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Set your video’s title, description, category, and tags in Descript’s export panel, then publish it straight to your YouTube channel without a separate upload.

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Before getting started

Exporting to YouTube is supported on all plans, with some limits:
  • Free plans can export videos to YouTube up to 720p resolution, 1 hour max.
  • Hobbyist plans can export videos to YouTube up to 1080p resolution, 1 hour max.
  • Creator, Business, and Enterprise plans can export videos to YouTube up to 4K resolution, 3 hours max.
Other things to keep in mind:
  • YouTube also enforces upload limits. Unverified accounts are limited to 15 minutes per video. Verified accounts can upload up to 12 hours or 256 GB, but limits may be lower if your channel has copyright strikes or other restrictions. Learn more from YouTube.
  • 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 supported. Only channel owners can publish directly from Descript.
  • Copyright flags: Exports include metadata to help YouTube correctly identify stock media and reduce false copyright claims. Learn how to avoid copyright claims.

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How to export your video to YouTube

  1. Click Export in the top-right of your project window.
  2. Select your desired resolution under the Web link destination. Select resolution in export panel
  3. Switch the destination to YouTube in the dropdown. YouTube selected as export destination
  4. Customize your video title, description, tags, and other settings.
  5. Sign in to your Google account and grant Descript permission:
    • Click Sign in to YouTube when prompted.
    • Allow Descript access in the browser window.
    • If prompted, choose your YouTube channel and return to Descript.
  6. Click Export again to publish your video. Descript will also generate a share page. Learn more about share pages.

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YouTube export settings

Title length limitYouTube titles must be under 100 characters and use valid UTF-8 (no < or >). If your title doesn’t meet these requirements, export will fail.

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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 YouTube, go to your Google account settings and remove Descript’s access. Learn more about managing third-party access.

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Best practices and limitations

Keep these points in mind when publishing to YouTube:
  • YouTube exports are only available from the web version of Descript.
  • YouTube Shorts are not supported.
  • Brand and shared access channels are not supported — only channel owners can export directly.
  • Thumbnails set in Descript only apply to the Descript share page. To add a YouTube thumbnail, upload it in YouTube Studio after publishing.