Why is YouTube saying I uploaded a video?

If you’re having problems uploading your video, select the error message you're seeing and follow the troubleshooting steps to solve your issue.

"We have encountered unexpected problems"

"The server has rejected the file"

This error message occurs when you're uploading a file in the wrong format. Make sure that you're using a supported file type.

"An error has occurred while sending data over the network"

"Processing abandoned"

This error message may occur if the uploaded file is shortened or invalid. It can also occur on reduced upload speeds. Try playing your video back on your device and make sure that you’re using a supported file type, then upload again. If the problem remains, try uploading your video from a different platform.

"A network error has occurred"

"Can't upload. Your channel status or account settings currently don't support uploads."

"A security error has occurred"

This error message occurs when you have unusual security settings on your browser. The settings are likely from a firewall, antivirus, anti-spyware, or other related software. We recommend that you temporarily turn off this software and try to upload again.

"Rejected (file too small)"

This error message occurs when you've tried to upload a file that is smaller than 2 KB. Make sure your video file is at least 2 KB and try to upload again.

"Failed (empty .mov file)"

This error message occurs when QuickTime movies are saved as a reference movie. To make sure your video converts properly, select "Save as a self-contained movie" and try to upload again.

"Daily upload limit reached. You can upload more videos in 24 hours."

To ensure safety at YouTube, we limit how many videos a channel can upload in a 24-hour period across desktop, mobile, and YouTube API.

If you get an error saying "Daily Upload limit reached" when trying to upload a video on YouTube, try again in 24 hours.

Other

You may get an error message when you upload a file in the wrong format. Make sure you're using a supported file type. You can also try changing your codecs or editing software.

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There are a few different things you can try if your YouTube video won't upload. Shutterstock

  • If your video won't upload to YouTube, it could be because of issues with available bandwidth on the network you're using.
  • On other occasions, an extremely high volume of upload traffic by other users can delay or impede your video upload.
  • Certain video file types cannot be uploaded to YouTube — the ideal file type is an MP4 with a frame rate between 24 and 60 frames per second.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

So, you just took a hilarious video of your friends dancing at the beach? Or you had a chance encounter with a movie star or noted politician? Or maybe you digitized an old gem of a family movie you want to share to your YouTube Channel so your friends and family can share it?

Great, well uploading a video to YouTube is quick and easy! Except when the upload fails. 

How to troubleshoot if your video won't upload to YouTube

If your YouTube video won't upload, there may be a few ways to fix it. Shutterstock

There could be many reasons your video won't upload, and the good news is that most of them are in your control and fixable.

Check your internet connection

You can check your computer's internet connection speed by searching "internet test speed" via Google. Steven John/Business Insider

If your video won't upload to YouTube, first check the basics. Make sure your phone is connected to a reliable wi-fi network or has a strong cell signal when you're on the move, and make sure your computer has a fast enough internet connection for uploading video files.

To test the speed of your internet connection, you can simply search  "internet test speed" on Google and click "Run Speed Test" in the search box featured at the top. A window will open that will give you an estimate of the megabits per second your connection is currently operating at, and give you a qualitative evaluation of the metric it calculates. 

Check the size of your video

If your video is too large or long for an upload for your given account type, the upload will be cancelled and you will be informed of the file size issue. Steven John/Business Insider

Assuming your connection is strong enough for uploads, next check the size and length of the video that you're having trouble uploading. YouTubers with basic accounts cannot upload videos larger than 2 GB or longer than 15 minutes (or both, of course).

You can increase the size of the videos that you can upload to YouTube by verifying your YouTube account. Your phone will be sent a one-time code you can use to verify the account and increase your video size limit.

Steven John

Freelance Writer

Steven John is a freelance writer living near New York City by way of 12 years in Los Angeles, four in Boston, and the first 18 near DC. When not writing or spending time with his wife and kids, he can occasionally be found climbing mountains. His writing is spread across the web, and his books can be found at www.stevenjohnbooks.com.

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What does it mean when you upload a video on YouTube and it says waiting?

Sometimes a file will remain in queue for longer than expected. This occurs when a connection issue causes some kind of corruption in your video file during the upload. If YouTube does not detect that corruption, it may get stuck. Again, YouTube states that queuing and processing should take no longer than eight hours.

How do I fix a video I uploaded on YouTube?

Wait for 10 to 15 minutes The first way to fix the processing issue on YouTube is to wait for 10 to 15 minutes. After several minutes, the video eventually start processing. The processing percentage might itself increase if you do this. For longer videos, the processing time will be longer.

How long does it take for a video to process on YouTube?

How long does it take for a video to process on YouTube? In general, for every minute of video uploaded, it can take between 30 seconds and 1 minute to complete processing for HD videos. This means that a 10-minute video can take between 5 minutes and 10 minutes to process completely.

Where is the video I just uploaded to YouTube?

Save your time by seeing the recently uploaded videos by default on the YouTube home page. This extension will save your time by showing recently uploaded videos by default, when opening the YouTube home page. Normally you would have to find and click the "Recently uploaded" button manually.