You can upload videos you’ve recorded on your iPhone straight to YouTube without a computer. The YouTube app handles everything: picking the video, trimming it, adding a title and description, choosing who can see it, and uploading in the background. This guide covers uploading from an iPhone 7 and newer iPhones, the difference between regular videos and Shorts, and what to do if the upload won’t work.
Quick Answer
Open the YouTube app, tap the + (Create) button at the bottom, choose Upload a video, and pick your video. Add a title, description and visibility (Public, Unlisted or Private), then tap Upload.
Before You Start
- Install the YouTube app from the App Store and sign in with your Google account.
- If you don’t have a channel yet, YouTube prompts you to create one the first time you upload.
- Connect to Wi-Fi for large videos to avoid using cellular data. You can set Upload over Wi-Fi only in the app’s settings.
- iPhone 7 note: the iPhone 7 can’t update past iOS 15. If the current YouTube app requires a newer iOS version, the App Store may offer the last compatible version, or you can upload at youtube.com in Safari (request the desktop site) or from a computer.
How to Upload a Video
- Open the YouTube app.
- Tap + (Create) at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap Upload a video. Allow access to your photos if asked.
- Choose the video from your library.
- Trim it if needed, then tap Next.
- Add a title and description, set Visibility (Public, Unlisted or Private), and add a location or playlist if you like.
- Choose the audience setting: Yes, it’s made for kids or No, it’s not made for kids. This is required.
- Tap Upload.
Upload progress appears in the You tab under Your videos. After uploading, YouTube processes the video; higher resolutions such as 4K may take longer to appear.
Videos vs. Shorts
If your video is vertical or square and up to 3 minutes long, YouTube may publish it as a Short. To upload it as a regular video instead, use a horizontal video or a longer one. You can create Shorts directly with Create a Short in the same menu.
Edit Details After Uploading
To change the title, description, thumbnail or visibility later, go to You > Your videos, tap the three dots next to the video, and choose Edit. For more options, such as custom thumbnails and end screens, use the YouTube Studio app.
Upload Problems and Fixes
- Stuck on “Processing” or “Waiting”: check your connection, keep the app open, and make sure Low Power Mode and Low Data Mode aren’t pausing uploads.
- Video won’t appear in the picker: in Settings > Apps > YouTube > Photos, allow Full Access, or add the video to the limited selection.
- Video is in iCloud only: it must download to the phone first; open it in the Photos app and wait for it to download.
- Upload quality looks low: YouTube shows lower quality while processing HD versions. Check again later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can my video be?
By default, up to 15 minutes. Verify your account (phone verification) to upload longer videos.
Can I upload directly from the Photos app?
The iPhone Photos app no longer includes a built-in YouTube option. Use the YouTube app.
Can I schedule an upload?
Yes. Set visibility to Schedule in the YouTube app or YouTube Studio, where available.
Summary
- Open the YouTube app and tap +.
- Tap Upload a video and choose a video.
- Add details and set visibility.
- Tap Upload.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.