How to Upload Videos to YouTube – Part One

YouTube is a popular website that allows its users to upload their home videos from their computer to share with the public, family and friends. They host the video on their site for as long as you want it there. To take advantage of this free service, you need to know how to upload your videos.

First you need a digital camera with video capabilities or a small camcorder. You Tube doesn't allow videos longer than 8 1/2 minutes so make your video brief. The longer the video the longer it will take to upload also. Press the record button on your video recorder and record what you want to broadcast to the world.

Next grab your USB cable. If you have not installed the software for your video camcorder you need to do this before you connect the USB cables. Just place your installation CD into your computer and follow the on screen instructions. Once you have installed the software connect your USB cable. Plug one end into the video recorder and the other end into the computer.

Next some windows should open up on your computer screen. One of the tabs should direct you to import your media files on to the computer. Select this option and import your videos onto the computer. Name your video so you can find it easily when you go look for it later. I recommend selecting the option to delete the files off your recorder after uploading. Once the videos are uploaded to your computer go to www.Youtube.com

Become a member by going to the signup page on the YouTube website and create a username and password. If the username you are attempting to create is already taken, the words "username unavailable" will appear beside your entry. You will have to try another.

YouTube will send you a confirmation email. Check your email and click the link provided to verify you submitted the correct email address.

Go to the YouTube website. Find and click the "Upload Videos" link in the upper right hand corner of your computer screen.

Type details and descriptions about your video. Title your video. Include a description of its contents. Decide on tags for your video. These are the keywords that will pull up your video when searched for by other users. Don't forget to pick the best category for your video.

Select "Continue Uploading" at the bottom of the page. Then click "Browse" and locate the video on your computer that you want to upload.

Click on the video you want to upload, then click "Open." Choose if you would like your video to be available to the public, or if you   want only chosen friends and family to see it. Select "Upload Video" to start the process of transferring from your computer to the YouTube website.

Allow up to five minutes for every megabyte of your video. This time can be faster or slower, depending on your connection type.

Check out the video below for step by step instructions: