A YouTube channel gives content creators and users a place to organize and share videos. As your channel evolves, you may find the need to change the name to better reflect the content. Luckily, altering a YouTube channel name is a straightforward process on both desktop and mobile.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover:
- Reasons to change your YouTube channel name
- Step-by-step instructions for PC and mobile
- Tips for selecting a new name
- Impacts of changing a channel name
- Additional YouTube channel customization options
- Frequently asked questions
Equipped with this knowledge, you‘ll be fully prepared to rename your channel and take advantage of other personalization features. Let‘s get started!
Why Change Your YouTube Channel Name?
There are several common reasons you may want to change the name associated with your YouTube channel:
- Rebranding – If your channel‘s focus evolves, you‘ll likely want your name to reflect the new topic or style of content. Rebranding with a name change helps viewers understand what to expect.
- New direction – Similarly, if you decide to take your channel content in a substantially new direction, altering the name acts as an indicator to subscribers.
- Fresh start – Changing your channel name can represent a clean slate if you want to reboot with entirely new content.
- Separate entities – For channels with multiple contributors or formats, using different names helps delineate sections or types of videos.
- Remove numbers/symbols – Some creators start their channels with names containing numbers or symbols. Later on, a customized name looks more professional.
In most cases, the ability to change a YouTube channel name is a benefit that allows growth. However, it should be done strategically with awareness of potential impacts.
How to Change YouTube Channel Names on PCs
Let‘s begin with the step-by-step process for altering a channel name on a desktop or laptop:
1. Log in to your YouTube account
Start by navigating to YouTube.com in your internet browser. Click the profile icon in the top right corner, then log into the account managing the channel you want to modify:
Once logged in, your profile picture and username will display confirming you have access.
2. Access channel settings
Next, click on your profile picture again and select "Your Channel" from the dropdown menu:
This will take you to your channel‘s homepage.
3. Click "Customize Channel"
On your channel page, look for the blue "Customize Channel" button located just below your header image:
Click this key that opens channel personalization options.
4. Navigate to "Basic Info"
A "Channel customization" window will appear. At the top you‘ll see tabs for different sections – click on "Basic Info":
This is where your name and channel details are stored.
5. Edit channel name
In the "Name" input box, delete the existing name text and type your new preferred channel name:
You can also add a short description and external links here.
6. Save changes
Once done customizing, click the blue "Publish" button at the bottom to confirm your changes. A success message will display onscreen:
You‘ve now officially updated your channel‘s name! This change can take up to 24 hours to fully propagate across YouTube.
Changing YouTube Channel Names on Mobile
Don‘t have immediate access to a computer? You can also change your YouTube channel name directly from the mobile app.
1. Open the YouTube app
On your iOS or Android device, tap the YouTube app icon to launch. Sign into the account hosting the channel you want to modify.
2. Tap your profile picture
At the bottom right, tap on your circular profile image to open the slide-out menu.
3. Select "Your channel"
This menu contains various options. Choose "Your channel" to access channel management features.
4. Tap the pencil icon
On your channel page, tap the pencil-shaped edit icon beside your current channel name.
This opens customization options.
5. Enter new name
In the name field, delete the old name and type your new preferred name:
Make sure the name meets YouTube requirements.
6. Save changes
When ready, tap the blue "Save" button at the bottom to make your channel name change official!
Tips for Picking a YouTube Channel Name
With great power comes great responsibility. When altering your channel name, ensure the new moniker meets these best practice criteria:
- Reflects niche/content – Choose descriptive names that communicate channel topics to viewers.
- Stand out – Be unique enough to be found while searching, but also easy to remember.
- Brandable – Names allowing logo creation have visual identity potential.
- Right length – Not overly long or complex, but with enough character to work.
- Search optimized – Incorporate highly searched keywords relevant to your content style where logical.
- Universally appropriate – Avoid potentially offensive or insensitive language.
Also double check name availability by searching YouTube before finalizing changes.
What Happens When You Change a YouTube Channel Name?
Altering an established YouTube channel name has several ripple effects worth noting:
- The original custom URL will remain the same, though you can change this too in settings.
- Existing subscribers keep following under the new name.
- Lose verification badge temporarily – If previously verified, you‘ll need to reapply to regain official channel status.
- Playlists and videos retain their original publish details.
- Analytics data persists connected to the channel.
- SEO and search visibility may be briefly impacted but typically recover.
Essentially, only the public facing name itself changes – with most account details and history preserved.
However for popular channels, the temporary loss of a verification badge is worth considering before renaming. Check marks communicate legitimacy visitors rely on.
Other YouTube Channel Customization Options
Beyond renaming, channel owners have many additional personalization features at their disposal:
- URL – Create a custom web address different than the default YouTube format.
- Profile/header images – Add unique branded visuals that promote your identity.
- Featured sections – Custimize homepage content organization into categories.
- Playlists – Curate video collections around topics for easy viewer navigation.
- Watermarks – Overlay graphics/logos onto video content to prevent reuse.
- Subtitles – Increase accessibility and translations by adding captions.
Many personalization settings are found under the "Customize Channel" menu highlighted earlier. Explore each to unlock the full potential of your channel.
Pro tip: install additional analytics programs to track performance over time. This helps inform strategic changes that best resonate with your audience.
The Wrap Up
While renaming a YouTube channel is simple, the decision should align to overarching channel strategy. Treat your channel like a business – ensure the name accurately explains the value you provide to visitors.
Hopefully this guide covered all key steps and considerations around altering YouTube channel names. Equipped with this knowledge, you can now modify names with confidence whenever the need arises!
To quickly recap the process, watch the tutorial below:
Have additional questions? Check the FAQ section next.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common YouTube channel name change questions:
Can a YouTube verified channel change its name?
Yes, but the account will lose verification status in the process. You‘ll need to reapply for the official checkmark after renaming.
Will changing a YouTube channel name affect associated Google accounts?
No, modifying your YouTube channel name does not change connected Google accounts. They remain separate.
Can you change just the YouTube channel URL without the name?
Yes! Channel names and URLs are independent. Visit customize channel settings to alter either.
Does changing a channel name impact old videos and playlists?
Besides listing the updated channel name as publisher, old content remains unaffected by a rename.
How much money can you make from a YouTube channel?
Revenue potential depends on a channel‘s audience size and engagement metrics. Top creators easily make six figures or more yearly.
I hope this guide covered all you need to know about updating YouTube channel names to best grow your brand and viewership! Let me know if you have any other questions.