Here’s how to change your YouTube channel’s name

If your YouTube channel has evolved, you can rebrand it to something more fitting for the present day and age. As the world's second-largest social media platform, YouTube is where 2.5 billion eyes cross your channel’s name.

And while it may be something you didn't give much thought to when creating the channel, you don't want to be stuck with a name you randomly picked when you were 12. After all, who knows when your next video could go viral?

With so many people – including your target audience – potentially visiting your profile, having a channel name representing you and your brand is essential.

Thanks to Google, you can now change your channel name on YouTube. The tech giant rolled out an update in April 2021, and it’s been the saving grace of creators ever since.

Is changing your Youtube channel’s name worth it?

There are certain situations where it is; others, not so much. For example, renaming your channel won’t affect YouTube’s algorithm, but if you possess a blue tick, you’ll lose it and have to earn the verification badge again.

Let’s look at a real-world scenario where changing a channel name was worth it.

Marques Brownlee, one of the world's most popular YouTube tech experts, has more than 17 million subscribers and more than 3.3 billion views at the time of writing. His subscribers are more familiar with “MKBHD” because it was the channel's name since its inception in 2009. It stuck around until he changed it a decade later – to “Marques Brownlee,” which is plain and simple.

But why did he change his channel’s name?

“MKBHD” represents his initials – Marques Keith Brownlee – while “HD” stands for “high-definition.” Since Marques uploaded phone reviews during his early career, this channel name made sense. But as it grew, he branched out and started reviewing laptops, automobiles, VR, and other tech products.

Marques’s content evolved, so changing his channel’s name was logical. Using his name gives the channel a more relatable persona and doesn’t feel like a robotic codename. He still uses “MKBHD” for his website URL and YouTube handle, but “Marques Brownlee” is the cover for his most coveted digital possession.

If you’re a content creator and your videos have undergone a similar transformation, maybe it’s time to opt for a name change.

How to change your Youtube channel’s name

Whether you're using a mobile app or a desktop, changing a YouTube channel name is a quick and easy switch. Here's how to do it.

On iOS and Android devices

• Open the Youtube app, and sign in to your account.
• Tap your profile picture in the top-right corner of the screen.
• Select “Your channel,” and tap “Edit channel.”
• Next, tap the “Edit” button (the pencil icon) next to the current channel name, and add the new name. You can also include a channel description.
• Finally, click the check mark or the “OK” button in the top-right corner of the screen.

On PCs

• Go to Youtube’s website in your browser, and sign in to your account.
• Click on your profile icon, and select “Your channel” from the drop-down menu.
• Click the “Customize Channel” button to take you to YouTube Studio.
• Select the “Basic Info” tab under “Channel customization.”
• Next, click the pencil icon to edit the current name, and add the new channel name.
• Finally, click the blue Publish button on the screen’s upper-right corner, and you’re done!

5 tips for choosing your Youtube channel’s name

1. Define your channel

You're more likely to find success if you understand your niche and create a brand around it. For example, you run a cooking channel. Now dig deeper. Is it for beginners? Do you share quick and easy recipes? Do you review other chefs' dishes? Choose a channel name with a target audience in mind and be as specific as possible so it immediately tells a viewer what to expect.

If your channel covers a range of topics, go for something more generic – but try to make it catchy so it’s memorable. PewDiePie, 5-Minute Crafts, and Epic Meal Time are some great examples.

2. Keep your brand consistent

Use the same display name across all your online profiles, maintaining consistency, adding a unique identity, and preventing people from confusing your brand with others.

To do this, check all the social media platforms you intend to be on – such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Pinterest – and ensure the name you want is available. If the name's taken, select a new one.

3. See what others are doing

Study other YouTubers in the same niche. Which channel names are the most successful? Do they have something in common, such as alliteration? If you see a pattern, you may be on to something.

Once you’ve cracked the code, come up with something original. Use the same formula as other ’Tubers, but look for a differentiation factor that makes your channel name unique. It could be a name or a melodic phrase. As long as it separates you from the crowd, you’re good.

4. Keep it simple

Use a brand name that’s original, memorable, and easy to spell and pronounce. It doesn’t even have to be a real word. For instance, Google. What was a random term 25 years ago is now a part of everyday speech. “Google it” replaced “Search it” a long time ago, thanks to the name’s catchiness and simplicity.

5. Follow YouTube’s guidelines

Make sure you follow YouTube's community guidelines to avoid any trouble. Don't use offensive terms, avoid copying copyrights and trademarks, and ensure it doesn't translate to anything inappropriate in another language.

FAQs about changing your YouTube channel’s name

How do I create my YouTube channel’s name?

After logging in to YouTube, click your profile picture in the top-right corner and select “Create a channel.” You can change your channel’s picture and give it a name here. Remember, a great YouTube channel name idea is to keep it simple, catchy, and consistent with your brand.

Can I change my YouTube channel’s name?

Yes! Google changed the rules in April 2021 and allowed YouTubers to change their channel names. Follow the steps mentioned above to edit it from your mobile or desktop.

Can my Youtube channel and Google account have different names?

Yes. You can connect your YouTube channel to a Brand Account, allowing you to have a different name than the one on your Google account.

Does changing a Youtube channel name affect subscribers?

No. You can change your channel name and photo, but you won’t lose any subscribers.

Connect your socials with Linktree

If you change your channel name on YouTube, you’ll need to change your name everywhere else.

Linktree can help you connect all your social media profiles – Instagram, Twitter, TikTok – you name it. Simply add a Linktree to your bio and watch all your subscribers seamlessly switch platforms with the click of a button.

But that’s not all. Our blog is an excellent resource for everything YouTube! Learn how to promote your channel, turn on comments and advertise your music with our tips and tricks. The best part? It’s completely free, and it’s all in one place!