Why cross-post from Facebook to YouTube?
Facebook videos have a short lifespan—most engagement happens within 48 hours. YouTube videos, on the other hand, can generate views for years through search. Cross-posting your best Facebook videos to YouTube gives them permanent, searchable shelf life that compounds over time.
Facebook Specs
- Caption limit
- 8,000 chars
- Max hashtags
- 3
- Aspect ratios
- 16:9, 1:1, 4:5
- Media formats
- JPG, PNG, MP4, MOV
- Max video length
- 4 min
- Max file size
- 1000 MB
- Best times
- 9 AM - 10 AM, 3-4 PM
- Links in posts
- Yes
Facebook Specs
- Caption limit
- 8,000 chars
- Max hashtags
- 3
- Aspect ratios
- 16:9, 1:1, 4:5
- Media formats
- JPG, PNG, MP4, MOV
- Max video length
- 4 min
- Max file size
- 1000 MB
- Best times
- 9 AM - 10 AM, 3-4 PM
- Links in posts
- Yes
YouTube Specs
- Caption limit
- 5,000 chars
- Max hashtags
- 5
- Aspect ratios
- 16:9, 9:16
- Media formats
- MP4, MOV
- Max video length
- 12h
- Max file size
- 2000 MB
- Best times
- 2-4 PM, 6-8 PM
- Links in posts
- Yes
How to cross-post from Facebook to YouTube
- 1
Download your Facebook video
Download the original video file from Facebook. Ensure it is the highest quality version available.
- 2
Write an SEO-optimized title
Facebook posts do not have titles. Create a keyword-rich YouTube title (max 60 chars) based on what people would search for.
- 3
Write a detailed YouTube description
YouTube allows 5,000 characters. Write a keyword-rich description with timestamps, links, and related content.
- 4
Add tags and YouTube hashtags
Add relevant YouTube tags and 3-5 hashtags. These help YouTube categorize and recommend your video.
- 5
Create a custom thumbnail
YouTube thumbnails are critical for click-through rate. Create an eye-catching thumbnail for your video.
Formatting tips for Facebook to YouTube
Both platforms support 16:9
Facebook and YouTube both work well with 16:9 landscape video. No reformatting needed for most content.
YouTube needs SEO optimization
Facebook is social; YouTube is a search engine. Add keywords to title, description, and tags.
Create a thumbnail
Facebook auto-generates previews. YouTube requires a compelling custom thumbnail for clicks.
Common mistakes to avoid
No SEO optimization
YouTube is the second-largest search engine. Add keywords everywhere—title, description, tags, and hashtags.
No custom thumbnail
YouTube videos without custom thumbnails get significantly fewer clicks. Design one for every upload.
Casual Facebook caption as YouTube description
YouTube descriptions should be detailed with keywords, timestamps, and links. Rewrite completely.
Pro Tip
Your highest-engagement Facebook videos tell you what content resonates with audiences. Use these as the basis for YouTube videos, then optimize with SEO for long-term searchable traffic.
Frequently asked questions
Should I upload my Facebook videos to YouTube?
Yes, especially educational or evergreen content. Facebook videos lose visibility after 48 hours. YouTube videos can rank in search and get views for years.
What video format does YouTube prefer?
YouTube works best with 16:9 HD video in MP4 format. Facebook videos in 16:9 can be uploaded directly without reformatting.
Can I monetize the same video on both platforms?
Yes. Facebook and YouTube have separate monetization programs. The same video can earn revenue on both platforms independently.