The process of uploading a video from Movie Maker to YouTube involves exporting your project as a compatible video file and then uploading it directly through your YouTube account. While Movie Maker isn’t supported anymore, videos previously edited with it can still find their audience online. This guide offers a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to successfully achieving this and answering common questions you might encounter.
Exporting Your Movie Maker Project
Before you can share your creative masterpiece with the world on YouTube, you need to export your Movie Maker project into a format that YouTube understands. This is a crucial first step that often determines the quality and appearance of your final uploaded video.
Choosing the Right Video Format
Choosing the appropriate file format is critical for a successful upload. While .wmv (Windows Media Video) is Movie Maker’s default, YouTube accepts a wide array of formats. However, for optimal quality and compatibility, we recommend exporting in .mp4, .mov, or .avi formats using the H.264 video codec.
To export your project:
- Open your project in Movie Maker.
- Go to “File” then “Save Movie.”
- You might see options like “For Computer,” “For Email,” or custom settings. If you’re going for the best quality, choose custom settings. If you are running a newer version of Windows, it is unlikely you have Movie Maker installed, so find the video within your files and right-click on it. Look for an option to “Convert” or “Share”.
- Select the desired format (.mp4 is highly recommended) and adjust the video and audio quality settings to your liking. Higher quality leads to a larger file size.
- Name your video and select a location to save it on your computer.
- Click “Save.”
Understanding Video Quality Settings
Paying attention to video quality settings is essential to prevent a pixelated or blurry upload. Here are key factors to consider:
- Resolution: Aim for at least 720p (1280×720) for HD quality. 1080p (1920×1080) is even better if your source footage is of high quality.
- Frame Rate: 30 frames per second (fps) is a common and acceptable standard for most videos. 24fps gives a more cinematic look, while 60fps is great for action-packed footage.
- Bitrate: The bitrate determines the amount of data used per second of video. A higher bitrate generally means better quality but also a larger file size. Experiment to find a balance between quality and file size. YouTube recommends specific bitrates depending on the resolution and frame rate. Research “YouTube recommended upload settings” for the most up-to-date guidelines.
Reducing File Size (If Necessary)
Large video files can take a long time to upload. If your exported video is excessively large, consider these techniques to reduce the file size:
- Lower the Bitrate: As mentioned above, reducing the bitrate will decrease the file size, but it may also slightly reduce the quality.
- Trim Unnecessary Footage: Cut out any unnecessary parts of your video in Movie Maker before exporting.
- Use Video Compression Software: There are various free and paid video compression software options available that can help shrink the file size without significant quality loss. A popular example is Handbrake.
Uploading to YouTube: A Step-by-Step Guide
With your video exported, it’s time to upload it to YouTube and share it with the world. This process is relatively straightforward.
Accessing YouTube Upload
- Sign in to your YouTube account on your web browser.
- Click the “Create” (camera icon) button located in the top-right corner of the YouTube page.
- Select “Upload video” from the dropdown menu.
Selecting and Uploading Your Video File
- You will be taken to the YouTube Studio upload page.
- Click the “Select Files” button or simply drag and drop your video file into the designated area.
- Choose the video file you exported from Movie Maker and click “Open.”
Filling in the Details: Title, Description, and Tags
While your video is uploading, you can fill in essential details that will help viewers find it.
- Title: Create a concise and engaging title that accurately reflects the video’s content. Use keywords that people might search for.
- Description: Write a detailed description that provides context, summarizes the video, and includes relevant keywords. Add links to your website, social media, or related videos.
- Tags: Add relevant tags (keywords) that help YouTube understand what your video is about. Use a mix of broad and specific tags.
Configuring Video Settings: Visibility, Audience, and More
YouTube offers a range of settings that allow you to control how your video is presented and who can view it.
- Visibility: Choose between “Public” (anyone can see it), “Unlisted” (only people with the link can see it), or “Private” (only you can see it).
- Audience: Indicate whether your video is “Made for Kids” or not. This is important for complying with child privacy regulations.
- Advanced Settings: Explore advanced settings such as allowing or disabling comments, embedding permissions, and category selection.
Publishing Your Video
Once you’ve filled in all the necessary details and configured your settings, click the “Publish” button. Your video will then be live on YouTube! Congratulations!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to uploading videos from Movie Maker to YouTube:
FAQ 1: What if my Movie Maker project won’t export?
If Movie Maker is failing to export your project, try restarting the program or your computer. Check if all your source files (videos, images, audio) are still in their original locations. Corrupted media files can also cause export problems. As Movie Maker is no longer supported, it may not function correctly with newer codecs or operating systems.
FAQ 2: Why is my video quality poor after uploading?
Poor video quality after uploading can be due to several factors, including low export settings, incorrect aspect ratio, or YouTube’s processing. Ensure you export your video with a high resolution (at least 720p), a decent bitrate, and a proper frame rate. Allow YouTube time to process your video in higher resolutions, as it may initially show a lower-quality version.
FAQ 3: How long does it take to upload a video to YouTube?
The upload time depends on the size of your video file, your internet connection speed, and YouTube’s server load. Large files can take several hours to upload, especially with slower internet connections. Be patient and avoid interrupting the upload process.
FAQ 4: What video format is best for YouTube uploads?
While YouTube supports many video formats, .mp4 is generally considered the best due to its good compression, high quality, and wide compatibility. Use the H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec within the .mp4 container.
FAQ 5: How do I add subtitles or captions to my YouTube video?
YouTube allows you to add subtitles or closed captions to your videos. You can upload a subtitle file (e.g., .srt) or use YouTube’s built-in editor to create subtitles manually.
FAQ 6: Can I schedule my video to be published at a later time?
Yes, YouTube allows you to schedule your video to be published at a specific date and time. This can be helpful for coordinating releases with other content or reaching viewers in different time zones.
FAQ 7: How do I edit my video after uploading it to YouTube?
YouTube provides a basic video editor that allows you to trim the beginning and end of your video, add end screens and cards, and blur sensitive information. For more advanced editing, you’ll need to use separate video editing software and re-upload the edited video.
FAQ 8: Why is my video not showing up in search results?
It can take some time for your video to appear in YouTube search results. Make sure your video title, description, and tags are optimized with relevant keywords. Promote your video on social media and other platforms to increase its visibility.
FAQ 9: How do I monetize my YouTube videos?
To monetize your YouTube videos, you need to join the YouTube Partner Program and meet certain eligibility requirements, such as having at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid watch hours in the past 12 months. Once you’re accepted, you can enable monetization on your videos and earn revenue from ads.
FAQ 10: What is a YouTube thumbnail and why is it important?
A YouTube thumbnail is a still image that represents your video. It’s the first thing viewers see when browsing YouTube. A compelling thumbnail can significantly increase click-through rates and attract more viewers. Create a custom thumbnail that is eye-catching and relevant to your video’s content.
FAQ 11: How do I add end screens and cards to my YouTube videos?
End screens and cards are interactive elements that you can add to your videos to promote other videos, playlists, channels, or websites. End screens appear in the last 5-20 seconds of your video, while cards can be added throughout the video.
FAQ 12: Is Movie Maker still supported? Can I get it?
No, Movie Maker (also known as Windows Live Movie Maker) is no longer officially supported by Microsoft. It was discontinued in 2017. Although you may find it available for download from third-party websites, it’s generally not recommended due to potential security risks and compatibility issues with newer operating systems. Consider using alternative video editing software such as OpenShot, DaVinci Resolve (free version), or Filmora.
By following these steps and understanding these FAQs, you can successfully upload your videos from Movie Maker to YouTube and share your creativity with the world. Good luck!