How to Make a Video for YouTube

Legions of fans have shot and uploaded their own videos onto YouTube. Making your own videos to share with other YouTube members isn't as complicated as you may think. All you need is a device to capture your video, a computer and a little creativity.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Digital recorder (one that records in Digital8, MiniDV, HDV, or any of the DVD formats)
• Internet connection
• Computer

Make Your YouTube Video

1. Go to YouTube (see the Resources section below) and log in to your account. If you don't have an account, you will need to create one by clicking 'Sign Up' before you canupload your videos.

2. Shoot your video with a camcorder, Webcam or cell phone.

3. Connect the camera or cell phone to your computer either via a USB or FireWire port, or by loading the DVD on which your video is recorded.

4. Download your video onto your computer's hard drive.

5. Verify that the file size of your video does not exceed the allotted space allowed by YouTube.

6. Get help on how to make and edit a video optimized for YouTube at the YouTube Help Center. From the Help Center home page, click the 'Making Videos' link. On the next page, click the 'How Do I Make A Video?' link.

Edit Your YouTube Video

1. Open the video you'd like to edit on your computer.

2. Launch a video editing software program like iMovie (for Apple users) or MovieMaker (for Windows).

3. Follow the instructions for your video editing software. You can add effects, titles and music to your video before uploading it to YouTube.

Tips & Warnings

• Camcorders aren't the only devices that capture video. Webcams, still cameras with video capabilities, and even some cell phones can also capture your content. All of these format can be posted on YouTube.

• Read through YouTube's Terms of Use and Privacy Policy (see Resources below) before shooting content specifically for the site. Copyright laws and other regulations apply. Note that the content you upload is not considered personal information under the terms of YouTube's privacy policy.