YouTube supports a limited number of video formats, and ensuring your videos use formats YouTube supports is very crucial. A single mistake in picking the right format can result in your videos failing to upload or even looking subpar.

But which formats does YouTube support? This guide takes you through all formats supported by YouTube with a focus on MP4. Read on to learn more.

Can you upload MP4 to YouTube?

You can comfortably upload MP4 file formats on YouTube. MP4 is part of the MPEG4 family and is a commonly used file format for portable media players. In combination with an H.264 codec, 15-20Mbps, audio codec AAC-LC, and an aspect ratio of 16:9, YouTube recommends it for full HD videos (1920×1080 px). As such, you must ensure that your MP4 videos meet these requirements.

How to upload MP4 to YouTube

Now that you understand MP4 is one of the most preferred formats on YouTube, follow these steps to upload your MP4 videos;

1. First, you need to log in to your YouTube account. Sign up if you don't have an account.

2. Next, hit the video icon at the top right of the screen.

3. Select the Upload Video option.

4. Hit Select Files to pick a video saved on your PC. Alternatively, drag and drop it.

Immediately the upload starts, you should see the progress at the bottom of the screen. While that is happening, you can use the time to configure the technical details so that people can easily find and watch your video on YouTube. This includes:

  • Adding a description to your video so that people can know what your content is all about
  • Adding an SEO-friendly title that search engines can discover easily
  • Adding tags to boost the discoverability of your video

Optimizing your YouTube for discoverability isn't something to skimp on. For that reason, if you want your videos to be discovered by as many people as possible, then you should take advantage of any opportunity that may increase the discoverability of your videos on either YouTube's built-in search or Google.

Adding final touches

Once uploading is complete, you can take advantage of YouTube built-in tools such as blur faces, audio library, cards, end screens, and closed captions to make your video more appealing.

Share your video with the world

Once you are satisfied you have optimized your video in the best way possible, it is time to ensure many people get to view it. The easiest way to achieve that is by spreading the word yourself. For example, by sharing the link with your family, friends, and colleagues on social media to get more views. If you're persistent, you might be able to make some good money on YouTube.

Other file formats YouTube supports

Besides MP4, there are other video file formats supported by YouTube. Use these formats to easily upload your videos on YouTube and to ensure they display correctly:

  • .MPG
  • WebM
  • .AVI
  • .WMV
  • .MPEG PS
  • ProRes
  • CineForm
  • MPEG-1
  • .MPEG-2
  • .HEVC (h265)
  • .MOV
  • .FLV
  • 3GPP
  • DNxHR
  • .MPEG4

If your video is in a different file format (not listed above), you will have to convert it. Thankfully, there are many video converters on the market that can help with that.

Conclusion

Uploading videos on YouTube is very easy once you have used the right file formats. The above are the file formats you need to consider if you wish to upload any video on YouTube. Most importantly, remember creating quality videos is a crucial step that can determine your success on YouTube. Even if you nail everything else, your videos may not earn as many views as you desire if you fail on quality. VideoStudio is your best answer to creating high-quality videos. Give it a shot today.

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