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Uploading YouTube Videos to Facebook: A Pro’s Guide

So, you want to grace your Facebook feed with that killer video you painstakingly uploaded to YouTube? Excellent choice! While Facebook and YouTube might seem like rival kingdoms, there are several ways to bridge the gap and share your content effectively. Here’s the lowdown on how to upload a video from YouTube to Facebook. There are essentially two primary methods: direct video upload and sharing a link. We’ll delve into both, exploring the nuances of each approach.

Method 1: Direct Video Upload – The Preferred Approach

This is generally considered the superior method for maximizing engagement. Why? Because Facebook’s algorithm favors natively uploaded videos. This means your video is more likely to be seen and shared than a simple link.

Step 1: Download Your Video from YouTube

Firstly, you’ll need the video file itself. Go to your YouTube Studio (youtube.com/studio).

Navigate to “Content”: In the left-hand menu, click on “Content”. This will display all the videos you’ve uploaded.
Find Your Video: Locate the video you wish to share on Facebook.
Click the Options Icon: Hover over the video and click the three vertical dots (Options).
Download: Select “Download” from the dropdown menu. The video will download to your computer in the quality you originally uploaded it. Note: If you don’t see the download option, it’s likely the uploader disabled the feature. You will then need to either contact the uploader and ask for permission or try a 3rd party Youtube video downloader tool. Be aware of copyright issues and be careful while using third-party tools.

Step 2: Upload to Facebook

Now that you have the video file, it’s time to bring it to Facebook.

Go to Your Facebook Profile or Page: Open Facebook in your browser.
Create a New Post: Click on the “Photo/Video” button at the top of your news feed or on your page’s posting area.
Select Your Video: Choose “Upload Photos/Video” and select the video file you downloaded from YouTube.
Add a Compelling Description: This is crucial! Write a captivating description that entices viewers to watch. Include relevant keywords and a call to action (e.g., “Watch this amazing tutorial!” or “Let me know what you think in the comments!”).
Tag People (Optional): If the video features specific people, tag them to increase its reach.
Choose Your Audience: Decide who you want to see your video (Public, Friends, Only Me, etc.).
Post: Click the “Post” button.

Facebook will then process your video, which may take some time depending on the video’s length and your internet connection.

Method 2: Sharing a YouTube Link – The Simpler, But Less Effective, Option

This method is faster, but as mentioned, it doesn’t get the same algorithmic love from Facebook.

Step 1: Get the YouTube Video Link

Go to Your Video on YouTube: Navigate to the video you want to share.
Click the “Share” Button: Below the video, click the “Share” button.
Copy the Link: A window will pop up with various sharing options. Copy the video link provided.

Step 2: Paste and Post on Facebook

Go to Your Facebook Profile or Page: Open Facebook in your browser.
Create a New Post: Click in the “What’s on your mind?” or “Write something…” box.
Paste the Link: Paste the YouTube link into the post.
Wait for the Preview: Facebook will automatically generate a preview of the video.
Add a Description: Write a description that complements the preview and encourages people to click. You can remove the link from the description once the preview has generated.
Post: Click the “Post” button.

Optimizing Your Video for Facebook

Regardless of the method you choose, consider these optimization tips:

Keep it Short and Sweet: Facebook users have short attention spans. Shorter videos (under 3 minutes) tend to perform better.
Use Captions: Many people watch videos on Facebook with the sound off. Adding captions ensures your message is understood. Facebook provides auto-generated captions which you can also edit for accuracy.
Eye-Catching Thumbnail: Choose or create a custom thumbnail that grabs attention. The default YouTube thumbnail might not be ideal for Facebook.
Engage with Comments: Respond to comments and questions to build a community around your video.
Use Facebook Analytics: Monitor your video’s performance to understand what resonates with your audience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about uploading YouTube videos to Facebook, answered with expert insight:

Why is my video quality lower on Facebook after uploading from YouTube? Facebook compresses videos during the upload process. To minimize quality loss, upload the highest resolution version of your video available. Ensure your original YouTube video is also of high quality.
Can I upload a video directly from YouTube to Facebook without downloading it? Officially, no. Facebook requires you to upload a video file directly. Some browser extensions or third-party tools claim to do this, but their reliability and security are questionable. Downloading and re-uploading is the safest and most reliable approach.
What video format is best for Facebook? Facebook recommends using MP4 or MOV formats. H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec are also recommended.
Is it legal to upload someone else’s YouTube video to my Facebook page? No, unless you have explicit permission from the copyright holder. Uploading copyrighted material without permission is a violation of copyright law and could lead to legal repercussions.
How do I add captions to my Facebook video? After uploading your video, Facebook offers tools to generate and edit captions. Go to your video post, click the three dots in the top right corner, and select “Edit Post”. Then, look for the “Captions” option. You can also upload a pre-made SRT file containing captions.
What are the recommended video dimensions for Facebook? Facebook recommends a 16:9 aspect ratio (e.g., 1920×1080 pixels) for horizontal videos and a 9:16 aspect ratio (e.g., 1080×1920 pixels) for vertical videos. Square videos (1:1) also perform well.
How long can my video be on Facebook? Facebook allows videos up to 240 minutes (4 hours) long. However, shorter videos generally perform better.
Why is my video taking so long to upload to Facebook? Upload speed depends on several factors, including your internet connection speed, the size of the video file, and Facebook’s server load. Try uploading during off-peak hours or compressing the video file slightly.
How can I schedule a video post on Facebook? When creating a new post, click the dropdown arrow next to the “Post” button. You’ll see an option to “Schedule”. Select the desired date and time.
Can I monetize my Facebook videos? Yes, Facebook offers various monetization options, including in-stream ads. You’ll need to meet certain eligibility requirements, such as having a minimum number of followers and video views.
How do I track the performance of my Facebook videos? Facebook provides detailed analytics for your video posts. Go to your Facebook page and click on “Insights”. Then, select “Videos” to see metrics such as views, engagement, and reach.
Should I remove the YouTube link after the video preview appears on Facebook? Yes, removing the raw URL can make the post look cleaner and more professional. Facebook will still retain the video preview.

By following these guidelines and leveraging the power of both YouTube and Facebook, you can effectively cross-promote your content and reach a wider audience. Good luck and happy uploading!