Export videos directly to your YouTube channel using Descript’s built-in integration. Set your title, description, category, and tags, then publish in just a few clicks.
This article covers:
- How to export your video to YouTube
- YouTube export settings
- Video chapters and Google permissions
- Best practices and limitations
- How to set YouTube thumbnails
Before getting started
Exporting to YouTube is supported on all plans, with some limitations:
- Free — Up to 720p resolution, 1 hour max
- Hobbyist — Up to 1080p resolution, 1 hour max
- Creator, Business, Enterprise — Up to 4K resolution, 3 hours max
Other things to keep in mind:
- Exporting to YouTube is only available from the web version of Descript.
- YouTube Shorts are not supported. To publish a Short, download your video and upload it manually.
- Brand and shared access YouTube channels are not officially supported. Only channel owners can publish directly from Descript.
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Prevent copyright flags — When you export using Descript’s YouTube integration, we include metadata that helps YouTube correctly identify stock media. This reduces the chances of false copyright claims or strikes—especially if your project includes stock audio or video. Learn how to avoid and resolve copyright claims.
How to export your video to YouTube
- Click Export in the top-right of your project window.
- Select your desired resolution under the Web link destination.
- Switch the destination to YouTube in the dropdown.
- Customize your video title, description, tags, and other settings.
- Sign in to your Google account and grant Descript permission to publish:
- Click Sign in to YouTube when prompted.
- Allow Descript access in the browser window.
- If prompted, choose your YouTube channel and return to Descript.
- Click Export again to publish your video. Descript will generate a standalone share page for your video. Learn more about share pages.
YouTube export settings
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Access | Set the YouTube privacy setting for your video |
| Title (next to thumbnail) | Title of your Descript share page |
| Title | The title of your YouTube video |
| Description | Details displayed below your video on YouTube |
| Category | Helps viewers discover your content |
| Tags | Keywords that help with search and visibility |
Title length limit
YouTube titles must be under 100 characters and use valid UTF-8 (no < or >). If your title doesn’t meet these requirements, your export will fail.
Video chapters and Google permissions
Using markers? Descript automatically turns your markers into YouTube video chapters. Learn how to use markers.
Reset Google access permissions: To disconnect Descript from your YouTube account, go to your Google account settings and remove Descript’s access. Learn more about managing third-party access.
Best practices and limitations
- Exporting to YouTube is only available from the web version of Descript.
- YouTube Shorts are not currently supported.
- Brand and shared access channels are not officially supported—only channel owners can export directly.
- Thumbnails set in Descript only apply to the Descript share page. To set a YouTube thumbnail, upload a custom image in YouTube Studio after publishing.