15 Essential Steps to Take After Uploading a YouTube Video

Most YouTubers think their job is done after hitting the publish button. They upload the video, maybe share it on social media (which I don’t recommend), and hope for the best. What many don’t realize is this: what you do right after uploading is just as important as the video itself. Missing these steps means leaving views, subscribers, and even money on the table.

I run 12 YouTube channels and work with over 11,000 creators. The successful ones use a consistent system for what happens after uploading. Below are 15 proven steps you need to follow every single time.

1. Optimize Your Video File Name

Rename your video file before uploading. Instead of “VID1234.mp4,” use a clear, keyword-rich name like “how-to-grow-a-youtube-channel.mp4.” This small detail helps YouTube understand your content and can slightly improve search relevance.

2. Perfect Your Title Strategy

Your title is one of the biggest factors in getting clicks. Use powerful keywords, spark curiosity, and keep it accurate. Test different title options—if your video underperforms, refresh the title after a few days to improve performance.

3. Write a Fully Optimized Description

Your description should be detailed and keyword-rich. Start with a clear summary, add relevant keywords naturally, and include links to other videos or playlists. Use the space to tell YouTube what your content is about and to guide viewers deeper into your channel.

4. Use Strategic Links in Your Description

Include links to related videos, playlists, or tools mentioned in the video. Use URL shorteners or branded links for a cleaner look. Always add disclaimers for affiliate links to stay transparent and professional.

5. Create Strategic Playlists

Playlists keep viewers watching. Group similar videos together so viewers naturally continue watching your content. Playlists also help YouTube understand your channel’s topic and improve recommendations.

6. Design Multiple Thumbnail Options

Your thumbnail is the visual hook. Create at least three options—two based on proven high-performing designs and one experimental. Use big, clear text, expressive faces or objects, and high contrast. A/B test them if possible.

7. Add Relevant Tags

Tags still give YouTube extra context, especially for new or smaller channels. Use a mix of exact-title tags, related topic tags, and broader niche keywords. Include your channel name as a tag to group your content together.

8. Add a Relevant End Screen

End screens direct viewers to more of your content. Add a link to your highest-retention video or playlist, or use “Best for Viewer.” Plan for this in your video by leaving space or pointing on-screen during your outro.

9. Add Cards to Your Video

Cards can save viewers from dropping off. Place them where retention dips, leading viewers to related videos. Use them sparingly so they’re helpful without distracting.

10. Place Ad Breaks

For videos over 8 minutes, place mid-roll ads. Space them out strategically—more frequent early on, fewer toward the end. Manual placement often outperforms YouTube’s automatic setting.

11. Use the Private Upload Strategy

Upload your video as “Private” or “Unlisted” first. This allows full HD or 4K processing and gives you time to optimize everything—title, description, tags, and thumbnails—before going public.

12. Use Subtitles in Multiple Languages

Subtitles help you reach non-English speakers and improve accessibility. Start with major languages like Spanish, Portuguese, and French. Even basic auto-generated captions, corrected manually, can increase watch time.

13. Watch Your Video Immediately

Watch your video as soon as it’s public. Check for mistakes, monitor comments, and engage with early viewers. Those first few hours are critical for performance signals.

14. Add Links from Your Shorts to Long-Form Content

Use YouTube Shorts to funnel traffic. Add links in your shorts’ descriptions or pinned comments that guide viewers to your related long-form videos.

15. Engage with Your Community

Reply to comments, ask questions, and pin engaging comments. Community interaction boosts your video’s visibility and builds loyalty. Viewers who feel connected to you are more likely to return.

Following these steps may feel like extra work, but most creators skip them. By making these actions a habit, you’ll stay ahead of your competition, improve your video performance, and steadily grow your channel.