YouTube is home to everything from 10-second viral clips to massive live streams. But have you ever wondered what the longest video uploaded to the platform is? As it turns out, someone has already pushed YouTube to its edge—and the result is staggering.
Let’s break down the most extended video, including its length, who uploaded it, and what’s actually in it.
The Longest Video on YouTube: Record Holder
The most extended video ever uploaded to YouTube is titled:
“THE LONGEST VIDEO ON YOUTUBE – 596 HOURS”
- Duration: 596.5 hours (that’s nearly 25 full days)
- Uploaded on: December 14, 2011
- Uploaded by: Jonathan Harchick
- Channel: MoldytoasterMedia
This video holds the unofficial record for the longest continuous video upload. The content isn’t what you’d call entertaining—it primarily consists of static images, repeating patterns, and minimal movement, all intended to test the limits of YouTube’s upload system.
It doesn’t follow a storyline or include meaningful audio. Its purpose is purely experimental.
Other Long and Notable YouTube Videos
Although 596 hours is extreme, many other long-form videos on YouTube exist. Some creators post:
- 24-hour meme loops or music repeats
- 10-hour challenge videos (like repeating a song or reaction)
- Sleep aid or white noise videos running for 8–12 hours
- Study or ambient videos lasting several hours or looping content
- Live stream replays that stretch for days
These aren’t record-breakers, but they show how long-form content thrives on YouTube—for entertainment, relaxation, or background use.
YouTube’s Upload Limits: How Long Can a Video Be?
Technically, YouTube has a maximum video length of 12 hours for standard users, but it’s also limited by file size—up to 256GB. The platform requires:
- Verification of your account to upload longer than 15 minutes
- Compressed, supported video formats (like MP4 with H.264 codec)
- Stable internet to upload large files without interruption
- Patience, since processing long videos can take hours
Jonathan Harchick’s record video used advanced compression and upload techniques to bypass these practical limits—although this kind of upload is no longer typical.
Why Do Creators Upload Super Long Videos?
Uploading extra-long content can be a form of digital experimentation or attracting attention in a crowded platform. Common reasons include:
- Breaking or setting a record
- Boosting watch time, which affects monetization and channel growth
- Providing ambient or background content (e.g., rain sounds, meditation)
- Participating in challenges (e.g., looping a song for 10 hours straight)
- Creating meme-style, absurdist content for entertainment
These videos often go viral due to their novelty, helping smaller creators get noticed.
Can You Upload a Video That Long?
Yes—if your channel is verified, and your video is under 12 hours and 256GB, you can upload long-form content. Here’s what you need:
- A verified YouTube account (simple SMS verification)
- Video compression software (like HandBrake) to reduce file size
- A high-speed internet connection
- Patience—both during upload and processing
However, uploading a 596-hour video like Harchick’s today would likely hit YouTube’s current upload limits. YouTube may have since restricted such extreme uploads.
Longest Live Stream vs. Longest Video
Don’t confuse the longest uploaded video with the most extended live stream. YouTube live streams can run for days, weeks, or even months. However, after 12 hours, YouTube may stop saving the whole recording, which limits its replay value.
The longest verified live stream was over two years long, but much of that content wasn’t archived for playback.
Conclusion: YouTube Has Limits, But Creators Keep Pushing
The most extended video on YouTube clocks in at a jaw-dropping 596.5 hours—a testament to creativity, patience, and technical effort. While most users don’t need videos that long, understanding YouTube’s video limits is useful for creators aiming to upload longer content.
Whether you’re looping background music, creating study sessions, or just curious about internet extremes, long videos are part of YouTube’s ever-growing landscape.
Have you seen a longer video or tried uploading one yourself? Share your experience in the comments!
