Create a YouTube Channel

Follow the provided steps to create your own YouTube channel and get started creating awesome content!

Choose a Name

Think of a name for your channel. Something unique but also something that people can easily remember. Choose wisely. If you decide to change it later, you will be required to wait a few months before you can change it again.

Create a new channel

With a Google Account, you can watch and like videos and subscribe to channels. However, without a YouTube channel, you have no public presence on YouTube. Even if you have a Google Account, you need to create a YouTube channel to upload videos, comment, or make playlists. You can use a computer or the YouTube mobile site to create a new channel.

Create a personal channel

Follow these instructions to create a channel that only you can manage using your Google Account. 

1. Sign in to YouTube on a computer or using the mobile site.
2. Try any action that requires a channel, such as uploading a video, posting a comment, or creating a playlist.
3. If you don’t yet have a channel, you’ll see a prompt to create a channel.
4. Check the details (with your Google Account name and photo) and confirm to create your new channel.

Create a channel with a business or other name

Follow these instructions to create a channel that can have multiple managers or owners. This is great for friends who want to start a channel together!

You can use a Brand Account to create a channel that has a different name but that’s still managed from your Google Account. Learn more about Brand Accounts. 

1. Sign in to YouTube on a computer or using the mobile site.
2. Go to your channel list.
3. Choose to create a new channel or use an existing Brand Account:
   • Create a new channel by clicking Create a new channel.
   • Create a YouTube channel for a Brand Account that you already manage by choosing the Brand Account from the list. If this Brand Account already has a channel, you can’t create a new one—you’ll just be switched over to that channel if you select the Brand Account from the list. 
4. Fill out the details to name your new channel and verify your account. Then, click Done. This creates a new Brand Account. 
5. To add a channel manager, follow the instructions to change channel owners and managers.

Learn more about using a channel with a business or other name on YouTube.

URL: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/1646861?hl=en

Customize your Branding

Change your profile picture and channel background

Your profile picture shows who you are. Try not to confuse your audience by uploading an image unrelated to your channel.

Add channel artwork is the large image that is seen at the top of your channel page. Once uploaded, YouTube will show examples of how the image will be displayed on the website, a TV, or a mobile device.

• Artwork must be 2560 x 1440 pixels, and make it relevant.
• You can add your channel name to the artwork.
• Change your artwork often to keep it fresh. This is definitely optional, but every now and again you’ll want to new image. Just keep the logo and branding.
• There are lots of free programs to make your artwork. GIMP, Pixlr are two great ones. Or if you have photoshop and a creative cloud subscription.
• Try no to steal artwork. If in doubt, always ask permission first. There are plenty of stock photos on the internet you can use.

Your channel description or “About” section is what describes who you are. Be sure to set the channel name and add some links as well.