YouTube
Creator Advice
August 18, 2025
How to Post on YouTube: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
If you’re just getting started as a creator, the idea of posting on YouTube might seem like an exciting first step. From deciding the right time to hit publish to understanding the technical aspects, there are a lot of moving parts to think about. But here's the thing: YouTube isn't just another social platform. With over 2.7 billion monthly active users worldwide as of 2025, it's the second most visited website globally, right behind Google. In fact, YouTube is now considered the world’s second-largest search engine. That’s why understanding how to post YouTube video content effectively is essential.
At Connect Management, the UK’s largest social-first influencer talent agency, we support creators at every stage of their journey. Whether you’re a total beginner or an aspiring influencer ready to level up, this beginner-friendly guide will help you understand everything you need to know about uploading a YouTube video, from technical best practices to platform strategy and timing.
The numbers speak for themselves: over 500 hours of video are uploaded every minute, with users watching more than 1 billion hours of video every single day. And those billions of views translate into real influence. Each YouTube visit lasts an average of 19 minutes and spans roughly 6.95 page views, giving creators a huge opportunity to engage and convert viewers.
YouTube’s reach is unmatched, but it’s also becoming more competitive. That’s why creators need to be strategic. Whether you're filming on a mobile device or using professional equipment, understanding how to plan content for YouTube, when to post, and how to optimise your videos can make all the difference.
Choosing the Right File Format and Quality
Before you upload a video, make sure it’s in the best file format. YouTube recommends using the MP4 format, combined with the H.264 video codec and AAC-LC audio codec. This setup provides high-quality visuals and sound while keeping file sizes manageable, which means faster uploads and smooth playback.
Shoot in the highest quality possible. YouTube supports up to 8K resolution, but even uploading in 1080p or 4K offers a polished viewing experience.
Creating Eye-Catching Titles and Descriptions
Your video title is the first thing people see, so make it count. Include your focus keywords naturally and aim for clarity over cleverness. Descriptions should expand on what the video covers, offer timestamps if relevant, and include links to other platforms or affiliate products.
Don’t forget to include relevant hashtags, a call to action, and links to your social media or other videos. Strong metadata boosts discoverability in the YouTube algorithm.
Timing matters more than you might think. You could have the best content in the world, but if you post when your audience is offline, your video could get buried.
Why the Best Time to Post on YouTube in the UK Might Differ
Viewing habits vary dramatically across time zones and regions. In the UK, peak hours tend to fall between 2 PM and 4 PM GMT. This aligns with work breaks and school finishing hours, making it a prime slot for both long-form videos and Shorts.
In fact, when choosing days to post, midweek tends to perform well. YouTube on Tuesdays and YouTube on Thursdays typically see higher engagement than weekends. Posting on YouTube on Mondays or uploading to YouTube on Fridays can also work if you adjust for optimal time slots, ideally before 5 PM GMT.
If you're targeting a global audience, consider adjusting your posting time based on where the majority of your viewers live. Use YouTube Analytics to assess when your audience is most active.
My Strategy for the Best Time to Post YouTube Shorts
Shorts are YouTube’s answer to bite-sized, mobile-first video content. Because users often consume Shorts throughout the day, especially on a mobile device, the best time to post YouTube Shorts is slightly earlier than long-form videos.
Aim for 12 PM to 2 PM GMT during weekdays, particularly YouTube on Wednesdays and YouTube on Thursdays. These windows align with midday breaks and lunch hours, increasing the chance of visibility during peak hours.
Want more insight into platform strategy? Our team at Connect Management’s YouTube agency can help adapt timing, format, and content approach to your specific audience.
Consistency wins on YouTube. Having a YouTube content plan not only saves time but also helps you create a cohesive channel identity.
Start by asking yourself:
Use tools like Google Trends, TubeBuddy, and vidIQ to validate content ideas. Map out your publishing calendar at least one month in advance. For beginners, aim for one video a week, posted at the best time to upload to YouTube based on your analytics.
Planning YouTube content means more than just scripting videos. It’s about understanding trends, anticipating audience needs, and building a reliable release rhythm that the YouTube algorithm can work with.
Adding Tags and Thumbnails
Tags may not carry as much SEO weight as they used to, but they still help signal relevance to the algorithm. Use a mix of broad and specific tags that reflect your video's topic, niche, and related content.
Your thumbnail is arguably just as important as your title. A well-designed thumbnail improves your click-through rate (CTR) significantly. Use bold text, close-up imagery, and consistent branding.
Thumbnails should be 1280 x 720 pixels, under 2MB, and in JPG, PNG, or GIF format. Make sure they’re compelling at both full size and as a small mobile preview.
Leveraging Other Social Platforms
YouTube rewards external traffic, especially when it leads to longer watch times. Share your video link on Instagram Stories, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, or in relevant Facebook groups.
Use teasers, clips, and behind-the-scenes content to draw viewers in. Connect Management’s influencer management agency offers expert support in creating cross-platform content that amplifies your video’s reach.
Building a YouTube Content Plan Template
If you're serious about planning YouTube content, create a YouTube content plan template you can follow consistently. A good template should include:
Repurpose the same template across different series or content themes. This keeps your process efficient and scalable.
YouTube is large and complicated, but when you understand how to post YouTube video content with strategy and intent, the platform becomes a powerful engine for growth.
To recap:
If you’re ready to take your influencer career to the next level, Connect Management is here to help. Whether you need guidance on planning YouTube content or you’re looking for full-scale influencer management, our team brings strategic insights and platform expertise to every step of your journey.
Book a discovery call with our team and let’s grow your influence, your way.
We build strategic connections between the world’s biggest brands and the world’s most relevant social-first talent.
