The processing procedure of YouTube videos can be confusing at times, and it gets denser when you start to crank up the quality of your created video. So, if you ever wondered how long does it take for YouTube to process a video, then follow along to find out every nitty and gritty detail that comes with processing a video for YouTube. 

What is Video Processing and Why Does it Take So Long?

Video processing is the term that is used to describe the encrypting and code procession of video signals which is used to create a final output that resembles the sound and image signals altogether.

In simpler terms, video processing is the process to determine and give an output of the quality and the type of the video. So, it is nothing but signal processing of various media.

But that’s the technical stuff, and I know you are not looking for that. What you want to know is what video processing is in YouTube terms and why it takes quite a long time for some and less for others.

To start off with video processing in YouTube, YouTube creates a few different quality or video resolutions to watch the video in different quality depending on our internet speed.

If you check on the bottom right side of any played video on YouTube, you will notice the settings icon. If you press on that, you will see the type of quality or the type of resolution your current video is playing.

And you can change the quality or the resolution of the video at your will, but the auto quality or the resolution set out by YouTube is perfect because YouTube sets it up considering your internet speed and connection.

So, the way we get this different resolution of the same video is what video processing in YouTube stands for because a YouTuber or a content creator doesn’t upload videos in every type, quality, or resolution. 

They upload in the highest quality or resolution available to them, and YouTube, via the help of video processing, does the rest.

How Does Video Processing in YouTube Work?

The process is quite simple but can come out as a complex matter at first. But don’t worry, I’ll break down every possible step so it is understandable without any complexity.

So, first of all, there are three types of common resolution that an ideal content creator or YouTuber, in this case, uploads a video. These three types are:

• 1080p or Full HD Resolution 
• 4K Resolution 
• 8K Resolution

1080p or full HD resolution is the standard video quality that we have come to love and accept. To be precise, the resolution is 1920 pixels in height and 1080 pixels in width, maintaining a solid 16:9 ratio. Most content creators on YouTube upload in this resolution.

4K resolution is higher and contains more pixels to make the image look clearer and adds a touch of realist that can’t be found in 1080p resolution. The height for 4K is 3840 pixels, and the width is 2160 pixels.

Channels that work with high-level graphics content usually put out 4K resolution contents in general.

Last on the line is 8K, and if you ever wanted an ultra-realistic video experience, then you go for 8K resolution any time. You can only find 8K videos on high-tech review channels and expensive content creators.

The standard size depending pixel for 8K is, 7680 pixels for height, and for width, it’s 4320 pixels. 8K content provides videos that are similar to experiencing something in real life.

So, when YouTube puts out videos in any of the following resolutions, YouTube starts to process these videos. And this process occurs in various servers at the same time. After the processing is complete, YouTube completes the upload, and voila, you got your video uploaded.

In every server, a different type of video resolution gets processed, and therefore, if you have uploaded a video in 1080p resolution after your upload is done, you will be able to find a 720p version, 480p version, 240p version, and a 144p version along with your uploaded 1080p version of the same video. 

And that is what video processing on YouTube is. It is the way your uploaded video gets versions of other resolution types. Keep in mind that the resolution type only goes upwards.

Meaning if you upload a 1080p video, it will have a 720p version, 480p version, and so on. But if you upload a 720p quality video, you won’t get any 1080p version of that same uploaded video.

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

Well, this depends on a lot of factors. You will need to consider the resolution quality of the video, the size of the video, your internet speed, your location, bandwidth, and many more. But don’t worry, I’ll go through them one by one.

Resolution

Resolution plays a big part in the YouTube game, and getting the perfect resolution for yourself will also determine how long it will take for you to process your desired video. 

But this also will depend on your audience. Because if your subscribers aren’t able to watch videos in 4K or 8K, then you shouldn’t be putting them out in the first place. But in general, 1080p videos take the shortest time while 8K takes the longest. 

Video Size

Even if you are on a low resolution, the size of your video will also determine the processing time. And it’s a no-brainer that short sizes mean shorter loading time and large sizes mean longer loading time.

Internet Speed and Bandwidth

If you plan to upload any videos, your internet will definitely play the most significant role. The faster it is, the quicker the processing time will be because your video needs to be uploaded to YouTube’s servers to begin the video processing process.

Bandwidth also comes into play as if you have way too much traffic compared to your bandwidth, and then you won’t be able to push the video processing process faster; rather, it will be slower.

Location

Now, this might seem a little confusing to some, but your location determines which YouTube servers you will interact with, and the closer to the server you are, the faster the video processing will be.

Time of the Day

If you try to upload your video at peak hours, then the processing speed will be slow as the servers are working to process several other videos at the same time.

Almost 5 million videos are getting uploaded every day, so your time of upload will indeed determine how fast the video processing speed will be.

Now, depending on the mentioned factors, your video processing time will be long or short.

If it takes too long, that just means your video is getting transformed into other versions at a slower pace, and the reason can range from the resolution and size to the time of the day.

Therefore, I believe that it takes from 2 to 10 minutes for small videos while 2 to 8 hours for more extensive videos to process. 

Can I Leave YouTube While a Video is Processing?

This is a common question for many beginner YouTubers. So, the answer is yes, and you can leave YouTube while your video is processing, but you need to make sure that the upload is completed.

If the upload isn’t complete and you leave YouTube or turn off your system, the processing process will never start, and your video will be stuck at processing till the end of time.

I recommend that you don’t take that risk unless you have to, and even then, ensure that your upload is completed.

YouTube Video Stuck at Processing: How to Fix

Now, several things can go wrong between your upload and processing phases. Here are a few fixes that you can try:

Reconnecting Your Internet

Make sure that your internet connection is working properly. Because most of the time, it is the issue behind your video procession being stuck.

Clear Browsers Cache and Cookies

The next fix is to clear your browser’s cache and cookies, which will accelerate and optimize the browser’s work rate, which can lead to resuming the video processing process.

Disable Any Web Boasting Websites

Sometimes these third-party apps clog the bandwidth or intentionally stops the video uploading or processing. So, disable them to be safe.

Make Sure That There’s No App Using the Internet in the Background

Suppose there’s other software like torrent clients using most of your bandwidth from the background, then it is highly likely for the video processing speed to be stuck. So, remove them if you see your video is being stuck at processing.

Scan Computer for Virus 

Virus and malware are designed to make your computing experience hell, and they can also play a hand in making your video stuck at processing. So, scan your device for any viruses and remove them if found.

Delete Unnecessary Applications if Possible

Go to your task manager and find if any applications are acting up and making the most of your components and if they are not necessary, then remove them.

There are times when a device’s performance reflects upon the uploading and processing of your YouTube videos.

Final Thoughts

The video processing process of YouTube can look tricky at first. But if you are reading this, you already know the fundamentals of YouTube’s video processing, and I am sure now you know how long it takes for YouTube to process a video. So, best of luck and happy YouTubing!