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How to Upload a Video Instead of a Short on YouTube

If you’re aiming to upload a standard video instead of a Short, this guide will walk you through

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how to upload a video instead of a short on youtube
YouTube logo. (Photo: GCN)
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YouTube is a versatile platform that allows creators to share content in various formats, including standard videos and YouTube Shorts.

While Shorts are great for quick, vertical, and engaging content under 60 seconds, standard videos offer more flexibility for longer, in-depth storytelling or tutorials over a minute+.

If you’re aiming to upload a standard video instead of a Short, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can confidently upload your video to YouTube.

Why choose a standard long video over a Short?

Before diving into the how-to, let’s clarify the difference:

* YouTube Shorts: Vertical videos (9:16 aspect ratio) up to 60 seconds, optimized for mobile viewing and discoverability in the Shorts feed.
* Standard Videos: Can be any length, typically in 16:9 aspect ratio (horizontal), and appear in search results, playlists, and your channel’s video tab.

Uploading a regular video is ideal for tutorials, vlogs, reviews, or any content that requires more time to tell a story or share information. With that in mind, let’s proceed to the process.

Step-by-step guide to uploading a long video on YouTube

To upload a regular video instead of a YouTube Short, use a landscape (horizontal) video with a 16:9 aspect ratio, ensure it’s longer than one minute, and avoid vertical formatting or including #shorts in the title or description.

You can also convert a vertical video into a horizontal one by adding a background and then upload it, using a website like Clideo.

Key factors that make a video a YouTube Short:
  • Aspect Ratio: A vertical, 9:16 aspect ratio.
  • Length: A video that is 60 seconds (1 minute) or less.
  • Hashtags: The inclusion of the hashtag #shorts in the title or description.
How to prevent a video from becoming a Short:

1. Change Aspect Ratio: Ensure your video is in a wide, landscape (16:9) format.
2. Increase Length: Make your video longer than one minute to be considered a regular video.
3. Avoid Hashtags: Do not include #shorts in your video’s title or description.

How to upload your long Video

1. Open YouTube or YouTube Studio: Go to the YouTube website or open the YouTube Studio app.
2. Click “Create”: Tap the Create icon (a plus sign in a circle) to start.
3. Select “Upload videos”: Choose the option to upload a video.
4. Select Your File: Choose your desired video file and click “Next”.
5. Add Details: Add a title, description, and other necessary details for your video.
6. Upload: Complete the upload process by clicking the “Upload” button.

Pro tip: Check your video for audio clarity and visual quality. YouTube’s compression can affect quality, so export at a high bitrate (e.g., 10–20 Mbps for 1080p).

Final thoughts

Uploading a regular video to YouTube instead of a Short is straightforward once you understand the process. By preparing your video, choosing the right upload option, and optimizing your metadata, you can share meaningful content that resonates with your audience.

>> Top 6 Kids YouTube Channels Your Child Should Be Watching Right Now

Written by
JUSTUS KIPRONO -

Justus Kiprono is a freelance journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. He tracks Capital Markets and economic trends, infrastructure reform, government spending, and the financial impacts of state decision-making nationwide. You can reach him: [email protected]

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