How long does it take to upload a video to YouTube?

July 15, 2022
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Creating a YouTube video can take some time, but uploading it is not easy either. The processing time for a YouTube video takes ages. So, if you want to publish a video and plan your time accordingly, this article will give a closer look into it. 

What does it mean when my YouTube video is processing?

YouTube must first convert your video's files into a form that uses less memory and processor power, render the new file, create copies of the files in different resolutions, and optimize that file for the device you are watching from. 

In short, when processing, YouTube compresses files, stores the files, creates multiple versions of the files, and then prepares the files so people can enjoy them.

How does YouTube video processing work?

Five hundred hours of new videos are uploaded to YouTube every minute. They make copies of each of those videos in different resolutions and save them to many servers. 

When you watch a YouTube video, you’re not watching the original file - you’re watching a copy that YouTube picked for you based on your connection speed and video quality preferences. You can enjoy high-quality videos anywhere, even if your internet connection isn’t solid. 

Does YouTube processing require the Internet?

Yes, YouTube processing requires the internet. A good and stable internet connection is required for uploading a video on YouTube. 

How long does it take for a video to process on YouTube?

How long does YouTube take to process HD?

HD videos can take around 30 seconds to 1 minute for complete processing. A 10-minute video can take between 5 and 10 minutes to be fully processed. 

The time it takes to process your video depends on its length, the resolution you exported the video in, and the video quality (i.e., size).

A 10-minute HD YouTube video can take about 5-10 minutes of processing. But, if the bitrate and frame rate are much higher, it can take a couple of minutes longer. 

How long does YouTube take to process 4K?

A 4K video that is 10 minutes long can take about 8-15 minutes to be processed. However, it might take around 20 to 40 minutes if the bitrate and frame rate are higher. 

That is the reason a 4K video takes longer. YouTube says that a 4K video that is sixty minutes long and has a frame rate of 30 fps can take four hours to finish high-resolution processing.

We have found this to be a bit shorter, but it all comes down to the video quality. But because YouTube has to process everything and will transcode most videos, a slight delay does not hurt anyone. 

How long does it take to upload a 7-minute video on YouTube?

A 7-minute video typically takes around 7 minutes to upload if it is in HD. For 4K quality, it might take about 10 minutes. 

How long does a 15-minute video take to upload on YouTube?

By default, YouTube allows videos that are 15 minutes long, and the upload time for the same is about 10-15 minutes. 

However, it depends on the file size and the upload speed. If the file size is less because it is compressed, it might take less time than usual. 

Can I leave YouTube while a video is processing?

Don't shut down your computer or go to sleep until the upload is complete when you upload a video. If you leave, this will hinder the upload process. 

But after the upload is complete, you can put your computer on standby and turn it off, which means you do not have to be on your computer when the video is processed. 

Once the video is uploaded, you can leave your computer.

Why is my YouTube video taking so long to process?

When uploading a video to YouTube, your file size, Internet bandwidth, and traffic volume can affect the amount of time it takes to upload. 

Your Internet Service Provider might slow down video uploads during busy hours. If the file size is larger, it can also need more time to upload. 

These might be the reasons why your video is taking longer to process. 

Why is my YouTube livestream still processing?

While YouTube is processing your last stream, you may encounter a message stating, “YouTube is currently processing the last stream.” 

If you're still experiencing this error after the stream has been processed, please check for any live stream videos still processing in Creator Studio and manually delete these.

How can I Speed up YouTube uploads?

The primary reason for slowing down YouTube uploads is slow internet upload speed. 

To address slow upload time with YouTube, try to limit the number of other devices connected to your internet. 

Close any downloading or uploading programs, and use a LAN cable to connect your laptop directly to the router. If you continue to have problems, it's time to upgrade your internet plan.

What To Do if Your YouTube Processing is Stuck?

Stay patient! If your video takes a while to finish processing, we recommend uploading it again. Don't delete the first version of the video file because it's probably still processing slowly. 

You can delete the other version when the upload is complete or has finished processing. 

These files are all private until you publish them, so you needn't worry about your viewers seeing double.

However, if both the files are stuck, maybe try uploading at a different time with a better internet speed or just check the video format. 

How to resume YouTube upload?

You can resume uploading a video if an upload is interrupted. Go to YouTube and select the same file from your computer to continue to do this. 

However, you can pick up right where you left off as long as it's within 24 hours and using the same file on your computer.

Why are my videos blurry on YouTube after uploading?

YouTube videos are blurry because it takes time to process the HD version of your video. While this is happening, you will see a blurry video in lower quality versions, like 240p, 360p, or 480p.

This is because YouTube has already made a lower-quality version of your HD video. Another common mistake is not having a good internet connection while watching a high-definition version of your video. 

If you have a slow connection, you will most likely be put onto a low-quality version of the video and may experience buffering. 

Tips and Hacks for Faster YouTube Video Uploads

Please remember that downloading other videos, opening different apps, or playing online games will slow down your internet speed when you upload a video. 

If possible, try to use a household Wi-Fi connection instead of a public Wi-Fi network. Besides that, you can also try these steps:

Compress The Video

Compressing the video file using the proper format will reduce the time required to upload videos on YouTube.This way, you can upload videos easily and without compromising their quality. 

Publish Videos Just Before Your Peak Time

If you're uploading a video during peak hours on YouTube, it may take longer to be uploaded. Try uploading your video between 2 and 4 pm on weekdays or post a bit early (between 10 am and 11 am) on weekends to avoid this. 

Always consider the best time to upload videos on YouTube according to your viewers’ daily routine, schedule, and habits. 

You should upload the video just before your viewers are expected to come online.

Clear Your Browser’s Cache

When uploading a video to YouTube, you must clear your browser's cache, cookies, and history. This will ensure that the information on your browser doesn't cause problems when uploading.

Remove Unnecessary Files and Programs

By removing unnecessary files and unused programs, you can help your computer speed up the video uploading time.

FAQs: How Long Does it Take to Upload a Video to YouTube

How long does it take for YouTube to process 1440p?

1440p videos take longer to process. It might take around 12-14 hours to get processed, and on some days, it might even fail to upload after 24 hours. To avoid this, ensure you have fast internet speeds (We recommend upload speeds from 8 Mbps to 22 Mbps, depending on your video’s fps). 

How long does it take to upload a 1-minute video on YouTube?

A 1-minute video shot in 1080p at 60 frames per second will take about 25 seconds to upload at 20 megabits per second and 30 to 45 seconds to get processed by YouTube. 

A one-minute 4K video shot at 30 frames per second takes about 2 minutes to upload and 1 to 2 minutes to get processed by YouTube. 

How Long It Takes to Upload a Video to YouTube

How long does a 20-minute video take to process on YouTube?

A 20-minute video will take around 10 minutes to upload, and then it will take several minutes (about 10-20 minutes ) to process. 

How long does a 30-minute video upload to YouTube take?

Depending on the type and size of your video file, uploading can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. 

The processing time varies considerably based on the format of your original video, its file size, and the volume of our upload traffic. Higher-resolution formats can take hours to process. 

How do I upload a 40-minute video to YouTube?

You can upload a 40-minute video by first verifying your Google Account. 

Go to YouTube's verification page in your web browser, log in (or sign up), and then follow the instructions to verify your account. 

You'll need to get a verification code using your mobile phone with a text message or an automated voice call. 

To upload a 40-minute video from your mobile phone, you need to follow these steps- 

  1. On your device, open the YouTube app.
  2. Tap the plus sign at the bottom of the screen and then tap "Upload a video" from the pop-up window.
  3. To be able to upload a longer video, you'll need to create a channel for it first. 
  4. Enter your video's title and other details, and tap "Next." 
  5. On the Select Audience page, answer questions about whether it's intended for kids and then tap "Upload." 
  6. Your video will need to be verified by entering a mobile phone number or using an automated voice call. You can also find this confirmation code in the email address associated with your Google Account.
  7. Once you have verified your account, you will be able to complete the upload and publish longer videos to YouTube.

How long does it take to upload a 1 hour YouTube video?

If you have at least an upload speed of 10 megabits per second or higher, you can upload a one-hour video at 1080p resolution in approximately fifteen to twenty minutes. For 4K videos, you will need more time. 

How long does a 2 hour YouTube video take to upload?

High-definition videos take longer to upload than standard videos. Depending on your internet speed, a two-hour video can take up to two hours to upload. If your video is 4K (four times larger than 1080P) and has 30fps, it can take up to four hours to upload.

Conclusion: How Long Does it Take to Upload a Video to YouTube

If you want as many people to view your videos, YouTube is the place to share them. Having an engaging intro for your YouTube video will attract attention. 

You can use OFFEO’s intro maker to create intros that will catch the eye of your audience. Go ahead and register with OFFEO to use more of our tools. 

Written By
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