Create and upload YouTube videos in 4K
4K is a high-resolution video standard with approximately 4,000 horizontal pixels or a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. 4K video has four times the detail of 1080p or Full HD.
Uploading videos in 4K enhances the viewer’s experience, especially on larger screens. Videos uploaded in 4K consistently achieve higher watchtime on TVs compared to lower resolutions.
We recommend these best practices for creating and uploading videos in 4K.
Start with good lighting
Good lighting enhances colors, reduces graininess, and makes your videos look more professional.
Videos shot in good lighting will look even better in 4K. However, enabling 4K can’t fix video that was shot in poor lighting.
- Lighting options: Using natural light from a window, a ring light, or affordable LED panels can significantly improve how your video looks. Learn more about lighting.
Record and export in 4K
Before you film, make sure your camera or phone is set to record in 4K.
- On your phone or camera: Find video resolution or quality settings. Then, select "4K" or a resolution like 3840x2160 pixels.
After you edit your video, export it in 4K.
- In your editing software: Look for export or render settings and choose a 4K resolution option, usually 2160p or 3840x2160.
Find video editing software
You’ll also need to use editing software that can process 4K footage. Some common software options include:
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- DaVinci Resolve
- Final Cut Pro
Consider using proxies
Some computers may struggle to process high-resolution footage. In these cases, consider creating proxies of your 4K footage when editing.
How to create proxies for editing
- Transfer files: Move or copy video files from your SD card to your computer or an external SSD.
- Import footage: Import footage into your editing software.
- This might take a while depending on the size of your file.
- Select 4K clips and create proxies: Select the video clips that you want to edit. Then, create proxies of those files. Proxies are lower-resolution copies of your original high-resolution footage that enable smoother editing and playback.
- Note: Some cameras create proxy files while filming. In this case, transfer both 4K files and proxies to your computer. Then, edit the proxy file.
- Choose a resolution for the proxy: We recommend 1080p or 720p.
- Generate proxies: Your editing software will create proxy files with the resolution and codec you chose.
- Edit with proxies: You can now edit using your proxies. Most software toggles between proxies and originals.
- Note: Your software will sync proxy edits to the 4K file upon export. Choose export settings so that your video quality is as high as you want.