We’ve all been there — you worked hard to put together the perfect Youtube video, and excitement is at an all-time high as your subsequent project uploads to the platform. But what happens next?
How long does it take Youtube to process a video to be ready for viewers worldwide?
We know that understanding this critical aspect of creating content on Youtube can seem daunting.
So, we’re here with helpful insights into getting your videos up and running. Read on to learn more about what goes into the processing phase of creating content on Youtube!
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How Does YouTube Process Videos?
While uploading a YouTube video, it takes several steps before it’s ready for playback.
The first step is transcoding, converting the file format into something YouTube’s servers can handle. This ensures that videos look great regardless of what device they’re being watched on.
After transcoding, videos are optimized so the file size is smaller and can be streamed more quickly. Finally, the video is indexed to be found in YouTube’s search engine.
Once you have uploaded your video, you can check its progress by going to ‘Video Manager’ in YouTube Studio.
How Long Does It Take YouTube To Process A Video?
When you upload a video to YouTube, it’s essential to know how long it will take for the video to be ready for viewing.
The processing time varies from a few minutes up to several hours. The amount of time for a video to be processed depends on several factors:
Video Resolution
The video resolution is critical in determining how long it takes to process a video on YouTube.
Generally, an HD YouTube video of 10 minutes can take 5 to 10 minutes to process. If the frame rates are higher than usual, it might take a couple of minutes longer.
On the other hand, a 4K video of the same length typically takes 8 to 15 minutes, while a longer one with a higher resolution can take 40 minutes or even more.
If you have a 60-minute long 4K video with a 30 fps frame rate. This can be shorter depending on the video quality, but YouTube needs to process and transcode all videos, which is why times may vary.
Video Length
The video length is also a crucial factor in processing time. Usually, longer videos will take longer to process than shorter videos.
For instance, a two-minute video may only take a few minutes to process, while a ten-minute video can take up to several hours.
Framerate And Bitrate
The framerate and bitrate also have an impact on the processing time. Videos with high framerates will take longer to process than videos with lower framerates.
For example, if you’re shooting a one-minute video in 1080p at 60 fps, it will take around 25 seconds to upload and another 30 to 45 seconds for YouTube to process it.
While a 4K video shot at 30 fps will take about two minutes to upload and one to two minutes for YouTube to process it.
For 4K videos, ensure a smooth uploading and processing experience, and adhere to the recommended bitrate of 8-12 Mbps for 1080p videos and 25-30 Mbps.
Your Internet Speeds
Your internet speed and YouTube’s connection speed are also critical factors in video processing time.
When the internet connection is slow or unreliable, it will take longer for YouTube to receive and process your video. Plus, a video could take up to several hours to process.
For example, if your internet upload speed is 20 Mbps and your video is 1080p 30fps, a 5 minutes video should only take 2-3 minutes to process. If your video is 1080p 60fps, it will take 3-4 minutes to process fully.
Can You Leave YouTube While A Video Is Processing?
You don’t have to be at your computer while your video is processing. Once uploaded, you can go about your day and do other activities since the actual processing doesn’t require user action.
The best thing to do is ensure that your video uploads entirely before leaving. You can check the upload status in your YouTube account to see when it’s done.
If the processing takes longer than expected, it might be due to a slow or unstable internet connection. If this is the case, stay on your computer until everything is finished uploading, and wait to shut down your machine until the upload is complete.
So, you can leave YouTube while a video is processing as long as the upload is finished and you’re sure everything has been uploaded properly.
Reasons Why YouTube Video Takes Longer To Process
It can be a real headache when you spend hours creating and uploading your video, only to find it takes ages to process even after considering all the factors on which processing speed depends. Why is this happening?
Sometimes these issues can arise due to YouTube’s platform, such as when its servers are experiencing technical problems or undergoing maintenance.
This could include server downtime or high traffic, which can slow down processing times for everyone. You can check the official YouTube Support page for any system issues causing delays.
If you’ve checked all these possible causes and your video is still taking an age to process, it could mean YouTube has flagged an issue with the content itself.
This can happen if the video contains copyright material or inappropriate content. To resolve the problem quickly, submit a ticket request to the YouTube Help Center.
Tips For Speeding Up YouTube Video Uploads
Speeding up YouTube video uploads can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools and tips, you can make your videos appear quickly and without fuss with the right tools and information.
Here are some great tips for speeding up YouTube video uploads:
Remove Unnecessary Files And Programs
Removing unnecessary files and programs from your device can free up storage space and help your video upload faster.
Uninstall any unneeded programs and delete large files that are no longer necessary.
Clear Your Browser’s Cache
Another quick way to speed up your YouTube uploads is to clear your browser’s cache.
This will ensure that your computer does not store unnecessary information and prevent it from slowing down your video uploads.
Compress The Video
To make sure the file size of your video is small enough for YouTube to process quickly, try compressing it before you upload it.
This will reduce the video’s overall size while keeping the footage’s quality intact.
Upload Videos Before The Peak Time
YouTube’s systems are busiest during the day when most people are online, so it is best to upload your videos just before peak times.
This will ensure you can process less resource demand and your video faster.
Maximize Your Internet Speed
To ensure your YouTube uploads are as quick as possible, ensure you have the maximum available internet speed.
You can test the speed on your device and make necessary changes to ensure you get the highest possible speeds.
Update Browser Or Use A Different Browser
Make sure your browser is up to date and you are using the latest version for better performance.
Alternatively, try a different browser, which could help speed up your YouTube uploads.
Disable The Extensions And Plug-Ins
Plugins and extensions can slow down your system and affect how quickly videos are uploaded to YouTube.
Disable any unnecessary plugins or extensions while uploading a video.
Report The Problem To Youtube
If you still need help with how long it takes YouTube to process your videos, try reporting the issue to YouTube.
They can advise or help you troubleshoot any problems so that your uploads go faster in the future.
By following these tips, you can ensure your YouTube uploads are as quick and efficient as possible.
Final Considerations
Ultimately, how long does it take YouTube to process a video depends on the length of the file, the number of users trying to upload at one time, and the quality of your internet connection.
In order to make sure your videos are processed quickly and without any problems, always make sure your videos are correctly formatted with no technical bugs.
Also, check your internet connection speed before you start the upload process, and try to keep videos shorter.
Keep them small and focused on ensuring that the videos arrive promptly; this will increase your odds of having them processed quickly.
With these tips, you should have no problem successfully uploading and processing your YouTube video!
