How to Upload HDR Video on YouTube in 2026 [Complete Guide]

What Is HDR for YouTube?

HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a video technology that expands the brightness and color range beyond what standard dynamic range (SDR) video can display. On YouTube, HDR videos appear with an "HDR" label next to the resolution option (e.g., "2160p HDR"), giving viewers a more lifelike, immersive experience on compatible devices.

YouTube currently supports three main HDR formats:

When you upload an HDR video to YouTube, the platform automatically detects the HDR metadata and produces HDR transcodes for compatible devices. Viewers on non-HDR devices will see an SDR downconversion, so your video remains accessible to all audiences.

Which Devices Support YouTube HDR?

Not all devices can display HDR content. Here is a quick compatibility overview:

• Smartphones: iPhone 8 and later, Samsung Galaxy S8 and later, Google Pixel series, and other OLED/HDR-capable phones
• Smart TVs: Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, Hisense, Vizio, and Panasonic models with HDR support
• Streaming devices: Chromecast Ultra, Apple TV 4K, Roku Ultra, Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
• Gaming consoles: PlayStation 4 Pro/5, Xbox One S/X, Xbox Series X/S
• Desktop: Requires HDR-compatible monitor and GPU with HDR enabled in OS settings

YouTube HDR Upload Requirements

Before uploading HDR video to YouTube, your footage must meet specific technical specifications. Using the wrong settings will result in washed-out colors or missing HDR tags.

Important tips:

• Use 3840×2160 (UHD) resolution rather than DCI widths like 4096×2160 for better YouTube compatibility.
• Always use 10-bit or 12-bit color depth. Standard 8-bit encoding will not be recognized as HDR by YouTube.
• PQ (ST 2084) is the most common transfer function for YouTube HDR uploads. If your video uses PQ, it must include SMPTE ST 2086 mastering display metadata.

HDR Encoding Formats Supported by YouTube

Choosing the right codec and container is critical for preserving HDR quality during upload. YouTube supports several combinations:

Recommended Container and Codec Combinations

Best Codecs for HDR YouTube Upload

Avoid standard 8-bit H.264 for HDR content — it cannot carry HDR metadata and will be treated as SDR.

How to Upload HDR Video on YouTube (Step-by-Step)

Follow this complete workflow to successfully upload HDR for YouTube with proper quality and metadata intact.

Step 1: Record or Prepare HDR Footage

Start with HDR source material. You can either:

• Shoot natively in HDR using an HDR-capable camera (see camera recommendations below)
• Convert SDR to HDR using AI-powered tools like UniFab's SDR to HDR Converter

When recording, ensure your camera is set to: - HDR recording mode (HLG or PQ) - Rec. 2020 color space - 10-bit or higher color depth - A supported codec (HEVC, ProRes)

Step 2: Edit and Grade Your HDR Video

Use professional editing software that supports HDR workflows:

• DaVinci Resolve (recommended — free version supports HDR): Set project color management to Rec. 2020/ST 2084 (PQ). DaVinci Resolve is the most reliable way to export videos with correct HDR metadata.
• Adobe Premiere Pro: Enable HDR in Sequence Settings → Working Color Space → Rec. 2100 PQ or HLG.
• Final Cut Pro: Supports HDR with Wide Gamut HDR library settings.

Key editing tips: - Work on an HDR-compatible monitor for accurate color grading - Use waveform monitors to assess brightness distribution - Export in HEVC 10-bit or ProRes 4444 to preserve HDR metadata

Step 3: Add HDR Metadata

HDR videos must contain proper metadata in the codec or container for YouTube to recognize them as HDR. The most reliable methods:

Method A: Export from DaVinci Resolve (Preferred)

DaVinci Resolve automatically embeds correct HDR metadata when you export with HDR project settings. This is the simplest and most reliable approach.

Method B: YouTube HDR Metadata Tool

If your editing software does not export standard HDR metadata, use the YouTube HDR Metadata Tool (available on GitHub). This tool uses mkvmerge to embed required metadata into MKV containers.

Key metadata values the tool sets:

Warning: The YouTube HDR metadata tool only works correctly if your video was graded using an HDR transfer function. Using it on SDR-graded footage will badly distort the colors.

If any mastering display values are missing, you can use the values for the Sony BVM-X300, the most commonly used HDR mastering display.

Step 4: Upload to YouTube

Once your video has proper HDR metadata:

1. Sign in to your YouTube account
2. Click the Create button (+ icon) → Select Upload video
3. Drag and drop your HDR video file or click Select files
4. Fill in the title, description, and tags while the video uploads
5. Complete the configuration prompts (Monetization, Elements, Checks)
6. Set visibility and click Publish (or schedule for later)

YouTube will automatically detect the HDR metadata and begin processing. The video initially appears in lower resolution while YouTube generates HDR transcodes.

Step 5: Verify HDR Playback

After uploading, verify your video displays correctly:

1. Wait for YouTube to finish processing (HDR processing takes longer than SDR — typically 2-4x the normal processing time)
2. Open your video on an HDR-compatible device
3. Click the Settings (gear icon) → Quality
4. Look for the "HDR" label next to resolution options (e.g., "2160p HDR")
5. If no HDR label appears, check your codec, bit depth, and metadata settings

How to Add HDR Metadata with YouTube HDR Metadata Tool

The YouTube HDR Metadata Tool is a command-line utility hosted on GitHub that uses mkvmerge to inject HDR metadata into MKV video files. Here is how to use it:

Prerequisites

• Install mkvtoolnix (includes mkvmerge)
• Download the YouTube HDR Metadata Tool from GitHub
• Your video must be graded using an HDR transfer function (PQ or HLG)

Usage Steps

1. Install mkvtoolnix from the official website or your package manager
2. Prepare your video in a supported format (MKV recommended)
3. Run the metadata tool with the appropriate flags for your HDR format:

For PQ (HDR10):

--colour-matrix 0:9
--colour-transfer-characteristics 0:16
--colour-primaries 0:9
--max-content-light 0:1000
--max-frame-light 0:300

For HLG:

--colour-matrix 0:9
--colour-transfer-characteristics 0:18
--colour-primaries 0:9

4. Verify the metadata using mkvinfo to confirm proper embedding
5. Upload the processed MKV file to YouTube

Note: Videos using PQ signaling must contain mastering display information (SMPTE ST 2086). HDR videos may also have dynamic HDR10+ metadata as ITU-T T.35 terminal codes or SEI headers.

Convert SDR to HDR10/Dolby Vision with UniFab HDR Upconverter AI

If you do not have an HDR camera or your existing footage is in SDR, you can convert SDR to HDR using UniFab HDR Upconverter AI. This tool upgrades SDR videos to HDR10 and Dolby Vision with AI-powered color enhancement, making your content ready for YouTube HDR upload.

Key features: 

• Convert SDR to HDR10 or Dolby Vision format
• Set DCI-P3 or Rec. 2020 color space to match device specifications
• Multiple quality models: Fast, FHD, QHD, and 4K UHD
• GPU acceleration for fast processing
• Automatic HDR metadata embedding

Step-by-Step Guide to Convert SDR to HDR with UniFab

Popular HDR Cameras for YouTube Creators

If you want to shoot HDR video natively for YouTube, here are popular cameras across different price ranges:

These cameras support HDR formats like HLG or PQ, which are essential for recording HDR video that YouTube can process correctly.

Troubleshooting: Common YouTube HDR Upload Issues

1. No HDR Tag Appears on YouTube

This is the most common issue. Check the following: 

• Codec: Ensure you are using HEVC, VP9 Profile 2, or AV1 with 10-bit encoding
• Bit depth: Must be 10-bit or 12-bit (8-bit will not trigger HDR)
• Metadata: Verify HDR metadata is embedded using mkvinfo or MediaInfo
• Transfer function: Must be PQ (ST 2084) or HLG — Gamma 2.2 or sRGB will not work
• Color primaries: Should be Rec. 2020, not Rec. 709
• Processing time: YouTube may take several hours to generate HDR transcodes. Wait and check again.

2. Video Looks Washed Out or Too Dark

• Ensure you exported with Rec. 2020 color space and 10-bit or higher bit depth
• Check that your editing software HDR settings match your export settings
• Verify the transfer function is set to PQ or HLG (not Gamma 2.4 or Linear)
• If using the YouTube HDR metadata tool, confirm your video was actually graded in HDR

3. Upload Takes Too Long

• HDR files are significantly larger than SDR files due to higher bit depth and wider color gamut
• Use HEVC or AV1 codec for better compression without quality loss
• Ensure stable, high-speed internet connection (minimum 25 Mbps recommended for 4K HDR)
• Consider uploading during off-peak hours for faster processing

4. HDR Works on Some Devices but Not Others

• Different devices support different HDR formats (HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG)
• YouTube handles the conversion automatically, but some older devices may not display HDR
• Ensure the viewer's device has HDR enabled in system settings
• HDR playback requires the YouTube app to be updated to the latest version

5. Color Banding in HDR Video

• Increase bitrate during export to reduce compression artifacts
• Use 12-bit encoding instead of 10-bit if your software supports it
• Apply dithering in your color grading software
• Avoid heavy color grading on footage with limited dynamic range

FAQs about YouTube HDR

Does YouTube support HDR?

Yes, YouTube fully supports High Dynamic Range (HDR) video uploads. Creators can upload HDR videos in HDR10, Dolby Vision, or HLG formats. YouTube automatically detects HDR metadata and creates both HDR transcodes for compatible devices and SDR downconversions for standard displays. You will see the "HDR" label next to resolution options like "1080p HDR" or "4K HDR" in the player settings.

How do I upload HDR video to YouTube?

To upload HDR video to YouTube, follow this workflow: First, ensure your video is recorded or converted to HDR with 10-bit or 12-bit color depth. Edit using HDR-capable software like DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere Pro. Export with proper HDR metadata (PQ or HLG transfer function, Rec. 2020 color primaries). Then upload normally through YouTube — the platform automatically detects HDR metadata and processes accordingly.

What are the best codecs for YouTube HDR upload?

The recommended codecs for YouTube HDR upload are HEVC/H.265 (best quality-to-size ratio), AV1 (best compression, future-proof), and VP9 Profile 2 (natively supported by YouTube). For MOV workflows, ProRes 422 HQ or ProRes 4444 are excellent choices. Avoid standard 8-bit H.264, as it cannot carry HDR metadata and will be treated as SDR content by YouTube.

What is the YouTube HDR metadata tool?

The YouTube HDR Metadata Tool is a free command-line utility hosted on GitHub that uses mkvmerge to embed HDR metadata into MKV video containers. It sets color primaries (Rec. 2020), transfer characteristics (PQ or HLG), matrix coefficients, MaxCLL, MaxFALL, and mastering display information. However, it only works correctly on videos that were graded using an HDR transfer function — using it on SDR footage will badly distort the colors.

Can I convert SDR to HDR for YouTube?

Yes, you can convert SDR videos to HDR for YouTube using AI-powered tools. UniFab HDR Upconverter AI is a popular choice that upgrades SDR footage to HDR10 or Dolby Vision format with proper color space expansion (DCI-P3 or Rec. 2020) and automatic HDR metadata embedding. The converted files are ready for direct YouTube HDR upload with all required technical specifications met.

Why is my HDR video not showing as HDR on YouTube?

Several factors can prevent the HDR tag from appearing: missing or incorrect HDR metadata, using 8-bit instead of 10-bit color depth, wrong transfer function (must be PQ or HLG), incorrect color primaries (should be Rec. 2020), or using an unsupported codec. Additionally, YouTube HDR processing takes longer than standard uploads — the HDR tag may appear hours after the initial upload. Use MediaInfo or mkvinfo to verify your file contains proper HDR metadata before uploading.

Does YouTube support HDR live streaming?

Yes, YouTube supports HDR live streaming. Since 2020, creators can stream HDR content live on YouTube using the H.265 (HEVC) video codec. To set up HDR live streaming, you need an HDR-capable camera, an encoder that supports HEVC with HDR metadata, and a stable high-bandwidth internet connection. Note that HDR live streaming has higher bandwidth requirements than standard SDR streams.

What is the difference between HDR10 and Dolby Vision on YouTube?

HDR10 uses static metadata that applies the same brightness and color settings to the entire video, while Dolby Vision uses dynamic metadata that optimizes settings on a scene-by-scene or even frame-by-frame basis. HDR10 is an open standard with broader device compatibility, making it the safer choice for reaching the widest audience. Dolby Vision offers superior visual quality but requires licensed hardware. YouTube supports both formats and automatically handles playback for compatible devices.

Which devices support YouTube HDR playback?

YouTube HDR is supported on a wide range of devices: iPhones (8 and later), Samsung Galaxy (S8 and later), Google Pixel phones, HDR-capable smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, TCL, Hisense, Vizio, and Panasonic, streaming devices like Chromecast Ultra, Apple TV 4K, and Roku Ultra, and gaming consoles including PS4 Pro, PS5, Xbox One S/X, and Xbox Series X/S. Desktop users need an HDR monitor with HDR enabled in their operating system settings.

Is UniFab HDR Upconverter free to use?

UniFab HDR Upconverter offers a free trial that lets you convert up to 3 videos to test the HDR conversion quality. The full version requires a paid license, with options for monthly, yearly, and lifetime plans. The paid version unlocks unlimited conversions, batch processing, and access to all quality models (Fast, FHD, QHD, and 4K UHD). Given the complexity of AI-powered SDR-to-HDR conversion, it provides strong value for creators who regularly upload HDR content to YouTube.

How long does YouTube take to process HDR videos?

YouTube HDR processing takes significantly longer than standard SDR uploads. After uploading, your video may initially appear in SD quality while YouTube generates HDR transcodes. For a typical 10-minute 4K HDR video, expect processing to take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the file size, codec, and server load. The HDR label and higher resolution options become available gradually as processing completes. Do not re-upload if you do not see the HDR tag immediately.

Conclusion

Uploading HDR video to YouTube requires attention to technical specifications — the right codec, 10-bit or higher color depth, proper HDR metadata, and Rec. 2020 color primaries. The most reliable workflow is to shoot or convert your footage to HDR, edit with HDR-capable software like DaVinci Resolve, ensure metadata is properly embedded, and then upload normally.

If you do not have native HDR footage, UniFab HDR Upconverter AI offers a straightforward way to convert SDR content to HDR10 or Dolby Vision with all the required metadata for YouTube. Combined with the right encoding settings, your HDR videos will deliver the vibrant, high-contrast viewing experience that sets HDR content apart on YouTube.