“How to Change Your Username on YouTube: A Step-by-Step Guide for a New Identity”

By | August 13, 2024

How To Change Your Username On Youtube.

Changing your username on YouTube is a pretty straightforward process, but let’s break it down so you can do it effortlessly. We all know how important it is to have a username that truly represents who you are, so let’s dive right into it.

First off, you’ll need to be signed in to your YouTube account. Once you’re in, head over to your channel by clicking on your profile picture in the top right corner and selecting “Your Channel” from the dropdown menu. This is where the magic happens.

On your channel page, you’ll see a blue “Customize Channel” button. Click on that, and it’ll take you to the YouTube Studio, which is basically the control room for your channel. Here, you’ll see three tabs at the top: Layout, Branding, and Basic Info. You want to click on “Basic Info” because that’s where you can change your channel name.

Now, under “Basic Info,” you’ll see your current channel name with a little pencil icon next to it. Click on that pencil icon, and it’ll allow you to edit your channel name. Here, you can type in your new username. Take your time with this step; you want to pick something that you’ll be happy with for a while. Once you’ve decided on the perfect name, click “Publish” in the top right corner, and voila, you’ve got yourself a new username!

But wait, there’s more! If you’re someone who likes to keep things consistent across all your social media platforms, you might also want to change your URL to match your new username. To do this, go back to the YouTube Studio and under the “Basic Info” tab, scroll down until you see “Channel URL.” Here, you can create a custom URL, but keep in mind that there are a few eligibility requirements you’ll need to meet. You need to have at least 100 subscribers, be at least 30 days old, and have an uploaded photo as a channel icon. If you meet these criteria, you can change your URL to something that aligns with your new username.

While changing your username is a piece of cake, keep in mind that doing so might confuse some of your subscribers initially. It’s a good idea to let them know about the change beforehand. You can make an announcement in a video or post a message in the Community tab if you have access to it. This way, your audience won’t be caught off guard and can continue to follow you without any hiccups.

And there you have it! Changing your username on YouTube doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With just a few clicks, you can give your channel a fresh new look that truly represents you. So go ahead and make that change. Happy YouTubing!

How Do You Change Your Username on YouTube?

So, you’ve decided it’s time for a change. Maybe your old username no longer represents who you are, or perhaps you’re just looking for a fresh start. Whatever the reason, changing your YouTube username is a straightforward process, but it requires a bit of navigation through your account settings. Let’s dive into each step of the process.

Can You Change Your YouTube Username on the Mobile App?

Yes, you can! Changing your YouTube username on the mobile app is just as easy as doing it on a desktop. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

1. **Open the YouTube App**: Launch the YouTube app on your mobile device.
2. **Go to Your Profile**: Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner.
3. **Access Your Channel**: Tap on “Your Channel” from the dropdown menu.
4. **Edit Channel**: Click on the pencil icon next to your channel name.
5. **Change Your Username**: Enter your new username in the text box and hit “OK” to save your changes.

For a detailed guide, you can refer to [Google Support](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2657968?hl=en).

What Are the Steps to Change Your Username on Desktop?

Changing your username on a desktop is equally simple. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. **Sign In to YouTube**: Open your web browser and go to [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com). Sign in to your account if you haven’t already.
2. **Go to YouTube Studio**: Click on your profile picture in the top right corner and select “YouTube Studio.”
3. **Navigate to Customization**: In the YouTube Studio dashboard, find the “Customization” tab on the left-hand side and click on it.
4. **Edit Your Channel Name**: Under the “Basic Info” tab, you’ll see your current username. Click on the pencil icon next to it to edit your name.
5. **Save Changes**: Enter your new username and click “Publish” to save the changes.

For more detailed steps, you can check out this guide from [YouTube Help](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2657968?hl=en).

How Often Can You Change Your YouTube Username?

YouTube allows you to change your username three times every 90 days. This limit is in place to prevent spam and ensure that usernames remain consistent and relevant. If you need to change your username more frequently, you might have to wait until the 90-day period is over.

For more information on this, visit [Google’s Username Policy](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/6304920?hl=en).

Will Changing Your Username Affect Your Subscribers?

One common concern is whether changing your username will impact your subscriber count or channel visibility. The good news is, changing your username won’t affect your subscribers. Your channel will remain the same, and your subscribers will still be able to find you easily. However, it’s a good idea to inform your audience about the change to avoid any confusion. A quick video announcement or a community post should do the trick.

For more insights, check out [YouTube’s Community Guidelines](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/9288567?hl=en).

What Are the Best Practices for Choosing a New YouTube Username?

Selecting a new username can be a daunting task. Here are some tips to help you choose the best username for your channel:

1. **Keep It Simple**: Your username should be easy to remember and spell.
2. **Make It Relevant**: Choose a name that reflects the content of your channel.
3. **Avoid Numbers and Special Characters**: These can make your username harder to remember.
4. **Check Availability**: Make sure the username is not already in use on other social media platforms to maintain brand consistency.

For more tips, you can refer to this article from [Social Media Examiner](https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/how-to-choose-the-best-youtube-channel-name/).

Can You Change Your URL After Changing Your Username?

Unfortunately, changing your username does not automatically change your custom URL. You can, however, set a new custom URL if the old one no longer fits your new username. Here’s how you can do it:

1. **Go to YouTube Studio**: Sign in to your YouTube account and navigate to YouTube Studio.
2. **Customization**: Click on the “Customization” tab.
3. **Basic Info**: Scroll down to the “Channel URL” section.
4. **Set a Custom URL**: Click on “Set a custom URL for your channel” and enter your desired URL.

For more details, check out [YouTube’s Custom URL Guidelines](https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2657968?hl=en).

What Should You Do If Your Desired Username Is Taken?

If the username you want is already taken, don’t worry. You can try adding numbers or special characters to make it unique. Alternatively, you can also use a variation of your desired name. For example, if “TechGuru” is taken, you could try “TheTechGuru” or “TechGuruOfficial.”

For more tips on selecting a unique username, refer to this [Blog Post](https://blog.hootsuite.com/youtube-channel-name-ideas/).

How Do You Inform Your Audience About the Username Change?

Once you’ve changed your username, it’s essential to inform your audience to avoid any confusion. Here are some effective ways to do that:

1. **Create a Video**: Make a short video explaining the reason behind the change and what your new username is.
2. **Community Posts**: Use YouTube’s community post feature to announce the change.
3. **Social Media**: Share the update on your other social media platforms to ensure all your followers are aware.

For more strategies on communicating with your audience, check out this [HubSpot Guide](https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/youtube-community-tab).

What Are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid When Changing Your Username?

Changing your username might seem simple, but there are a few pitfalls to avoid:

1. **Not Informing Your Audience**: Always let your subscribers know about the change to prevent confusion.
2. **Choosing a Complicated Name**: A complex username can be hard for people to remember and search for.
3. **Ignoring Brand Consistency**: Make sure your new username aligns with your overall brand across other social media platforms.

For more common mistakes and how to avoid them, you can refer to this [Forbes Article](https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2020/01/15/common-branding-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them/?sh=74f4d5161f89).

So, there you have it! A complete guide on how to change your YouTube username. Follow these steps, and you’ll have your new username up and running in no time.