YouTube has been the backbone of online video sharing for over a decade, and the platform has undergone several changes as it has evolved through the years. The latest iteration of the platform introduces a new way to identify and search for content creators – YouTube handles.

This feature has been a long time coming, as YouTube creators have always had to rely on their channel names to introduce themselves to audiences. But with YouTube handles, creators can now have a dedicated username that will follow them across the platform.

Here’s everything you need to know about YouTube handles.

What are YouTube handles?

YouTube handles are a new way for creators to make their channels more recognizable and discoverable on the platform. It’s a unique username that can be customized and is linked to a creator’s Google account, making it easier to keep track of comments and interactions across multiple channels.

For example, if you’re a creator with the channel name “CutePetsTube”, your YouTube handle could be “@CutePets”, which would make it more memorable and easier to search for.

How to set up your YouTube handle

To set up your YouTube handle, you will need to have a Google account linked to your YouTube channel. If you haven’t already done so, you can do this by logging in to YouTube and clicking on the “Create a Channel” button.

Once you have a Google account linked to your YouTube channel, you can select your YouTube handle by going to the “Settings” tab in your YouTube Studio dashboard. From there, you can type in your desired handle, which can be up to 30 characters in length.

The username will not be case sensitive, so “@CutePets” and “@cutepets” would be the same. You should also be aware that once you’ve set your handle, you won’t be able to change it.

Benefits of using a YouTube handle

Using a dedicated YouTube handle has several benefits for creators, especially when it comes to branding and discoverability. Here are some of the primary advantages of using a handle:

1. Better branding: A unique handle can make a creator’s channel stand out and be more memorable to viewers.

2. Easier discoverability: When channels have the same or similar names, a dedicated handle can help viewers differentiate between creators more easily.

3. Consistent usernames: With handles, creators can use the same username across multiple channels, making it easier for audiences to follow them.

4. Quicker access: With handles, viewers can quickly search for creators or specific channels by entering their handle into the search bar.

Conclusion

YouTube handles are an exciting new feature that can make the platform more user-friendly for creators and viewers alike. By offering a unique username that can be customized and linked to a Google account, handles can help creators strengthen their branding, increase their discoverability, and simplify their online presence.
If you’re a creator on the platform, we highly recommend setting up your YouTube handle today to take advantage of everything this new feature has to offer.