What’s in a name? Sure, it might not make or break your vlog entirely, but picking a great one can help you stand out. After all, if the word “vlog” itself took off, anything’s possible.

Still, video-editing-in-2023">video blogging is getting so huge, you want to give yourself every possible advantage if you hope to cut through the noise and get more eyes on your content. Even if internet users aren’t looking for your content exactly, a memorable or clever name can still intrigue them enough to click through.

What is a vlog?

Vlog is short for either “video blog” or “video log,” but nobody really knows, or cares. Maybe it stands for Very Leathery Organ Grinder. Anyway, a vlog typically features a subject (the vlogger) who discusses particular topics on video rather than writing about them in a blog. Picking a memorable vlog name or channel name can also help people discover your content, making it easier to stand out in a crowded space.

It all started back in 2005, when YouTube co-founder Jawed Karim posted a 19-second video titled “Me at the zoo” on the platform. It showed him standing in front of two elephants and talking to the camera, and became the first published “vlog.” It didn’t take long for creators to flock to YouTube to jump aboard the new medium. By 2011, nobody was using elephants anymore.

Today, the ocean of topics in the vlogging universe is vast. Many vlogs revolve around the creator’s daily life, including anecdotes about health issues, travel experiences, or humorous insights. You’ll also find product reviews, recaps of historical events, or deep dives into literally anything you can think of. Vlogs are typically hosted on YouTube and (to a lesser extent) Vimeo and are frequently cross-promoted on social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

7 tips for finding the best name for your vlog

While only you can decide on the perfect name for your vlog, there are a few tips you can keep in mind to come up with the best one. Before we get to those, though, remember two things. First, if you come up with a name you love, just go with it. Second, as noted, it doesn’t matter that much. If you read this and you’re still stumped, or if the name generators let you down, maybe just name your vlog after yourself, or something obvious but descriptive — Brandon’s Book Reviews.

1. Define your target audience Before anything else, do some market research to define your target audience and establish your brand. Your vlog name may be the bait that lures your viewers in, but a little digging will reveal which ponds they’re swimming in. Think about your content and who it’s for: Are you appealing to a younger or older crowd? Working moms? Single dads? Nonbinary dog owners? Investigate your competition: look at the social media profiles of those who subscribe to their products or services. Once you’ve established your demographic, you can start thinking of a name that would appeal to them. If your target viewer skews older, names that reference, say, Y2K nostalgia or current pop culture probably won’t grab the attention of the crowd you’re looking to hook. Name your vlog for the market you’re trying to capture.
2. Keep it short and descriptiveUnless the length of your vlog name is part of a gimmick or larger marketing strategy, don’t make it too long or difficult to read. Keep the name on the shorter side and lay off the symbols or punctuation to make it easy to remember. Clever or funny vlog names are also a way to make sure they stay on the mind, like ones that use rhymes or wordplay. But be careful of being too clever. Again, something super descriptive will make it easy for someone scanning YouTube to understand what you’re about.
3. Relate it to your content Many vlog names for YouTube simply consist of the vlogger’s name. But that simple, straightforward naming approach might not hold much weight if no one really knows who you are. A better strategy for a new or unknown vlogger is to go with a name that relates more to the type of content itself. If you’re running a storytelling vlog, you don’t want to use names that give people the impression you’ll be sharing computer tutorials or car advice. Keep the relevance specific enough that people know what they’re getting when they find you, but not too niche that you lose anyone curiously passing through.
4. Benchmark competitors Check out the competition and see what names all the most popular vloggers use. Notice any patterns or consistencies in their chosen names. Do they all mention their subject matter? Are they all of a certain length? Maybe you follow the crowd, or maybe set yourself apart by going in a completely different direction. Either way, looking for inspiration among your rivals is always a good way to come up with a name that’s uniquely yours.
5. Check availability If the name of your vlog is also the name of your domain, the site you use to register the name will tell you if it’s available or not. The site Checkuser.org will search for your desired name across a wide range of social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Twitch, and more. Use a site like BrandSnag.com to check availability specifically for YouTube channel name ideas. Maintaining consistent handles and profiles across all major platforms helps viewers find and recognize your vlog wherever they prefer to follow you.
6. BrainstormIn the event your name is already taken, you’ll want to have a list of alternate vlog channel name ideas ready to go, so you don’t have to go back to the drawing board every time. If you plan on buying a domain to host your vlog, you can always change the extension to something less common like .co or .me. If you’re comfortable with it, you can also try running a few ideas by friends and family to see if any particular names catch their attention.
7. Use a generator If this article doesn’t help you find a name, perhaps some computer software that can generate hundreds of names per second might. A generator lets you type in keywords relevant to the name you want to create, and then puts together a list of vlog channel names to choose from. However, not every program will tell you if the options are up for grabs or not, so you might need to run your top picks through an availability checker afterward.
8. Consider future growth If you plan to create content on more than one topic or see your channel evolving, pick a name that can expand with you. A name that’s too narrowly focused could limit what you feel comfortable posting in the future and confuse your audience if you shift directions.

Top free vlog name generators

If you’ve gone for a walk, meditated, made some lists, slept on it, and still need help choosing a great vlog name, welcome to the club. Naming is hard. The good news is, there are a number of vlog-names generator programs online you can use to move the process along.

• SpinXO

  With SpinXO:

  • Type in personal words like your name or interests.
  • Add numbers or letters you want to include.
  • Generate 30 names at a time.
  • Spin again to get a new batch whenever you like.
• Business Name Generator. This business name generator lets you enter a few keywords (separated by commas) to help create the perfect name for your vlog. You can also select an industry relevant to your keywords such as agriculture, tech, or photography.
• Name generator. Namegenerator.biz is a popular site for generating YouTube channel names for vloggers. You can also set prefix or suffix words and let the generator help you figure out what goes in the middle.

Ultimately, your vlog channel name should reflect your style, your content, and your audience’s expectations. A well-chosen name can make you memorable, attract more viewers, and hint at what people will find when they press Play. With a little brainstorming — plus the help of name generators and availability checkers — you’ll land on something that feels right. Then it’s time to start creating.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good vlog name?

A good vlog name is short, easy to recall, and clearly related to your channel’s theme. It should capture your style or personality—for example, a travel vlog could use words that spark a sense of adventure. It also helps if it’s easy to say out loud so your audience can remember and share it.

How do I choose a name for my vlog?

Start by listing words related to your channel’s focus or niche. Pick a couple that resonate with you and feel unique. Then see if they're free to use on platforms like YouTube or social media. Pick the option that best matches your tone, is memorable, and points viewers to what they can expect.

Should I use my real name for my vlog?

Using your real name can help viewers connect with you on a personal level. It also works well if you plan to cover a broad range of topics. However, a descriptive or imaginative name can be a better fit if your vlog highlights a specific niche or brand. Ultimately, choose the option that feels most natural for your style.