Tech Tips — How to upload a video to YouTube

Your kids can do it and so can millions of other people. Uploading a video to YouTube has never been easier. Plus, YouTube's privacy settings allow you to restrict access to friends and family. It's a great way for people to watch videos without the need to sign-in to photo and video-sharing web sites.

Here's how you do it:

1. First you need to create a YouTube account. If you have a Gmail account, you can use that user name and password instead.
2. Next, click the Upload button in the upper-right-hand corner of any YouTube page.
3. Click the Upload Video button and select the appropriate video file. The video will automatically upload and you will get a green check mark when it's successfully saved.
4. Enter as much information about your video as possible in the Description and Tag fields. The more info you enter, the easier it will be for people to find it!
5. Select a Category for the video from the list of 15 that YouTube provides.
6. If you only want your video to be viewed by friends and family, then select Private.
7. Click the Save changes button.
8. Once your video has been saved, click on Go to My Videos. It can take a few minutes to process a file after it's been uploaded. You will get a "please wait" message while this is taking place. When you see the word "Live!", it's ready to view.
9. Click on Edit to change any of the descriptions or settings you previously saved. Here, you can also create a "Limited access URL" or create a list of contacts if you only want to share your video with friends and family. You can also choose whether people are allowed to leave comments or rate your video and control other sharing options.  

• Your video must meet loading requirements, which means it can't be larger than 2GB or longer than 10 minutes.
• YouTube accepts video files from most cameras, camcorders and cell phones. Acceptable file formats include .avi, .wmv, .mov, and .mpg.
• YouTube has very strict copyright rules. Do not upload any TV shows, concert footage or commercials without permission.
• Also, observe the YouTube Community Guidelines. Don't post any videos that could shock, harm or embarrass other people.