How Long Does It Take YouTube to Process a Video?

It is reported that around 500 hours of video is being uploaded to YouTube every single minute. So, if you’re wondering why it takes so long for your videos to be uploaded and processed, we’re here to explain the details.

And when you’re finished, take a look at our other YouTube guides:

Table of Contents

What Is Video Processing?

Video processing is the method of preparing uploaded videos on YouTube to be readily playable on viewers’ devices.

We are definitely not seeing the original large file version that was uploaded by the content creator. If we were, watching just a few videos will certainly max out our monthly data cap and our device cache cannot handle the sheer enormity of the files being downloaded just for playback.

Instead, we are receiving a video version that is compatible with the device we are using and the internet connection speed we have. This ensures that we get to watch videos of the quality that we can afford. This is all made possible because of YouTube’s video processing.

How is it done, you ask? Here’s a simple explanation:

YouTube compresses the uploaded videos and creates multiple versions of them in varying formats. The versions include different resolutions and different file formats for device compatibility. Once processed, the compressed files are now stored on servers and easily transferable over the internet to various devices.

For example, a YouTuber uploaded a 5GB 4K resolution file. Since not everybody has a device that can display a 4K resolution, YouTube creates different versions of the file in various resolutions like 144p, 240p, 360p, 480p, 720p, 1080p, and 4K. This way, everybody will be able to watch the video in whatever resolution is agreeable to them.

If you have a fast connection, YouTube will load the HD version of 1080p so that you can enjoy the video at the highest quality. If you have a 144Hz monitor or higher, you can even adjust the resolution up to 4K (if it’s available) to get the ultra-HD experience that your gear and internet can afford.

If you have slow internet, on the other hand, YouTube will adapt to this so that you will still be able to steadily watch your chosen video. To prevent you from always seeing the buffering icon while watching a video on 720p, YouTube will replace the version you are loading with a 480p or lower resolution. This will help your video playback run smoothly without lags.

Thanks to video processing, all videos on YouTube are accessible to everyone, no matter the limitations of your internet connection or your device.

How Long Does it Take for a Video to Process on YouTube?

The higher the video quality, the more video resolution types YouTube has to make. There is a copy created that will run at just 144p, another copy at 240p, another at 360p, and also at 480p.

These compressed copies are then stored at various global data centers to be easily accessed by users on YouTube.

The time it takes to process (compressing, copying, and storing) videos varies depending on the file format, size, and upload traffic according to Google.

But, as a rule of thumb, every minute of video you upload will also take a minute of processing. And then increasing the video quality and size will add up to a longer processing time.

How Long Does YouTube Take to Process HD?

With the quick advancement in technology, high-definition cameras are now available to everyone, not just the rich. Even smartphones nowadays are equipped with multiple lenses and high-quality cameras.

For content creators, this is a great opportunity to produce better-quality videos. Viewers will certainly enjoy the immersive experience of super detailed visuals.

So, how long does it take YouTube to process a video in HD?

On average, a minute of HD video takes about 30 seconds up to 1 minute of processing. So, when creating YouTube Shorts which are only up to 60 seconds long, you will only need to wait a minute, at the most, for YouTube to process the short HD video.

For the typical 10-minute YouTube HD upload, it will take 5 to 10 minutes of processing. This waiting time isn’t so bad considering the multiple processes that the video has to undergo before it is made available to the public.

If you want more viewers on your channel, uploading high-definition (HD) videos is the way to go. It will take a longer time to process, but it will be worth the wait.

How Long Does YouTube Take to Process 4K?

Uploading the best quality video you can produce is a must if you want to provide a great user experience. But, at what cost will it take for you to upload and process?

Generally speaking, a 4K resolution is four times the size and definition of 1080p, which is what we consider HD. This would mean that the processing time will most likely be four times longer, as well.

For a 20-minute video in 4K and at 30 fps, this would mean that it might take almost an hour and a half to finish processing. Not bad waiting time for the quality and gains you will get in return afterward.

Waiting for a 4K video to be processed won’t take the whole day. You will just have enough time to comfortably eat a meal and relax for a bit. So, go ahead and shoot those 4K videos. They’re definitely worth the wait.

Final Thoughts

Considering the amount of work it takes to process a video, you probably shouldn’t get too impatient while waiting for YouTube to finish the procedure. It also doesn’t even take too long.

Just always go for the best quality that you can produce and upload. Spending a little time to deliver the best user experience for your followers is certainly worth the wait.