YouTube video not uploading: causes and fixes

The video is longer than 15 minutes

By default an unverified account can upload videos up to 15 minutes. Verify the Google account by text or call, then upload again. YouTube points you to the verification steps in the mobile app when you pick a longer video.

The file is too big

The ceiling is 256 GB or 12 hours, whichever is less. If you are over, cut or compress the video. YouTube recommends H.264 for keeping a file small without hurting the picture.

It uploaded, but looks stuck

After upload comes processing. YouTube says it depends on quality, length, format and traffic, and that 4K or HD takes longer. A long wait at the processing step is usually that, not a failure.

Give it time, and check the video list in YouTube Studio before uploading it a second time.

Too many at once, or the thumbnail

Studio takes up to 15 videos in one upload. More than that, split them.

A thumbnail needs a verified account, a JPG or PNG, and 2 MB or less on mobile. If YouTube reports the daily custom thumbnail limit, wait 24 hours.

When posting through Dripost

The preview flags a post YouTube would refuse, with the reason, while you can still fix it. If YouTube refuses it later, you get an email with its own reason and a Retry button. If it is only the thumbnail, the video still goes up and you’re told.

Sources

• YouTube Help: upload limits and verification
• YouTube Help: upload videos on a computer
• YouTube Help: custom thumbnails