A YouTube handle is the unique name that identifies your channel on YouTube. It is displayed below your channel name and profile picture, and is also used in the URL for your channel. Handles are unique to each creator, making is simpler to establish your presence on YouTube.
Think about it a bit like a unique LinkedIn personalized URL; this becomes your handle. Your Handle, then can be used to direct people to your channel when searching for your content outside of YouTube.
Example would be if your handle is @youtubeuser1, your channel URL will be https://youtube.com/@youtubeuser1
What are the benefits of using YouTube Handles?
YouTube handles are important for two reasons: they make it simpler for users to find your channel, and they help create a professional brand.
Having a handle makes it easier for users to find your channel, especially if they already know your name. It also allows you to create a professional brand, as your handle can be used across all social media platforms.
“Unlike channel names, handles are unique to each channel,” Youtube stated in a recent video release in relation to the change being made. Handles are hoped to be a new method that will allow account identification to avoid videos from current imposter / scam channels.
If you are thinking of starting a YouTube channel, or if you already have one but have not yet claimed your handle, now is the time to do so!
Three tips when thinking about creating a YouTube Handle
Think about your other social media branding currently in use. Having a consistent handle also makes it easier to cross-promote your content across social media platforms.
While you can certainly change your YouTube handle at any time, it’s generally best to choose one that you’re happy with from the start. That way, you can avoid the hassle of having to update your handle every time you want to promote your content on a different platform.
Your existing channel will continue to work, so think about if you want to completely change the brand or continue to use a similar brand name. Keeping a similar name to your current channel will allow you to slowly rollout branding changes that may be required when switching your promotional material to the new YouTube Handle set-up.
So, if you’re looking to start a YouTube channel or you’re just trying to rebrand your existing one, be sure to choose a handle that will be easy for your audience to find and remember.
What is the official release date of YouTube Handles?
14 November 2022
Note, if you don’t a handle for your channel, it will be automatically assigned by YouTube Studio and you will need to change it thereafter if required..
Visit https://www.youtube.com/handle for more information.