Validate metadata

Make sure to validate your DDEX file or spreadsheet before uploading it. Any issues with your spreadsheet or DDEX file will be flagged during this process and may prevent upload failures. This step can be especially helpful for verifying the output of any automated process or custom code that generates the spreadsheet or DDEX file.

To validate the metadata file:

1. Sign in to Studio Content Manager.
2. From the left menu, select Content updates .
3. In the top corner, click Validate & Upload.
4. Click Select files and choose the file you want to validate. 
   • You can also drag files from your computer into your browser window.
   • The list of files must include one valid metadata file, either a spreadsheet or an DDEX file. Once added, the metadata file will automatically begin the validation process.
5. If needed, review errors by clicking the button next to the red icon.

To fix errors in the metadata file:

1. Click the red icon to show the errors in the file.
2. Edit the metadata in the original file to address the flagged errors.
3. When finished, follow the steps above to revalidate the file.
   • If the filename doesn't change, YouTube will use the newer version of the file and restart the validation process.
   • If your file is updating data only (if it doesn't include any audio or video files), you can click Process package to submit the package for processing.
   • If your package requires audio or video files and you're ready to upload, add these additional files to the package and wait for validation to complete. Click Process package to submit the package for processing.
   • If you're validating a metadata file and not yet ready to upload, you can discard the package by clicking the Delete draft button.