Most artists already know how to hit “upload” on YouTube. The difference between a sloppy upload and a professional one is in the details — title, description, links, tags, thumbnails, and cards. Done right, every new video strengthens your channel and helps the algorithm understand who you are.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Format Your Title Correctly
- Use this format: Artist – Song Name (Version)
- Always Capitalize Each Word
- Versions include:
- (Official Video)
- (Official Lyric Video)
- (Live)
- (Visualizer)
Step 2: Write a Strong Description
Descriptions should always follow this order below. For an in-depth article on video descriptions click here.
- Featuring/guest usernames — tag them with @ so they link properly
- Song alternates — link to other versions (live, covers, official video, etc.)
- Smart link — album or single smart link (album is stronger when possible)
- Artist social links
- Press release — 1 paragraph max
- Hashtags
Tip: Don’t just copy/paste old text. Clean up messy, outdated descriptions before publishing.
Step 3: Smart Links & Alternates
- Create an artlnk.info smart link for the album or single.
- Always include a YouTube album playlist link in the smart link line.
- Cross-link alternate versions of the song (live vs. studio, covers, etc.) in the description, end cards, and playlists.
Step 4: Designate the Video as a YouTube Collaboration
If your release involves more than one artist, mark the video as a collaboration before you publish.
YouTube now allows creators to officially tag up to five collaborators on any video or Short. This helps all credited channels show up on the watch page and pushes the content to each collaborator’s audience feed. For more on collaborations, read this article.
Here’s how to do it:
- In YouTube Studio, upload your video as usual.
- On the Details tab, click Show More → find Collaborations → click Add Collaborators.
- Enter the @handles or channel URLs of each artist, producer, or label you want to appear.
- Each collaborator will receive an invite; they must accept for the credit to go live.
- When accepted, all credited channels appear on the watch page, and the video may be surfaced to their subscribers too.
- For Shorts, the process is identical—just keep your hook front-loaded in the first 1.5 seconds.
Pro Tip:
If you’re working with a label or another artist on a joint campaign, adding collaborators ensures the video benefits from both audiences and makes the content eligible for their analytics, playlists, and recommendations.
Step 5: Add End Screens & Cards
- End Screen: Always use 1 Video, 1 Playlist, 1 Subscribe.
- Cards: Add related versions or covers to keep viewers in your ecosystem.
Step 6: Upload a Strong Thumbnail
- Must look clear on mobile.
- Faces and good lighting work best.
- No blurry screenshots.
- If in doubt, screenshot a clean frame and add minimal text.
- For an in-depth article on thumbnails click here.
Step 7: Assign Playlists
- Always add the new video to at least one playlist (e.g. “Official Videos”).
- Playlists keep viewers on your channel and boost watch time.
- Set the playlist as a Collaborative Playlist if you want to get fellow artists involved with building the playlist.
- More on YouTube playlists here
Step 8: Final Settings
- Audience: “Not made for kids” unless it really is.
- Category: Music.
- Language: Set both video + description language.
- Location: Tag city or venue if relevant.
A properly optimized upload sets the bar. Every video you release should meet this standard so you don’t have to fix it later.
Already have old uploads that don’t look like this? Check out our full guide: Fix Your YouTube Channel In Under An Hour
360 Promo is a full-service music marketing, promotion, distribution and admin company. Learn more about us at 360 Promo, follow us on Instagram and contact us to tailor a plan that works for you.