Uploading New Versions of Submitted Videos on YouTube: A Comprehensive Guide

Uploading new versions of submitted videos on YouTube is a common practice for content creators who want to keep their content fresh and relevant. However, directly replacing an existing video is not possible. Instead, you need to upload the new content as a separate video. This article will guide you through the process and provide best practices for managing and sharing updated content with your audience.

Uploading the New Video

1. **Go to Your YouTube Channel**: Log in to your YouTube account and navigate to the channel where you originally uploaded the video.

2. **Start the Upload Process**: Click on the Upload button and follow the steps to upload your new version. Ensure the video meets YouTube’s content guidelines and quality standards.

Updating Relevant Metadata

3. **Update the Title and Description**: Once the new video is uploaded, make sure to update the title, description, and tags to reflect the changes in the new version. This helps in improving search visibility and user engagement.

For example, if you’re uploading an updated version of a tutorial, you could update the title to indicate the new version number or date. Update the description to include new key information and links to any relevant materials.

Notifying Your Audience

4. **Create a Community Post or Announcement**: Inform your audience about the updated content by creating a community post or making a video announcement. Highlight the changes and the benefits for your audience. This can be done in the form of a blog post, a video in your channel, or even a notification in your YouTube notifications center.

For instance, you could say:

This is [Your Name] from [Your Channel]. I hope you’re all doing well. I wanted to let you know that we have recently updated the [Original Video Title] tutorial. The new version includes [specific updates]. You can find it here [video link].

Dealing with the Old Video (Optional)

5. **Consider Deleting the Old Video**: If you no longer want the old version available, you can delete it. However, keep in mind that this will remove any views, comments, and engagement associated with that video. Deleting a video is a permanent action, so make sure you make an informed decision.

If you choose to delete, ensure the new version has gained sufficient visibility and engagement before proceeding.

Redirecting Traffic (Optional)

6. **Redirecting Traffic from the Old Video to the New One**: If you want to ensure viewers are directed to the new video, you can leave a mention or a link in the old video's description or comments. This way, viewers who land on the old video due to organic search or links can be routed to the new, updated version.

Conclusion

Uploading new versions of submitted videos on YouTube is a valuable strategy for content creators. By following the steps mentioned above, you can ensure that your audience remains informed and engaged with the most up-to-date content. This approach not only improves the freshness of your content but also enhances user experience and maintains your channel’s credibility.