How To Upload HLG HDR to YouTube in Two Minutes

There are now one or two excellent online tutorials for grading in HDR for delivery to YouTube, however (1) they restrict the discussion to V-Log L; (2) the workflows are either in DaVinci Resolve or NLEs other than FCPX; (3) they require the use of expensive external monitors and (4) they’re overly long and complicated, which may deter some from dipping their toes into the rewarding world of HDR. No question, if you intend to do much grading, it is preferable to shoot V-Log L for HDR10 delivery. But if you want to turn your YouTube projects around as quickly as possible, HLG is a great alternative – the order of operations couldn’t be more simple and the results may surprise you!

1. Select a library from the Libraries Sidebar.

Select your library from the Libraries Sidebar.

2. Click Modify in the Library Properties Inspector.

Click Modify in the Library Properties Inspector.

3. Select Wide Gamut HDR in the window that appears.

Select Wide Gamut HDR.

4. Select your project and press Command-J.

Select project and press Command-J.

5. In the Project Properties Inspector, click Modify.

In Project Properties Inspector, click Modify.

6. In the pop-up window, select Wide Gamut HDR – rec.2020 HLG and hit OK.

In the pop-up window, select Wide Gamut HDR – rec.2020 HLG.

7. In the Color category of the Effects Browser, drag HDR Tools to a clip in the timeline.

In the Color category of the Effects Browser, drag HDR Tools to a clip in the timeline.

8. Select the clip in the timeline and in the Video Inspector, choose PQ Output Tone Map in Mode and set Peak Brightness to 1000 nits. Repeat for all clips in project.

Select the clip in timeline and in the Video Inspector, choose PQ Output Tone Map in Mode and set Peak Brightness to 1000 nits. Repeat for all clips in project.

9.  In the browser, select the project you want to export.

In the browser, select the project you want to export.

10. Choose File > Share > Master File.

Choose File > Share > Master File.

11. In settings, choose Apple ProRes 422.

In settings, choose Apple ProRes 422.

12. Choose a location and hit Save.

Choose a location and hit Save.

Now, you’re ready to upload the Master File to YouTube on their website. It may take several minutes for your uploaded video to display the HLG HDR flag on your television, so be patient!