Day 30: Blender tutorial for making illustrations – Upload and Share Your First Video

1. Finalize Your Video File

Before you upload your video, make sure it is in the correct format for YouTube. The most common format is MP4, which provides a good balance between file size and quality. You should have done this on Day 29, but double-check the following:

• Resolution: YouTube recommends 1080p (1920x1080) for standard videos.
• Frame rate: Use a consistent frame rate (e.g., 30fps).
• Aspect ratio: Standard aspect ratio is 16:9.

If everything is correct, you’re ready to proceed with the upload.

2. Log in to Your YouTube Account

• Visit YouTube Studio.
• Sign in using your Google account credentials.

3. Navigate to the Video Upload Section

• Once logged in, click the Create button (a camera icon with a plus sign), located at the top-right corner of the page.
• Select Upload Videos from the dropdown menu.

4. Upload Your Video

• Drag and Drop your video file into the upload area or click Select Files to browse for it manually on your computer.
• Wait for the video to upload. During the upload process, YouTube will show a progress bar.

5. Title Your Video

Choose a title that is SEO-friendly and accurately describes your content. Since your video is an illustrative educational video, include keywords such as "illustrative", "educational", and the topic covered in the video.

Example: "Illustrative Flowchart on Cell Division – Educational Video Tutorial"

6. Write a Description

The description is crucial for both viewers and search engines. Write a detailed and engaging description that explains what the video is about and what the audience will learn.

Example:

• Start with a short, attention-grabbing intro about the video.
• Mention the key concepts covered in the video.
• Add relevant keywords for SEO purposes.
• Include timestamps if the video has multiple sections.
• Finally, add any links to related content, including your social media or Patreon link.

7. Set Your Video Thumbnail

You can upload a custom thumbnail for your video, which is the image viewers will see before clicking on the video. A well-designed thumbnail can significantly increase click-through rates. Make sure it:

• Is visually appealing and informative.
• Reflects the content of your video (e.g., flowchart, illustrations).
• Has large, readable text if necessary.
• Is 1280x720 pixels in resolution.

8. Add Tags

Tags help YouTube understand the content of your video and recommend it to the right audience. Use tags related to the video's content.

• Example tags: "illustration", "Blender tutorial", "educational video", "flowchart", "Quranic content".

9. Select Playlists (Optional)

If you have playlists on your channel (e.g., educational series), you can add the video to relevant playlists. This helps organize your content and improve viewer retention.

10. Audience Settings

Select whether your video is made for kids or not. If your video is for a general audience, select "No, it’s not made for kids" unless the video content specifically targets children.

11. Set Video Visibility

YouTube allows you to choose when and how your video becomes visible:

• Public: The video is immediately visible to everyone.
• Private: Only you and people you invite can view the video.
• Unlisted: Only people with the link can view it.
• Scheduled: You can set a specific date and time for the video to go public.

If you want your video to be immediately available, choose Public.

12. Add End Screens and Cards (Optional)

End screens and cards can help promote other content on your channel. You can:

• Add related videos to the end screen.
• Suggest other playlists.
• Direct viewers to your Patreon or other social media.

13. Review and Publish

• Once you’ve filled out all the details, review them to ensure everything is correct.
• Click Publish (or Schedule if you selected that option).

14. Share Your Video

After publishing, share your video to increase its reach:

• Share on social media: Post on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
• Embed on your website or blog if you have one.
• Send to your email list if you have subscribers.
• Post the link in relevant online communities or forums where people might find the video valuable.

15. Monitor Video Performance

After uploading, keep an eye on the video’s performance in YouTube Studio:

• Check for views, likes, comments, and engagement statistics.
• Respond to comments to engage with your audience.