Starting a YouTube channel is the modern-day equivalent of running your own television broadcasting station. With free video hosting and distribution, YouTube has enabled many content creators to grow their fan base and make a living out of online video content creation. One of the most important aspects of setting up a YouTube channel is having a custom URL that aligns with your personal or brand identity. This not only makes it easier for your audience to find you, but it also lends credibility to your brand.
As straightforward as it may seem, changing your YouTube channel URL can be a challenging task to undertake for many people. Here, we’ll go through some of the things you should prepare for, as well as the different methods to change your YouTube channel URL.
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The Challenge of Changing Your YouTube Channel URL
One of the most challenging aspects of changing your YouTube channel URL is ensuring that any backlinks pointing to your old URL are updated to the new one. Additionally, you will need to update all instances of your old URL in social media, web profiles, and other third-party stories, which can be a tedious and time-consuming process. The other challenge is that you can only change your YouTube channel URL three times in 90 days, which means you’ll need to choose your URL carefully.
Things You should Prepare for
Before you get started, there are a few things you should prepare for to make the process smoother.
1. Make sure you’re signed in to your YouTube channel account.
2. You must have a channel icon or profile picture set.
3. Make sure you have at least 100 subscribers.
4. Ensure your account is in good standing and has no strikes.
5. You cannot have changed your username or URL in the last 90 days.
6. Decide on your new URL, considering that you can only change it three times in 90 days.
Methods to Change Your YouTube Channel URL
Method 1: Meet the Eligibility Requirements
To change your YouTube channel URL, you must meet the eligibility requirements which include:
1. Being a verified account with a minimum of 100 subscribers.
2. Having an uploaded profile picture or channel icon.
3. Your account must be in good standing with no strikes.
4. You haven’t changed your username or URL in the last 90 days.
Steps:
1. Log in to the YouTube account for which you want to change the URL.
2. Go to your channel settings.
3. In the "Overview" section, you’ll see the "Get custom URL" link under your profile picture.
4. If your account is eligible, you’ll see a notice stating: "Congratulations, your account is now eligible for a custom URL."
5. Click on "Get URL."
6. You’ll see the custom URL(s) you’ve been approved for. You can’t edit the custom part of the URL that is given to you, but you can remove it and create a new one.
7. Once you’ve selected the custom URL you want, click "Confirm choice."
Pros:
– One of the easiest methods to change your channel.
– Nothing to worry about as long as you meet the eligibility requirements.
Cons:
– Limited choice of custom URL options.
Method 2: Change Your Channel Name
In some cases, you may not want to change your entire YouTube channel URL, just the name. While this method changes your name, it will also change the URL associated with your channel.
Steps:
1. Log in to YouTube and open your channel.
2. Click on the "Settings" icon at the top right corner of your page.
3. In the "Overview" section, click on "Edit" next to your channel name.
4. You’ll see a new screen with your channel name and a box to update it.
5. Enter your new channel name and click "Save."
Pros:
– You maintain your existing subscribers, and don’t need to rebuild an audience.
Cons:
– It changes the URL of your channel as well, which could still pose a challenge.
Method 3: Use YouTube Partner Link
If you’re a YouTube Partner, you can create an external verified link that directs viewers to your channel URL.
Steps:
1. Log in to the YouTube account you’re partnered with.
2. Go to the “Channel” tab on your YouTube Dashboard.
3. Click on "Advanced" next to your name.
4. Click on “Add” next to “Associated website."
5. Enter your website URL in the “URL” field and click on “Add.”
6. Wait for an email from YouTube that confirms that you have associated your website with your YouTube channel.
7. Click on the link in the email and then log in to your YouTube account.
8. Go to "Channel" and click on "Basic info."
9. Click on the pencil icon "Edit" next to your channel link.
10. Replace the current link with your website URL (the one you’ve verified).
11. Click on “Save.”
Pros:
– You get a custom branded URL that you can use with all your external promotions.
– You get to keep your current channel name, and only share the external link.
Cons:
– Only Available for YouTube Partners.
Method 4: Request a Change Manually
If none of the above steps work for you, you may email YouTube support directly. However, this is only advisable when you have reason to request a specific URL.
Steps:
1. Log in to the YouTube account you want to change the URL.
2. Click on the “Help” icon at the bottom of the screen. A new page will open with the YouTube Help Center.
3. Click on "Need more help?"
4. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on “Get Creator Support.”
5. Select the channel you’d like to contact YouTube support about.
6. Choose “Channel and content management,” then “Change channel URL,” and lastly “Request a custom URL."
7. Fill out the form that appears, providing a compelling reason as to why you’d like to change your URL.
Pros:
– Offers a direct method to get the specific URL you want.
Cons:
– Takes longer since it’s a manual process.
– There’s no guarantee that your request for a specific URL will be successful.
Why Can’t I Change my YouTube Channel URL?
If you’re experiencing trouble changing your YouTube channel URL, there could be several reasons for this.
1. You have not met the eligibility requirements, which include having a minimum of 100 subscribers, having a profile picture, and being in good standing with no strikes.
2. You have already changed your channel name or URL within the last 90 days.
3. Your account has been terminated or suspended.
4. YouTube has already assigned a custom URL to your channel.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and still can’t change your channel URL, wait for 90 days to elapse before trying again. Alternatively, you can try one of the other methods listed above.
Additional Tips
1. Plan your new URL to reflect the brand name or niche of your channel. Make sure it’s easy to remember, spell, and pronounce.
2. Once you change your URL, make a list of all the places where you have shared it online and update them accordingly.
3. Be mindful of the named text (or anchor text) used in any existing backlinks pointing to your old URL and update the URL without losing the SEO value of those backlinks.
FAQs
Q: Can I change my YouTube channel URL before reaching 100 subscribers?
A: No, you’ll need to meet all the eligibility requirements, including having a minimum of 100 subscribers to change your YouTube channel URL.
Q: How long does it take for my new YouTube channel URL to be active?
A: It usually takes a few minutes to a few hours for your new YouTube channel URL to be active.
Q: Can I change my YouTube channel name after changing the URL?
A: Yes, you can always change your YouTube channel name even after changing your YouTube channel URL.
Q: Do I need a custom URL for a successful YouTube channel?
A: While a custom URL is ideal for a successful YouTube channel, it’s not the only factor that determines the success of a YouTube channel. Consistent content, authenticity, and an engaged audience are also crucial.
Q: Can I change my YouTube channel URL more than three times in 90 days?
A: No, you can only change your YouTube channel URL three times in 90 days.
Conclusion
Changing your YouTube channel URL is a simple process that can make a big difference in your online brand’s success. Whether you’re looking to build a personal brand or start a new business, having an easy-to-remember and catchy YouTube channel URL will set you on the right path. By following the eligibility requirements, choosing a URL that aligns with your brand identity, and carefully planning your method of URL change, you’ll be well on the way to YouTube success.