How to Upload a Video to Google Drive from Phone, Windows, and Mac

How to Upload a Video to Google Drive from Mac and Windows

Whether you’re using a Mac or Windows computer, uploading videos to Google Drive can be done quickly and easily. Here are several methods for Google Drive video upload that fit different needs and preferences.

How to Add a Video to Google Drive via Browser

First of all, you can put a video in Google Drive through any web browser, and this method works the same on both Windows and Mac. It does not require installing any additional software, making it a convenient choice for quick uploads. This method is ideal if you’re using a public or shared computer, as it allows direct access without setup. It also gives you full control over which videos to upload and when.

However, it does not support automatic syncing, so you need to upload each file manually. Large videos may take longer depending on your internet speed, and unstable connections can cause upload failures. While this method works well for occasional uploads, frequent users may prefer desktop apps with built-in sync features.

📝 Follow these steps for uploading videos to Google Drive using your web browser:

Step 1. Go to https://drive.google.com in your web browser and sign in to your Google account if you haven’t already.

Step 2. Navigate to the folder where you want to store your video, or click + New > Folder to create a new one.

Step 3. Click the + New button on the left side, then select File upload from the dropdown menu.

Step 4. In the file browser window that appears, find and select the video file you want to upload, then click Open.

Step 5. Wait for the upload to complete. A progress bar will appear in the bottom-right corner, and your video will show up in the selected folder once the upload finishes.

How to Add a Video in Google Drive Desktop App

To upload a video in Google Drive more seamlessly, using the desktop app can save you time and effort compared to the browser method. After installing Google Drive for Desktop and signing in, you select folders on your computer to sync. Any video added to these folders uploads automatically in the background, eliminating the need for manual uploads. This method suits users who often work with large video files or want continuous backups.

Unlike the browser approach, which requires uploading each file individually, the desktop app keeps your chosen folders synced in real time. It supports both Windows and Mac, but requires a stable internet connection and sufficient Google Drive storage.

📝 Let’s look at how to upload videos to Drive step-by-step with this simple tutorial:

Step 1. Download and install Google Drive for Desktop. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 2. Open the app and click Sign in with browser. Log in using your Google account credentials.

Step 3. When prompted, select Add folder under "My Computer" to choose folders on your PC or Mac that you want to sync with Google Drive. Click Save to confirm.

Step 4. Move or copy your video files into one of these synced folders using File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).

Step 5. Google Drive will automatically start syncing the videos. You can monitor the progress by clicking the Drive icon in the system tray (Windows) or menu bar (Mac), which shows upload status and recent activity.

How to Send Video to Google Drive with CBackup

CBackup provides an efficient way to simplify uploading a video to Google Drive, especially for users who want more automation and flexibility than the standard browser or desktop app methods. Unlike manual uploads, CBackup allows you to schedule automatic backups and transfers, making it perfect for regularly uploading large video files without constant supervision.

It also supports cloud-to-cloud backups, letting you move videos directly between different cloud services, which saves time and bandwidth. Features like merging multiple cloud accounts, file filtering, and incremental backups help you organize and manage your videos easily. Overall, CBackup offers a powerful and convenient alternative for uploading a video to Google Drive with greater control and efficiency.

📝 Here’s a simple guide on how to put videos on Google Drive using CBackup’s features:

Step 1. Download and install CBackup from the official website, then open the app and either sign up for a new account or log in if you already have one.

Step 2. Add your Google Drive account by clicking on "Storage" in the left sidebar, then selecting "Add Cloud". Choose Google Drive from the list and follow the authorization prompts to grant CBackup access.

Step 3. Create a new backup task by navigating to the "Backup" tab and clicking "Backup PC to Public Cloud."

Step 4. Select the specific video files or folders from your computer that you want to upload, then choose your connected Google Drive as the backup destination.

Step 5. Set a backup schedule by clicking the "Schedule" button. Choose how often you want the app to upload videos—daily, weekly, or monthly—and save your settings. Finally, click "Start Backup" to begin the process, and CBackup will automatically upload your videos according to your schedule.

How to Upload Video to Google Drive from iPhone

The Google Drive app on iPhone provides a straightforward way to upload videos, but it differs from the computer versions in functionality and operation. When you upload video on Google Drive from iPhone, you must manually select and upload each file. In contrast, the desktop app can sync entire folders automatically. The iPhone app integrates with the Photos app, making it easy to access your camera roll—a feature not available on desktop.

While it lacks advanced file management options like bulk renaming or drag-and-drop folder organization found on computers, the app focuses on quick and simple uploads. Overall, desktop and browser versions offer greater control and automation for managing your video files.

📝 Follow these steps to learn how to upload a video from iPhone to Google Drive quickly and easily:

Step 1. Open the Google Drive app on your iPhone. Make sure you're signed in with your Google account.

Step 2. Go to the folder where you want to upload the video, or stay in "My Drive" if you don’t want to organize it into a specific folder.

Step 3. Tap the "+" (plus) icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.

Step 4. Select "Upload", then tap "Photos and Videos" from the options that appear. Browse your Camera Roll and tap the video you want to upload.

Step 5. Tap "Upload" at the top right. The video will start uploading and appear in your chosen folder once complete.

How to Upload a Video on Google Drive from Android

Many users choose to upload video to Google Drive from phones running Android because it offers more flexibility compared to an iPhone. Android devices provide broader access to files, allowing users to select videos from internal storage, Downloads, or third-party file managers—not just the Photos app. The Google Drive app also integrates more deeply with the Android file system, making file browsing and organization easier during upload.

Unlike iPhone, where uploads rely heavily on the camera roll, Android gives users greater control over where to find and how to manage their video files. While both platforms support manual uploads, Android’s open file access and customizable interface make it a more versatile option for users looking to manage video uploads directly from their device.

📝 Here’s how to save video in Google Drive from your Android phone in a few quick steps:

Step 1. Open the Google Drive app on your Android device. Make sure you’re signed in with your Google account.

Step 2. Tap the "+" button located at the bottom right corner of the screen.

Step 3. Select "Upload" from the menu that appears. This will open a file selection interface.

Step 4. Tap "Videos" or browse through "Recent" or "Browse" to locate your video. Then, tap the video file you want to upload.

Step 5. Wait for the upload to complete. Once done, the video will appear in your Drive under "My Drive" or in the folder you had open.

Bonus Tip: How to Send Video in Google Drive Using Phones

After uploading videos to Google Drive using your phone, you can easily send a video in Google Drive without having to transfer large files directly. This approach saves data, frees up your device’s storage, and allows recipients to access the video anytime. You also control who can view, comment on, or edit your shared videos, ensuring privacy and security. Here are the main ways to send a video in Google Drive:

➤ Share via Link — Generate a shareable link to send to anyone, with customizable access permissions.

➤ Share with Specific People — Invite others by entering their email addresses, and set different permission levels.

➤ Share through Integrated Apps — Use Google Drive’s sharing features within apps like Gmail or messaging platforms for quick sharing.

Conclusion

In this post, we covered various methods on how to upload a video to Google Drive from different devices, including phones, Windows, and Mac computers. Whether you prefer using the web browser, desktop app, or third-party tools like CBackup, each option offers unique benefits depending on your needs.

We also explored sharing videos directly from Google Drive and answered common questions to help you avoid quality loss or transfer videos to platforms like YouTube. Understanding these methods ensures a smooth, efficient, and secure video upload experience across all your devices.

FAQs on Uploading Video to Google Drive

To help you better understand the process and solve common issues, here are some frequently asked questions about how to upload a video on Google Drive. These answers will guide you through common concerns and tips for a smoother experience.

1. How do I Upload a Video to Google Drive Without Losing Quality?

Maintaining your video’s original quality when uploading to Google Drive is important, especially for professional or personal projects. To upload high-quality video to Google Drive, avoid compressing or converting the file before upload. Google Drive stores files as-is, so the quality stays intact as long as you upload the original file. Also, use a stable internet connection to prevent upload interruptions that might cause errors. Here’s a simple 5-step tutorial:

1. Prepare your original high-quality video file on your device.
2. Open Google Drive and sign in to your account.
3. Click + New and select File upload.
4. Select your high-quality video file without altering it and start the upload.
5. Wait for the upload to finish before accessing or sharing the video.

2. How do You Upload a Video to Google Docs?

Google Docs doesn’t support direct video uploads, but you can easily insert videos by uploading them to Google Drive first and then embedding them into your document. Here’s how to do it in 5 simple steps:

1. Upload your video file to Google Drive using the Upload feature.
2. Open your Google Docs document where you want to add the video.
3. Click Insert in the menu, then choose Drawing > + New.
4. In the Drawing window, click the Image icon, then select By URL and paste the Google Drive video’s shareable link (make sure the video is set to be viewable).
5. Adjust the drawing size if needed, then click Save and Close to embed the video link in your document.

3. How to Upload a Video from Google Drive to YouTube?

Uploading a video from Google Drive to YouTube is straightforward once your video is stored in Drive. While YouTube doesn’t allow direct import from Google Drive, you can download the video first and then upload it to YouTube. Here’s a simple 5-step guide:

1. Open Google Drive and locate the video you want to upload.
2. Download the video file to your computer or mobile device.
3. Go to YouTube and sign in to your account.
4. Click the Create button (camera icon with a plus) and select Upload video.
5. Choose the downloaded video file and follow the prompts to add details and publish it on YouTube.
6. This process ensures your video moves from Google Drive to YouTube smoothly.