, and they’ll provide accurate subtitles that can be downloaded and directly uploaded to YouTube.
- Subtitld: It is a free, open-source software that allows you to create and edit subtitles for videos. It supports a wide range of subtitle formats.
- Kapwing: Kapwing is an online video editing platform that includes a subtitle maker. You can upload your video and add subtitles using their intuitive interface.
- Happy Scribe: Happy Scribe is an automatic transcription and subtitling tool. It uses speech recognition technology to generate subtitles, which can then be edited as needed.
- Aegisub: Aegisub is a more advanced subtitle editor that provides extensive features for precise subtitle timing and styling. It’s suitable for more complex subtitling projects.
- Subtitle Horse: Subtitle Horse is an online tool for creating subtitles. It allows you to easily add and sync subtitles to your videos.
d. End Cards
Why are end cards important?
End cards are a great way to encourage viewers to take action after they watch your video. You can use end cards to promote other videos, encourage viewers to subscribe to your channel, or direct them to your social media profiles.
Steps to Create End Cards for YouTube Videos:
1. Plan Your End Card:
Decide what elements you want to include in your end card. Common elements include links to other videos, a subscribe button, and social media icons.
2. Choose a Design Software:
Select a graphic design tool or video editing software that you’re comfortable with. Popular choices include Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Canva, or even YouTube’s built-in tools.
3. Set Dimensions:
The standard end card dimensions are 1920 pixels wide by 1080 pixels tall (16:9 aspect ratio), which matches the dimensions of a YouTube video.
4. Design Your End Card:
Create a visually appealing end card that complements your channel’s branding. Add elements like thumbnails of recommended videos, a subscribe button, and icons for social media.
5. Include Call-to-Action Text:
Clearly instruct viewers on what action you want them to take. For example, you can use text like “Subscribe Now!” or “Watch Next”.
6. Export Your End Card:
Save your end card as an image file (e.g., JPEG, PNG) to use in your video editing software.
7. Edit Your Video:
Open your video editing software and import the video you want to add the end card to.
8. Insert the End Card:
Drag and drop the end card image onto the timeline at the end of your video. Ensure it covers the last 20 seconds to comply with YouTube’s guidelines.
9. Add Interactive Elements (Optional):
If you want clickable elements on your end card, use YouTube’s built-in tools to add elements like video thumbnails, a subscribe button, and links to your channel.
10. Review and Export:
Play through the video to make sure the end card looks and works as intended. Then, export the video with the end card included.
Recommended Tools for Creating End Cards:
1. Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator):
Adobe’s suite of design software, including Photoshop and Illustrator, provides powerful tools for creating custom end cards.
2. Canva:
Canva is a user-friendly online graphic design tool that offers pre-made templates for YouTube end cards. It’s a great option for those without graphic design experience.
3. YouTube Studio (Built-in Tools):
YouTube’s Studio offers a simple end screen editor that allows you to add elements like video thumbnails and a subscribe button directly to your video.
4. Filmora:
Filmora is a video editing software with a user-friendly interface that allows you to easily create and add end cards to your videos.
5. InVideo:
InVideo is an online video editing platform that offers end card templates and easy customization options.
6. Snappa:
Snappa is another online graphic design tool that provides templates for YouTube end screens. It’s beginner-friendly and requires no design skills.