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How to Change Your YouTube Channel Name (and Why)

Living without regrets sounds great, but let’s face it—we’ve all made some questionable choices along the way.

If your YouTube channel name, chosen hastily during your teenage years, has turned into one of those cringe-worthy mistakes, don’t worry: you won’t be stuck with that name forever.

Changing your channel name is easier than you think, and it could be the fresh start you need to build a brand you’re proud of.

Let’s dive into how you can update your YouTube channel name and why it’s worth making the switch.

How to change your YouTube channel name

You can use both desktop and mobile versions of YouTube to rename your YouTube channel. Here’s how to change the channel name on YouTube using these two methods.

Steps For Desktop version

Changing your YouTube account name on desktop is simple; You can update your branding without affecting your Google account.

1. Log in to your YouTube account

Start by logging into your YouTube account. Click your profile picture in the top right corner of the screen, then select “View Your Channel” from the drop-down menu. This will take you to the channel homepage, where you can begin the process of editing the YouTube channel name.

2. Open YouTube Studio

Access YouTube Studio by clicking the 'Customize Channel' button to manage channel settings and customization options

Once you’re on the channel page, look for the “Customize Channel” button, which will take you to YouTube Studio. This is where all your channel backend settings, including customization options, are managed.

3. Edit your YouTube channel name

Edit your YouTube channel name by selecting the 'Profile' tab and clicking the pencil icon next to your current username

Select the “Profile” tab at the top of YouTube Studio. You’ll see your current YouTube username listed here. Click on the field box to start the editing process.

4. Check the availability of the YouTube channel name

Before finalizing your new channel name, make sure to check YouTube channel name availability. You can do this by typing the name you want in the field. YouTube will warn you if the name is already in use or doesn’t meet its guidelines.

5. Save your changes

Once you’ve decided on a new name, click “Publish” in the top right corner to save your changes. Your new name will be visible on your YouTube channel immediately, although it may take a few days for it to update across platforms.

Steps For Mobile version

For content creators who travel a lot – creating content on their phones – changing the YouTube channel name on mobile devices is also easy.

1. Open the YouTube application

First, open the YouTube app and tap your profile picture in the top right corner of the screen. Select “View Your Channel” from the drop-down menu to access your channel page.

2. Edit your channel name

Once you’re on the channel page, go to the “Profile” tab and click on the field box where your name is currently, and rename your YouTube channel.

3. Check the availability of the YouTube channel name

Just like on desktop, you’ll need to verify that your new name is available by typing it in and checking for any alerts from YouTube. You can use these steps to rename your YouTube channel creatively while ensuring your name is unique and memorable.

4. Save your changes

Once you’ve entered the name of the new channel and verified its availability, tap the check mark icon in the top right corner to save your changes. Your YouTube account name will be updated, and you can now enjoy your rebranded channel.

Restrictions and restrictions on changing your YouTube channel name

YouTube imposes certain restrictions on renaming your YouTube channel, which content creators should be aware of before making any changes.

1) Frequency of name changes

YouTube allows you to change your channel name only twice in a 14-day period. If you are considering some changes or experimenting with different names, it is important to keep these limitations in mind. Frequent changes can confuse customers, so make sure to choose wisely.

2) Verified channels

For verified content creators, changing the channel name has another consequence: losing verification status. YouTube does this to prevent impersonation of verified channels. After a name change, you will have to reapply for verification, which may take some time. Consider this before editing your YouTube username if you are a verified content creator.

3) Prohibited names

YouTube has strict policies around banned names. For example, you may not use offensive language, impersonate other channels, or use misleading information in your channel name. YouTube’s naming policy ensures channels are easy to recognize and not deceptive.

4) Channel handle

If you change channel controllers, both the old and new controllers will work for 14 days, so the transition can be smooth. After this period, the old handle will be available to others. As we mentioned before, remember to check the availability of the YouTube channel name if you want to reclaim it later.

5) Consistency between platforms

After changing your YouTube account name, it’s a good idea to update your name across all social media platforms for consistency. This ensures that viewers can easily find you wherever they interact with your content.

Why change your channel name on YouTube?

Changing your YouTube channel name is important for several reasons:

  1. Brand change: If your content or focus has shifted, a new name can better reflect the direction of your channel and appeal to your target audience.
  2. Clarity: A clearer or more descriptive name can make it easier for viewers to understand what your channel is about, thereby increasing engagement and subscriptions.
  3. SEO and discoverability: A well-chosen name with relevant keywords can increase your visibility in search results and help new audiences find your content more easily.
  4. Professionalism: If your real name is plain or rude, changing it can make your channel look more professional or polished.
  5. Personal growth: As you evolve as a creator, you may feel that your original name no longer represents who you are or your values, prompting a change to align with your current identity.

How Changing Your Channel Name Impacts Your Existing Content and Subscribers

When you change your YouTube channel name, your existing content, subscribers, and viewing history will remain intact. However, there are a few things to consider:

  1. Customer confusion: Changing your name without telling customers can cause confusion. It’s best to announce the changes in a video or community post to keep your audience informed.
  2. Search results: Your old channel name will no longer appear in search results, so if you have a well-known or searchable brand, this may temporarily impact your visibility.
  3. Channel link: If you have shared a link to your channel under the old name, it may not redirect automatically. Make sure to update any links in your video descriptions, social media, or marketing materials.

Tips for naming your YouTube channel

Now that we’ve covered how you can change the name of an existing YouTube channel, here are some tips that might be useful when you decide on a new name!

Tip 1: Keep it simple and easy to remember

When naming your YouTube channel, try to keep it simple and easy to remember. Short names help viewers remember them and type them in the search bar without any hassle. Avoid complicated words or long phrases that might confuse people. Think of interesting combinations or unique spellings to stand out but keep it straightforward. For example, a name like “Cooking With Sam” or “Tech Talks” works better than something too complicated. The goal is to create a name that feels familiar and inviting.

Tip 2: Reflect on your content

Your channel name should give viewers a glimpse of what to expect from your content. If you’re focused on travel, consider including words like “adventure” or “exploration.” For gaming channels, terms like “gamer” or “gaming” can immediately indicate the theme. This helps new viewers understand your niche at a glance. When naming your YouTube channel, think about your main type of content and let that guide your choices. A name that reflects your theme can also enhance your channel’s identity.

Tip 3: Use keywords strategically

Including relevant keywords can increase the visibility of your channel. When people search for a specific topic, including keywords related to your niche in your channel name can help you appear in the results. For example, if your channel is about beauty tutorials, consider including “beauty” or “makeup” in the title. This approach not only increases discoverability but also clarifies what your channel is about. Remember to balance keywords with creativity to keep your name catchy and original while using effective tips for naming your YouTube channel.

Tip 4: Check availability

Before deciding on a name, make sure it is available across platforms. A good practice is to check existing channels, social media accounts, and even domain names. You want a unique identity, so having a name similar to another content creator can confuse your audience. Additionally, if you plan to promote your channel using social media, or repurpose your content, having a consistent name across platforms will be beneficial. This makes it easy for viewers to find you anywhere. A quick search can save you a potential headache.

Tip 5: Consider your YouTube @

YouTube recently introduced YouTube @ handles, which allows you to create a unique identifier for your channel. When naming your YouTube channel, think about the look and sound of your channel name. Ideally, the name should match or be closely related to your channel name for consistency. This not only helps viewers find you easily but also strengthens your brand identity. Make sure it’s easy to type and remember. The combination of a catchy name and a memorable nickname can make a big difference in attracting and retaining customers.

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