That YouTube channel name you chose three years ago? It might be holding you back. Your channel name isn't just text above your videos—it's the front door to your entire YouTube presence. Something as simple as a name change can transform how viewers perceive your content, whether your current name feels outdated or you've simply found something more magnetic.

This guide walks you through exactly how to change your YouTube channel name, the limitations you might hit, and practical ways to ensure your audience doesn't get lost during the transition. No unnecessary complications—just what actually works.

TL;DR:

• Changing your YouTube channel name is important for branding and can breathe new life into your online presence.
• You can change your YouTube channel name on mobile, desktop, or through the YouTube Studio app.
• Consider informing your audience, updating all social platforms, and monitoring metrics when changing your channel name.
• Changing your YouTube handle will change your channel's URL.
• Using your own name for a YouTube channel can lend credibility, but a unique channel name may be more memorable and stand out better in searches.

YouTube channel name vs. handle explained

A YouTube handle is an identifier for every channel, starting with "@." No two YouTube channels can have the same handle, but they can have the same name.

A handle helps people find you, and you can use it to engage with viewers or other YouTube channels. For instance, you can tag someone in your videos' comments using their handle—not the channel name. This makes it easier for viewers to discover and interact with your content.

Your handle is also apparent in your channel's YouTube URL. For example, if your YouTube handle is @DescriptTutorials, your channel URL will likely be https://youtube.com/@DescriptTutorials. This makes it important to choose a handle that's memorable and aligned with your brand.

How to regain your YouTube verification

When you change your YouTube channel name, YouTube removes your verification badge to prevent impersonation according to Search Engine Journal. To regain verification, you must reapply by filling out the YouTube verification request form under your new channel name. Before reapplying, ensure your content meets all community guidelines and terms of service to avoid rejection. You may also need to provide official documentation verifying your identity or brand ownership. This process can take time, so monitor your channel’s email notifications for updates from YouTube. Once verification is reinstated, continue to maintain compliance with YouTube policies to retain your badge.

Important considerations before changing channel names

1. You'll lose your verified status, if you have one, upon changing the channel name. In contrast, updating your YouTube handle will not remove your verification badge.
2. You can change your YouTube channel and handle names, respectively, only twice in 14 days.
3. Changing your YouTube handle will change your channel's URL.

How to change your YouTube channel name

You can change your YouTube channel name on a mobile device—both on web and using the YouTube Studio app—and on a desktop computer. The process is straightforward, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind before making the change.

How to change YouTube channel name on mobile

1. Open the YouTube mobile app on your Android or iOS device.
2. Tap on your profile picture icon at the bottom right.

1. From the menu, select View channel.
2. Look for the E‎dit option and tap on it.
3. Type in the new channel name for your YouTube channel.
4. After entering the updated name, click Save to confirm and apply the change.

You can also change the name of your YouTube channel using the YouTube Studio app on Android and iOS devices by following these instructions. This is particularly useful when you need to rebrand your channel while on the go:

1. Tap on your profile picture icon to access your account.
2. From the menu, select the Edit channel profile option.
3. Locate the section showing your current channel name or description.
4. Tap the Edit button next to your name or description.
5. Type in the new name for your YouTube channel.
6. After entering the updated channel name, click Save to confirm and apply the change.

How to change YouTube channel name on desktop

1. Log into your YouTube account on a web browser.

2. Click on your profile picture on the top right and then open YouTube Studio.

3. On the left sidebar, click Customization and then navigate to the Basic info section.

4. You will see a field that allows you to enter a new name for your channel. Make sure the name aligns with your overall branding strategy.

5. Type in the desired new channel name in this field and click the Publish button to apply the change.

Understanding YouTube name-change policies and frequency restrictions

YouTube enforces specific rules on channel name changes to maintain a trustworthy environment. Among these restrictions is a limit of two name changes within a 14-day period as outlined in YouTube’s documentation. Additionally, all new names must comply with community guidelines, prohibiting offensive or misleading words. If you go beyond the allowed frequency, you may be unable to make further edits until the 14-day window resets. Verification loss is another important factor to keep in mind, as channels must reapply for verification after any name change. Planning your channel name updates with these guidelines in mind helps you avoid unnecessary setbacks and maintain a clear, consistent brand.

Why change your YouTube channel name?

Here are five reasons you may want to change your YouTube channel name:

• Branding refresh: A new channel name can breathe fresh life into your brand and better align it with your current content direction and target audience.
• Improved discoverability: An optimized name containing relevant keywords can boost your channel's visibility in YouTube search results, especially if you're also following YouTube SEO best practices.
• Signaling a shift: If your content has evolved, a new name can effectively communicate that pivot to viewers in order to set accurate expectations.
• Professionalism upgrade: Moving away from an amateur-sounding or outdated name can lend more credibility and polish to your channel.
• Avoiding confusion: If your current name is too vague, obscure, or similar to others, a distinct new name can prevent mix-ups.

🖱️ Get more clicks: How to A/B test on YouTube for better video performance

Tips for changing your YouTube channel name

Inform your audience about the name change

When changing your YouTube channel name, inform your viewers beforehand. This shows respect for their loyalty and helps them find you easily in the future. You can do this through a dedicated video announcement, community posts, or mentions in your regular uploads. Make sure to explain the reasoning behind the change and reassure viewers that your content focus will remain consistent.

MrBeast, the world's biggest YouTuber, did exactly that when he changed the name of his channel a long time ago.

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Maintain consistent branding across platforms

Consistency of branding is important to maintain a recognizable online presence. Keep the same name across all your social media channels—X/Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook—to reinforce your brand identity and make it easy for your audience to find you. This cross-platform consistency significantly improves your overall discoverability and professional appearance.

Need the inspiration to name your channel? Here are 175 YouTube channel name ideas to get you started.

Update video links after changing channel name

When you change your YouTube handle, your channel URL will also change. To avoid broken links and ensure a seamless experience for your viewers, ensure you update video descriptions, playlists, and other places where you've shared your channel URL. Consider keeping redirects in place if possible, and update any social media profiles that link to your YouTube channel.

Monitor name change impact with Analytics

While changing your YouTube channel name doesn't directly affect your subscriber count or the way YouTube's algorithm treats your channel, it can indirectly influence metrics like views, subscriber growth, and engagement rates. This is because your audience will need time to familiarize themselves with your channel's new identity. The name change will also result in the removal of your verification badge, which will potentially impact brand recall until you regain verification. You'll need to reapply for verification once your channel meets the eligibility requirements under the new name.

Monitor your metrics closely before and after the name change using YouTube Analytics to make informed decisions about whether to switch back to your original name. Pay particular attention to click-through rates, average view duration, and new subscriber acquisition in the weeks following your name change.

Update external references to your channel

To ensure a consistent brand presence:

1. Update all instances of your old channel name: your website, social media bios, email signatures, business cards, and promotional materials.
2. Replace with the new name and URL.
3. Remember to contact collaborators, partners, and websites to update their materials.

Tips to succeed after changing channel name

Knowing how to change the YouTube channel name or handle is just a small part of building a successful presence on the platform. While a compelling name is important, true success lies in consistently creating high-quality content that resonates with your target audience and keeps them engaged and returning for more. A strategic name change should be part of a broader content strategy, not a quick fix for performance issues.

However, crafting great content can be a significant challenge, especially when juggling various aspects of video creation, editing, and promotion. Fortunately, Descript's intuitive and AI-powered video creation and video editing suite can streamline the process, empowering you to work more efficiently and effectively.

‎‎Sign up for Descript now.

Frequently asked questions

How do I change my YouTube handle?

1. Open the YouTube mobile app on your Android or iOS device.
2. Tap on your profile picture icon at the bottom right.
3. From the menu, select View channel.
4. Tap Edit.
5. Type in the new handle name for your YouTube channel.
6. Click Save to confirm and apply the change.

How do I change my YouTube channel URL?

You can change your YouTube channel URL by updating your handle. For example, if you change your YouTube handle to @descripttutorials, your channel URL will automatically update to youtube.com/@descripttutorials—as long as that handle isn't taken. Remember that once you change your handle, the old URL will no longer work, so update any external links pointing to your channel.

Why can't I change my YouTube channel name?

You might be unable to change your YouTube channel name for several reasons, including: frequent changes (YouTube limits how often you can change your name), policy violations, verification status issues, or technical glitches with the YouTube Studio interface.

• You've already updated it twice in the last 14 days; YouTube restricts changing channel names more than two times in a 14-day period.
• Your new name may not adhere to YouTube's community guidelines.

Can I use the same name as another channel?

Yes, you can have the same name as another YouTube channel, but your YouTube handle name has to be unique. Still, we recommend coming up with a unique name to stand out.

Will changing my channel name affect monetization?

When you change the name of your YouTube channel, it doesn't have any direct impact on your monetization. But you will lose the verification badge associated with your channel when you change its name. This could harm your reputation among new viewers, who may view your content skeptically and choose not to watch your videos, leading to decreased views and negatively impacting your monetization. Plan to reapply for verification as soon as you're eligible under the new name.

Will I lose subscribers if I change my channel name?

Yes, you can change your YouTube channel name without losing subscribers—there's no correlation between changing the name of your YouTube channel and the number of subscribers. But it's a good idea to inform your subscribers about the name change. They may unsubscribe after seeing an unfamiliar name if they don't check out the channel's content to discover it's you. Consider creating a brief announcement video explaining the rebrand to minimize confusion.

Can I change my channel name but keep my Google name?

Yes, you can change your YouTube channel name and picture without changing your Google Name.

Should I use my own name for a YouTube channel?

Using your own name for a YouTube channel can lend credibility and personal branding, making it easier for viewers to connect with you. However, a creative and unique channel name may be more memorable, stand out better in searches, and allow for future rebranding or team expansions. Consider your long-term goals and content focus when deciding between a personal name or a distinct brand identity.

How do I maintain my AdSense setup after a channel name change?

As long as your account remains in good standing, changing your channel name does not disrupt your AdSense link. You should, however, confirm that your channel still complies with YouTube’s policies by reviewing both monetization rules and community guidelines. If issues arise, contact YouTube support to troubleshoot any revenue or payment concerns as recommended by industry resources. Monitoring your AdSense account and analytics is also key to noticing any unexpected changes after your rebrand. Once your channel name is updated, ensure all promotional and external links directing viewers to your content are also revised to avoid confusion.

How can I keep my channel discoverable after a name change?

Use relevant keywords in your new channel name and description to ensure YouTube’s algorithms correctly categorize your content. Inform your subscribers of the rebrand through community posts or an announcement video so they know to look for the new name. Update any social media profiles, websites, or email signatures to reflect the change and ensure consistency across platforms. When possible, include your new handle in video titles or end screens to reinforce brand recognition. Finally, track your channel metrics in YouTube Analytics to watch for any drops in views or subscriber growth and adjust your strategy accordingly per YouTube’s channel management tips.