If you’ve ever tried to upload a stunning 8K HDR video to YouTube and ended up with something that looks… not so stunning, you’re not alone.
When I first attempted it, my “HDR masterpiece” got downgraded to SDR, and I couldn’t figure out why. Turns out, uploading 8K HDR to YouTube is way more than just hitting the export button. It’s about color space, bit depth, metadata, and knowing how to talk to YouTube’s processing pipeline.
So, I put together this ultimate guide to help you do it right the first time. Whether you’re a post-production pro or an advanced hobbyist like me, this post will walk you through the exact steps to get that crispy HDR badge next to your video.
Let’s start with the why:
YouTube isn’t just a platform anymore—it’s the place for showcasing high-end content. HDR (High Dynamic Range) adds a ton of depth and realism to videos. And 8K? It’s not just about pixel count; it’s about future-proofing and blowing people’s minds with razor-sharp visuals.
Most modern TVs and even some phones now support HDR, and 8K support is growing. That means your content canlook incredible—but only if you upload it properly.
Before diving into DaVinci Resolve or export settings, it’s important to know what YouTube actually supports:
YouTube also looks for HDR metadata, so even if your video looks HDR to you, YouTube won’t treat it that way unless the metadata is baked in or added manually.
If you’re using DaVinci Resolve, here’s how I set up my project:
These settings tell YouTube your video is true HDR, and not just “really bright SDR.”
Now for the actual export. The Deliver page is where things go wrong if you’re not careful. Here’s the setup that worked for me:
Don’t forget to also check “Force sizing to highest resolution” if needed. I also recommend enabling “Use maximum bit depth” to ensure no info gets lost.
Uploading 8K HDR content to YouTube isn’t rocket science—but it’s not plug-and-play either. If you’re like me and want your content to actually look like what you saw in your timeline, you’ve got to be precise.
Focus on getting your project setup right (especially the color space), export with proper settings (Main10, 10-bit, correct metadata), and check playback after upload. A bit of upfront work can save you a ton of frustration later.
Have you uploaded an 8K HDR video recently? I’d love to hear how it went. Drop a comment, share this with your fellow creators, or shoot me a link to your masterpiece!
YouTube can take several days to finish processing HDR versions. Also double-check your metadata and export settings.
HEVC Main10 is usually best. Small size, solid quality, and supported by YouTube.
In the Deliver page, turn on HDR10 metadata settings and input MaxFALL, MaxCLL, and mastering display info.
Anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on file size and internet speed.
Cinematic content in 8K HDR across brands, places, and ideas