How to upload 4k video to YouTube 2024 on pc

Most creators forget THIS when they upload high quality HD and 4K video on youtube... 360p video quality fix.

Uploading a video to YouTube in 4k only works if you actually upload a video-file in a 4k resolution.
In Davinci Resolve in the export tab, you can select 3840x2160, which is technical speak for 4k.

YouTube published a recommendation for uploading videos in the highest quality, make sure to check that out if you don’t know what to select during the export.
Personally I found that selecting h265 has a better quality than h264.

To check if your software exported a 4k file
Under windows goto File Explorer and right click on the file go to properties, in the details tab then you can find over here the video resolution.
Under MacOS it works somewhat similar, in finder or on the desktop: Right click on a file, choose “get info” and under “more info” you can find the resolution.
The resolution you find here, is the highest resolution that you are going to get on YouTube.

A video file can have only one resolution.
If you want to mix resolutions, you need to either upscale or downscale some of the footage in your video editing software.

Defaults 360p
For some YouTube viewers, YouTube defaults to 360p or 1080p in the video player, even if it is a 4k video.
Viewers have to manually force it to the highest resolution.
YouTube decides that automatically for the user, there is nothing you can do about this.

In the video I'll walk you step-by-step through the 4k upload process
Whether you upload HD/4K or 8k this upload process that I’m going to show you is exactly the same for all resolutions.

How to upload high quality video on youtube:
go to this create icon on the top right corner of your screen.

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🔴 *** MY PRODUCTS & GUIDES ***

⏰ TABLE OF CONTENTS ⏰
• 0:00 How to upload high quality video to youtube
• 6:13 video elements
• 8:39 Checks (copyright)
• 9:08 visibility
• 10:49 Not getting 4K? Check this

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🔴 *** ABOUT ME ***
My name is Dexxter Clark from The Netherlands.
I've been on YouTube since 2010 but got serious in 2017 with my YouTube channel about DJing in 2017.
My background is in software engineering, theatre and a local television station.
Over the years I've experimented with multiple YouTube channels, so now I can advice starters.

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Social Video PLaza channel is all about helping YouTube creators with YouTube tips and tricks to succeed with their YouTube channel.
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🔎 HASHTAGS
#uploadyoutubevideo

[socialvideoplaza]

if you don't upload a video in 4K video quality, it will never display in 4K on YouTube.
Check the export settings of your video editing program.

[corporatebreathify]

Great video. Ive been searching for videos all over and this was the most helpful. I like how you put the youtube recommendations at the end. Big help, Thanks!

[KiwiHawk-downunder-nz]

Really not helping me at all, my search was "make a 4k desktop readable on youtube videos" I see so many 4K videos and you need 10 maginfing glass's to read the text

[MarblesForYourMindAI]

Is it possible to upgrade my video to 4K when its already being viewed on You Tube? Thanks for all your great advice so far!

[sHoTz.]

Which software do u use to make your thumbnails

[MiGzZ_X]

Even though i dont have a 4k monitor i can upscale in 4k for my 1080 videos?

[MyStampingMyPolish]

Have you made a newer version of this video ? and what about everybody paying for wiews now a days(promote video)

[AprilClayton]

Are you zooming in on the browser in OBS, or in editing after? I use OBS to screen record and was wondering if you can zoom in on the window you are recording in OBS

[pesarirooni]

thank you for the video. Could you please tell me if I can edit multiple clips using YouTube Studio? I used Clipchamp but it downgrades from 4K to 1080P. Thank you

[stonkerontheroad]

I uploaded a 5.7k video last night but it only plys at 480. Do I just have to be patient for higher resolution or do I need to do something? I didn't export it, I just uploaded the mp4 file

[JamesCAsphalt]

The title is how upload a "4k" video, NOT HOW TO UPLOAD A VIDEO. I am so frustrated. My videos will only upload to HD and I can't figure out what changed. Every video starts from the day the creator was born and learned how to turn on a computer. Can anyone tell me where I can find the setting to change to 4k on a COMPUTER??? not on a phone? Thank you in advance.