To make a YouTube video on mobile, you use the YouTube app to record or upload and YouTube Create to edit. The exact steps to make a YouTube video on mobile depend on whether you are starting with a finished clip or need to edit first.
How to make a YouTube video on mobile: the two apps you need
The app you use depends on the task. Use the YouTube app for recording or uploading a video directly. Use YouTube Create for editing a project and exporting it before upload. YouTube Create on Android requires at least 4 GB RAM, and on iPhone it requires an iPhone XR or newer running iOS 17 or later. These YouTube mobile tips help you choose the right tool for your workflow.
How to upload a video on iPhone
Open the YouTube app. Tap Create and then Video. Select the file you want to upload and tap Next.
If you edited the video in YouTube Create first, open the app, go to Recent Projects, open a project, then tap More in the right corner, choose Export, select the video quality, and tap Export. To upload from YouTube Create, tap Upload to YouTube, add the title, description, and thumbnail, choose the privacy level, optionally add a location or playlist, tap Next, then tap Upload video.
How to upload a video on Android
Open the YouTube app. Tap Create and then Video.
How to make a YouTube Short on mobile
Open the YouTube app, tap Create, and select Short. Hold Capture or tap it to start recording and tap again to stop. Shoot vertically, clean the camera lens, and turn off notifications before filming for the best results. The documented Shorts path is Create > Short on iPhone and iPad help pages.
Device requirements and limits
YouTube Create on Android requires a phone with at least 4 GB RAM. For YouTube uploads, the video title maximum is 100 characters. Google’s help pages do not list a carrier requirement for these YouTube workflows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make YouTube videos on a mobile phone?
Yes. Most modern smartphones running iOS or Android have the necessary camera, audio, and storage capabilities to record and upload YouTube videos directly from the device.
Can mobile-made YouTube videos be monetized?
Yes. Monetization is based on channel requirements, not the device used to create the video. A channel needs at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months to be eligible.
Do I need an external microphone to make a YouTube video on mobile?
No. The built-in microphone on most phones is sufficient for basic videos. An external microphone can improve audio quality in noisy environments or for professional results.
What is the difference between the YouTube app and YouTube Create?
The YouTube app handles recording and uploading. YouTube Create is Google's dedicated editing app for trimming, adding effects, and exporting a project before uploading.
