How to Change Your YouTube Username

Selecting a unique username for your YouTube channel is a difficult yet important task. A unique username for your channel will attract subscribers and distinguish you from other creators who are going with a similar YouTube channel name. And, pretty often, you don’t get it right the first time! Therefore, it’s important to know how to change your YouTube username.

Updates throughout the years have made it possible to change your YouTube channel name or username without having to change your Google account name. With just a few clicks, you can easily create an engaging username.

How to Change Your YouTube Username

To give a new username to your YouTube channel, follow the steps mentioned below. You can change your YouTube username on a mobile or a desktop computer.

How to Change Your YouTube Username on Desktop:

1. Open YouTube.
2. Sign in to your YouTube channel.
3. Click on the profile icon on the top right corner of your screen.
4. Tap on ‘Your Channel’ from the drop-down menu.
5. Tap ‘Edit Channel.’
6. You will be redirected to YouTube Studio. From ‘Channel Customization,’ tap on ‘Basic Info.’
7. Now tap on the box under ‘Handle’ to edit your YouTube channel username.
8. After choosing a username, click ‘Publish.’

How to Change Your YouTube Username on Mobile:

1. Open the YouTube app.
2. Sign in to your YouTube channel.
3. Tap your profile picture on the top right corner of your screen.
4. Tap on ‘Your Channel’ from the drop-down menu.
5. Tap on the pencil icon to edit channel.
6. Tap on the pencil icon next to ‘Handle’ to customize the channel username.
7. After selecting a new name, tap the ‘Save’ button.

Changing Your YouTube Username through Creator Studio:

You can also customize the channel name from YouTube Studio. YouTube Studio is the one-stop solution for all your creator needs, and managing your channel becomes easier here.

To edit the current channel name and username for YouTube Studio, follow the steps given below:

1. Open YouTube.
2. Log in to your YouTube channel.
3. Tap your profile photo on the top right corner of your screen.
4. Tap on ‘YouTube Studio’ from the drop-down menu.
5. On the left menu, scroll down to find ‘Customization’ and tap on it.
6. Tap on ‘Basic Info.’
7. Now tap on the box under ‘Handle’ to edit your YouTube channel username.
8. After choosing a username, click ‘Publish.’

Difference Between YouTube Channel Name and YouTube Username

As we mentioned how to change your YouTube username, it must have struck you that your YouTube channel name and username are not the same. 

A YouTube Username is the name that can be seen on the URL of your channel when you are on your channel page. It can also be seen under your YouTube channel name, with an ‘@’ sign. YouTube handle name and username are both the same, so you don’t need to be confused. A YouTube username is unique for everyone, just like you choose a unique Instagram or Twitter username.

A YouTube Channel Name is the official name of your YouTube channel. It can be the same for many creators. For example, if you keep your channel’s official name as Taylor Swift, there can exist 100 other channels that have their official name as Taylor Swift.

Why Should You Change Your YouTube Username

It is okay to change your YouTube channel name or username. There can be several reasons why you want a new name and want to make a fresh start. Perhaps you want to rebrand yourself, target a different audience, or even take up a new path of content creation. A good and unique username will attract the right audience more effortlessly.

Your username and channel name should clearly show what your channel page is about and what type of videos you upload. This will help the audience to know what they can expect from you in the future. It is better to mention the basic info on your channel.

A new channel name can also bring new subscribers or drive away the old ones. A shift to something new might confuse the people. Therefore, if you are a creator with lots of subscribers, it is suggested that you post an announcement on your YouTube page before going for a new channel name. This will notify your subscribers about the big change.

Note: You can change your channel name thrice in 90 days. Once you change your channel name three times, you must have to wait for another 90 days.

A Note for Creators with Verified YouTube Channels

If you are a creator with a verified YouTube channel, then this one is important. You might want to change your username or channel name, but that will cost you your verified badge. The purpose of this is to prevent YouTube channels from mimicking official channels with a bigger following. Therefore, you must think before you rush to change your YouTube channel name or username.

You can always get back your verified badge by applying for it once more, so if you have a relevant reason and need to change your channel username or name, go for it.

How can You Create a Unique YouTube Username and Channel Name

It can be frustrating to come up with a unique username and channel name for your YouTube page, but it is worth it once you get the ball rolling. You can create a unique username and channel name using your name, your brand name, or your channel’s content. The combination of suitable letters and numbers can give you engaging YouTube channel names.

Some tips for creating a unique username and channel name:

1. What is Your Channel About

Whatever your channel is about, whether you are going to upload makeup tutorials, roast somebody, share your cooking skills, or summarize a movie, your channel name and username should portray your content. The audience shouldn’t get confused about your content.

2. Know Your Target Audience

You must keep in mind what kind of audience you want to attract to your page through your YouTube name.

3. Study Other Creators

Say, for example, if you want to open a channel and post cooking videos, then search and analyze the other channels that are already creating this kind of content. Make sure you keep a different username so that the audience can distinguish between you and the existing creators.

4. Be Original

Being original and unique is the key to grabbing attention. A unique YouTube name is what everyone looks for. Come up with something on your own rather than copying from others. Just follow our guide on how to change your YouTube username and think of something extraordinary.

5. Make Things Simple

Don’t keep such a username that people cannot even search it. Come up with something that will be etched on the minds of the users so that they can always come back to your channel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I change my YouTube username without changing my Google name?

Yes, you can change your YouTube username without changing your Google name. YouTube username is separate from your associated Google account. Therefore, when you change either of them and it won’t affect the other. Now, YouTube creators have the freedom to maintain different names across all Google services.

2. How to change your YouTube username in 2023?

To know how to change your YouTube username in 2023, read the steps discussed above in this article. You can change your YouTube channel username from either your desktop or your mobile.

3. Can you change your YouTube URL?

Yes, the YouTube URL can also be changed. It can be done by changing your YouTube channel username. Once you change your channel username, your URL will be automatically edited. Note that changing your YouTube channel name doesn’t change the URL.

4. How do I get to know my current username on YouTube?

To know your current username on YouTube, visit your channel page and check the channel URL. Your channel URL is made up of your channel username.

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