How to Change Your YouTube Channel Name

Do you love creating content for your YouTube channel, but feel that your current channel name does not suit your channel? Then it might be time for change. Having a good channel name could help drive traffic to your channel. When your YouTube channel name is chosen well, it is an extension of your brand and encourages users to subscribe and become followers. This is why it is crucial to know how to change YouTube channel name. YouTube creators change their YouTube channel names often, so why shouldn’t you? 

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Changing YouTube Channel’s Name on Mobile

  • First, open the YouTube app on either your iOS or Android device. Then, make sure you are logged onto the YouTube channel you wish to change the name of. 
  • Select your channel’s profile picture.
  • In the top right corner of your channel page, select settings.
  • Select edit from the settings menu. 
  • Make sure to create YouTube channel name that is appropriate for your channel.
  • Once you have entered your new channel name select OK.

Changing YouTube Channel’s Name on Desktop 

  • Open YouTube on your browser and make sure you are logged onto the YouTube account you wish to change. 
  • Click your channels profile picture from the top right corner. 
  • Select the settings option. 
  • Then select the “Edit on Google” option, if you have a personal YouTube account. 
  • You can change your channel name in the first and last name section.
  • If you have a brand YouTube account you want to select the pencil icon from the right corner.
  • Then you can change the channel name on the name section. (Using a brand YouTube account gives you access to using as many words as you like. However, using a personal YouTube account only allows you to enter text in the first and last name section.) 
  • Then select OK. 

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How to Create a Good YouTube Channel Name 

Now that you know how to change YouTube channel name, you might need help picking out a good channel name. That is not a problem because we have several tips to help you create a YouTube name that will help drive traffic to your YouTube channel. 

Keep Your YouTube Channel’s Name Short and Sweet

These days, YouTube is important for marketing. You want to change YouTube channel name to something that your viewers will be able to easily remember. The last thing you want as a YouTube creator is for a viewer to see one of your videos and not remember who created it. Viewers are not going to subscribe to a channel if they do not know what to search. Additionally, if someone really enjoys your content, you want your name to be something they can easily tell their friends about. If you do not believe me, look up the channel names of the most successful creators. Their channel names are at the maximum two words, if not one. 

Create a YouTube Channel Name That is Unique 

YouTube attracts a lot of viewers to its platform. However, it also attracts a lot of YouTube creators. YouTube attracts so many creators that more than 500 hours of content are uploaded to YouTube every minute. In such a crowded market, it is important to stand out. Unfortunately for the John Smiths and Jane Does of the world, if you have a common name, it may be smart to create YouTube channel name unrelated to your actual name.

If you have a nickname that your friends or family call you, that might be a good place to start. Do you have a hobby that you are passionate enough about to name your YouTube channel after? This could be especially helpful if your YouTube channel is devoted to a particular hobby of yours. Even a pet’s name could be a good place to start. After all, one of YouTube’s largest creators, Jenna Marbles, got her channel name from her dog, Marbles.   

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Make Sure Your YouTube Channel’s Name is Advertiser Friendly 

This is one of the most important, if not the most important, tips to remember after learning how to change YouTube channel name. This is true even if your channel features mature content. The YouTube algorithm is more likely to promote channels that have advertiser friendly names.

YouTube wants to feature the channels on their site that advertisers will be okay with running their ads beside. YouTube in the past has gotten backlash from their advertisers for putting family friendly product advertisements next to channels that have inappropriate names. If you are struggling to decide if your channel name is appropriate enough or not, just ask yourself if your grandparents or employer saw it, what they would think. Would they be offended? If so, then you will want to consider changing your YouTube channel name to something else.  If you want to get more YouTube subscribers, you don’t want to have an offensive channel name.

Additionally, brands will be more likely to give paid sponsorships to YouTube channels that have family-friendly names. Getting a YouTube sponsorship can help you finally support yourself and increase the frequency and quality of your content. Although many YouTube channels have been successful without being family friendly channels it is much more challenging and stunts the growth of your YouTube channel. If you look at the most successful YouTubers, you can tell that most are brand friendly. 

Keep Your Channel Name Consistent with Your Brand as a Creator 

This may seem obvious to some, but it is really important that your channel name is in line with the values and tone of your channel. Your channel’s name is one of the first things viewers will see when they view your video and it acts as an online first impression. After all, many experts believe you only get one chance to make a first impression, so leaving a good one is very important. It is also very confusing for your audience if your channel name does not match the tone of your content.

For example, if you have a YouTube channel focused on compilations of cute animals, having a channel name like MonsterTruckLover77 might confuse your viewers. If they only watch one of your videos they may not understand that you focus on uploading videos of cute animals, not monster trucks. If the viewer only wants to see content like cute animals they may avoid subscribing, which could prevent your growth as a creator. This is why after you have learned how to change YouTube channel name, it is important to pick a channel name that matches your brand. 

how to change your youtube channel name

What Profile Picture Should I Use to Match my New Channel Name? 

Picking an appropriate profile picture is also important in strengthening the brand of your channel. Once you have learned how to change YouTube channel name, you might want to consider changing your YouTube channel’s profile picture to match. If you have a blogging channel that focuses on your life, and your channel’s name is your first and last name, you might want to consider making the channel’s profile picture a headshot of yourself. Since in this scenario you are the focus of your YouTube channel, it makes sense that you would be in your channel’s profile picture. Even if your channel has a different focus, but you are physically present in your videos, you might want to consider using a picture of yourself as your channel’s profile picture.

If you wanted to represent yourself and your interests, you could always use a picture of yourself for the channel’s profile picture and then make your channel’s banner represent your hobbies. Your YouTube channel’s banner is located behind the profile picture and channel name. If you are not often featured in your YouTube videos, then maybe a picture of what you often talk about on your channel would be a better idea.

Tips for Your YouTube Profile Picture

Whatever image you choose, make sure it is simple and will look good in a small size. Your YouTube channel’s profile picture, like other social media site’s profile pictures, is small and will only have so much room for an image. For example, a YouTube channel that focuses on talking about Marvel movies might want to choose a picture of one Marvel character. That would be better than using an entire movie poster as their profile picture.

At the end of the day, no one knows your channel better than you do. These are just some tips to give you some ideas. No matter what your profile picture is, make sure it is clear and not blurry. This will help your channel look more professional.  

how to change youtube channel name

You Have Learned How to Change Your YouTube Channel’s Name, Now What? 

After you have learned how to change your YouTube channel’s name the work has just begun! Did you know you can also change your YouTube URL? You can now change your profile picture to match your new name. Or, now you can even work on rebranding your channel all together. The YouTube algorithms are constantly changing and to be a successful creator you must also adapt to have your videos be seen. Changing your YouTube channel’s name is just the beginning, but all successful YouTube creators have to start somewhere. Hopefully these tips can help you create the YouTube channel of your dreams.

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