{"id":71332,"date":"2020-09-02T21:22:17","date_gmt":"2020-09-03T01:22:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/prsocial\/?page_id=71332"},"modified":"2022-06-29T14:12:45","modified_gmt":"2022-06-29T18:12:45","slug":"youtube-channel-uploading-how-to","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/prsocial\/best-practices\/youtube-channel-uploading-how-to\/","title":{"rendered":"YouTube Channel & Uploading How-To"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re looking to start a YouTube channel, or polish your existing page, you\u2019re in the right place. As easy as it is for viewers to take full advantage of all that YouTube has to offer, it\u2019s just as simple for creators to become a valued part of the content mix. This guide will walk you through the basics of launching your channel and uploading videos.<\/p>\n

Creating a YouTube Channel<\/strong><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s get started\u2026<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Head to youtube.com<\/a> and select \u201csign in\u201d at the top right corner of the page.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Log in using the Google account you\u2019d like your channel to be associated with.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Once signed in, select your profile icon in the top right corner and then choose the \u201csettings\u201d cog icon.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Under settings, click \u201cCreate a channel\u201d. For all BU-affiliated channels, please choose \u201cUse business or other name.\u201d The channel category should be \u201cCompany Institution, or Organization.\u201d<\/p>\n

Account Name and Description<\/strong>
\nMake sure your account accurately represents the name of your school, college or department.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Including \u201cBoston University\u201d in your account name garners better search engine optimization (SEO)<\/a> results. Examples could include: Boston University College of Communication, Elie Wiesel Center for Jewish Studies at Boston University, Questrom School of Business, Boston University<\/em>, etc.<\/p>\n

\u2022 To edit your description, select \u201cCustomize Channel\u201d at the top right corner of your channel dashboard. From there, select \u201cAbout\u201d followed by the pencil icon to edit. When finished, click \u201cDone\u201d to save all changes.<\/p>\n

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\u2022 The first 100-150 characters of your channel description are the most important as YouTube shows that snippet of text alongside to your channel in the search results.<\/p>\n

Logo and Channel Art<\/strong>
\nYour logo and channel art are the first things your visitors see when they arrive to your YouTube page, so it\u2019s important that they make a strong impression.<\/p>\n

\u2022 To edit your logo, select \u201cCustomize Channel\u201d. Use your mouse to hover over the logo icon and select the pencil to upload a new image. Your logo should be consistent across all of your school\/college\/department\u2019s social media platforms to maintain brand recognition.<\/p>\n

\u2022 To edit your channel art<\/a>, select the pencil icon in the upper right corner of the long banner image. Good options for this include a panorama of campus, a candid of students, or another iconic shot. YouTube channel art dimensions are 2560 x 1440 pixels.<\/p>\n

Featured Video\/Trailer<\/strong>
\nThis is a video that auto-plays for both new and repeat channel viewers. It can generate interest and lead visitors to explore more of your channel.<\/p>\n

\u2022 To select your featured video, click \u201cCustomize Channel\u201d at the top of your page, then \u201cFor New visitors.\u201d Below this text, you should see an empty space prompting you to set a video.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Select the pencil icon in the right corner and then \u201cchange trailer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2022 When choosing a video, it is important to think of content that best captures your college, school, or department. An introductory interview with a faculty member, school tour, or student-led content serve as strong examples.<\/p>\n

Uploading YouTube Videos<\/strong>
\n\u2022 In the top right-hand corner of your channel select \u201cCreate\u201d then \u201cUpload videos.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u2022 While there are many video formats that can be uploaded to YouTube, an MP4 file is recommended. You may drag and drop video files from your computer to upload. All videos will be private until you choose to publish them.<\/p>\n

\u2022 See all supported upload encoding settings here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Video Playlists<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 You are able to name every playlist, and re-arrange them on your channel\u2019s homepage to your liking.<\/p>\n

\u2022 To create a new playlist, select \u201cPlaylists\u201d on the side of your screen in the YouTube studio, then \u201cNew playlist\u201d at the top of the page.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Playlist names and descriptions should be searchable for a broad YouTube audience. Please review our YouTube Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Best Practices document<\/a> for tips on enhancing both elements of your playlist(s).<\/p>\n

Video Comments<\/strong>
\n\u2022 In the YouTube studio space, select \u201cComments\u201d on the left had side of the screen. From there you will see three tabs: \u201cPublished\u201d, \u201cHeld for review\u201d and \u201cLikely spam\u201d.<\/p>\n

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\u2022 To approve pending comments toggle to the \u201cHeld for review\u201d tab. Under each comment YouTube gives you the option to approve, remove, or mark as spam\/abuse.<\/p>\n

\u2022 BU maintains set community standards when it comes to the YouTube comment section (as well as comments on our other social platforms) and reserves the right to remove any comments that violate these standards<\/a>. For questions on this policy please contact pr@bu.edu<\/a> or social@bu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n