vidIQ's audit and keyword tools optimize every part of your channel for discovery.

Choosing the right name sets the tone for your brand and affects how easily viewers remember you. If you’re wondering

how to choose a YouTube channel name, start by thinking about clarity, niche, and memorability.

What makes a perfect YouTube channel name in 2025? Is it something catchy and one-of-a-kind, or can it be as simple as your real name? Your choice can have a big impact on your channel's growth and how easy it is to find.

Both are good options depending on your goals, but there’s more to the equation.

A strong channel name for YouTube is a big deal because it’s how everyone will recognize you, and not just viewers. The YouTube algorithm will analyze your name for relevant keywords. Brands will look at it before they offer you a partnership deal. Every day, you want this part of your channel to shine.

If you already started, but your channel name is missing something important, you might have to change

your YouTube channel name. That’s the best way get back on track and rebrand your channel, which is very important in 2025.

Before we discuss channel names, it helps to know they're not the same as YouTube handles. 

 are a unique identifier for your channel. They look and function like the handles you've seen on other social media platforms, such as Instagram, X, and TikTok. And of course, they begin with the iconic @ symbol.

For example, @vidIQ is our YouTube handle. Viewers can use it to:

Search for our channel on YouTube (and distinguish us from duplicates).

Go directly to our channel via URL (https://www.youtube.com/

YouTube handle example showing @vidIQ as a unique channel identifier

While handles help you interact with others, your channel name is entirely distinct from that. You can use your channel name to explain your niche better and attract the right audience.

So, whether you’re choosing a name for the first time or seeking a new one, here are six ways to pick a YouTube channel name.

1. Follow YouTube’s Community Guidelines

Before you pick a channel name, make sure it’s appropriate for YouTube. You can do that by following the 

, which covers things like spam, impersonating other creators, and words you shouldn’t say (or write) on the platform.

After all, what’s the point of finally figuring out a channel name, only to have someone report it?

YouTube Community Guidelines warning screen for channel name compliance

2. Make Your Channel Name Short and Sweet

While coming up with a YouTube name, keep in mind a short channel name is always better than a long one. Why? They’re just easier to remember. When someone is searching for your channel, you don’t want them stumbling over a 50-character name. Choose something 

You should pick a YouTube channel name that's:

. You won’t have any problems typing that into YouTube’s search bar. The same goes for channels like 

Did you know it’s against YouTube’s rules to 

? Intentional or not, anyone who does that is misleading their viewers. So that’s the first reason to have an original channel name. It keeps you honest, and YouTube won’t have a reason to strike down your channel.

 is a famous YouTube creator, and someone is always trying to impersonate him. Dozens of people steal his channel name and profile icon to create bogus accounts. Take a look at all the copycat channels below.

MrBeast copycat channels showing why unique YouTube channel names are important

What’s the end goal, if not to impersonate MrBeast? And what will these users do with the influence they stole? It can’t be anything good.

4. Pick a Name That Represents Your Niche

When someone comes to your channel, they should know three things immediately:

The best YouTube channel name can express all three.

 But how do you come up with a name so powerful that people understand your channel’s worth?

It’s not as difficult as you think. Whatever your YouTube niche is, gaming, cooking, fitness, tech reviews, or anything else, start thinking about that subject. Next, challenge yourself to create a stylish name for a YouTube channel name based on your niche. Need more perspective? Look at creators in your space to see what is a good YouTube channel name that performs well.

, a channel with dozens of Microsoft Excel tutorials, is a great example. The channel name comes from combining “Excel” and “excellent.” It’s a clever way to say, “I have the best Excel tutorials on YouTube'' without  saying exactly that.

Excellent Dude YouTube channel showing niche-specific naming strategy for Excel tutorials

5. Building a Personal Brand? It’s OK to Use Your Real Name

If you’re building an online persona, your channel name doesn’t have to represent your niche. After all, the content revolves around you. Your personality is the star of the show, not tutorials and how-to advice. It seems fitting that your first and last name are what people see.

It’s tempting to do the opposite, though. You may be thinking to yourself, 

“Who clicks on a channel showing a stranger’s full name? Will I get less search traffic because I’m using my name, which no one cares about yet?”

Maybe, but don’t worry about that. If your goal is building a personal brand, have some faith and trust the process.

 your YouTube unique channel name, something that stands out precisely because it’s personal and authentic.

? This creator has a self-titled channel with more than 600,000 subscribers. And no, it didn’t take her 10 years to build that following as a personality-driven channel. After posting some popular New York videos, her subscriber count ballooned in 2019!

Stamps’ channel is about many things: minimalism, making money, traveling, and more. She could’ve named her channel something edgy and off-kilter, like Minimal Money. But even that would be too limiting for the content she creates.

OK, let’s get back to YouTube tutorials. If you’re making videos about searchable topics, like “how to change a tire,” it’s worth having a channel name that’s searchable too.

Think of all the keywords someone would use to find your content. When you have a solid list, build your YouTube channel name using a couple of those keywords. Over time, this will help you attract your target audience.

How to Find YouTube Keywords that Grow Your Channel

Here’s an example. Let’s say you have a tech channel that focuses on Apple products. You could potentially add any of these keywords to your channel name:

Some channels are using these keywords already

. They cover Apple products differently, but each channel has a keyword aligning with its purpose.

Channel Name Consistency Across Social Platforms

Your YouTube channel name goes beyond the YouTube platform. It should work well on other sites like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook to create a solid identity. Consistency here makes it easier for your fans to find you.

Before settling on a name, check its availability on the most popular platforms. Even if you use them later, holding onto a consistent name avoids confusion and builds trust.

If the exact name is taken, consider adding terms like "official" or "real"

Avoid terms that tie you to one specific platform

 use nearly the same name everywhere. Consistency makes it simpler for fans and helps your brand stand out.

How to Brainstorm the Best YouTube Channel Name

The best name for your YouTube channel might be hiding in your head, and you need to solid way to pull it out. Here’s a quick brainstorming activity to get your wheels turning and build your own YouTube channel name ideas list full of creative and unique YouTube channel name options:

Write down some words associated with your content.

 Need an example? As a YouTube education channel, we’d write a list of creator-focused words: subscribers, views, channel growth, monetization, etc.

Write a list of words emphasizing your channel’s goal.

 Maybe you want to motivate, inspire, share news, or entertain. There’s no right or wrong answer as long as you’re honest.

Combine words from both lists to come up with YouTube name ideas that match your tone and style.

 Don’t put yourself under too much pressure here. Even if you fail at naming your YouTube channel, you’ll have a better idea of what it 

YouTube Channel Naming Strategies by Type

 from vidIQ to get some ideas. It's an AI tool and super easy to use.

1. Enter the type of channel you want to make in the prompt box. Here, we use "Video Essays," as an example. Click Generate.

vidIQ YouTube Channel Name Generator tool interface for creating channel name ideas

2. That's it! The AI generates a list of unique YouTube channel name ideas for you to choose from.

AI-generated YouTube channel name suggestions for content creators

More Examples of Good YouTube Channel Names

Great YouTube channel names tend to stick. Our minds remember names that bring up clear images or stir up feelings. If you're exploring YouTube channel name ideas, think about these points:

Here are some channel names that embody everything we’ve discussed:

 Reading that channel name, you know this creator shares tips to improve your charisma. Plus, “Charisma on Command” is short and catchy. We would have a hard time forgetting this channel.

 Can you craft something in five minutes? This channel says, 

. Technically, the name breaks one of our rules: Don't add a number to your YouTube channel name. But this is a rare instance where it works well and makes sense for the channel.

 If you play Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you understand what this channel is offering. “100 Percent” implies that no other games will be played – just Breath of the Wild. You might get some gameplay footage, tutorials, or how-to explainers. It’s the most accurate channel name we’ve seen and another outlier that breaks our “no numbers” rule.

 This channel shares random facts about the various blocks in Minecraft. It doesn’t have the shiniest name out there, but you know what type of content you’re getting. On top of that, “Block Facts” is easy to type without making mistakes.

 We’ve all asked our Dads how to do something, right? That’s what makes “Dad, how do I?” the perfect YouTube channel name. It’s relatable, and you know that fatherly advice is incoming.

 This channel shows viewers how to live better lives through animated storytelling. For what the channel promises, who could ask for a better name?

Picking the best YouTube channel name takes some deep reflection but so does defining your channel's ultimate purpose. 



Here's how to find your niche on YouTube and stand out from other creators

YouTube play button icon with placeholder text for a customizable channel name URL.

Struggling to name your YouTube channel? These 6 proven tips help you pick a memorable, searchable name — plus a free AI name generator to brainstorm ideas.

How to Choose a YouTube Channel Name (6 Tips That Work in 2026)

Struggling to name your YouTube channel? Discover 6 proven tips for choosing a memorable channel name that attracts subscribers, plus real examples that work.

From naming your channel to ranking your first video, vidIQ helps you start strong.

Better titles mean more clicks. vidIQ helps you write and optimize titles that convert.

Writing good YouTube titles is a tricky task. Just when you think you have the right one, you wonder, 

Will the title resonate with viewers and make them click?

How to Title YouTube Videos for More Views

A strong title for YouTube can make the difference between someone clicking your video or scrolling past. Writing one isn’t always easy, but instead of overthinking it, focus on what makes a headline work:

Imagine going out to dinner with one of your YouTube viewers. Chances are, the two of you will talk about what you have in common during the meal. You might be nervous at first, but you’ll eventually hit a groove where you’re 

If you both love dogs, for example, you might use words like:

Writing video titles is no different. The headline starts a conversation between you and viewers, and relatable dialogue is best.

“This Talking Pitbull Is Smarter Than You Can Imagine!” 

If you're familiar with pit bulls, you know how vocal they are. It’s almost as if they can speak! When the creator adds “talking pitbull” to the title, it’s a nod to people who adore the vocal nature of pitties.

2. Stay Under the YouTube Title Character Limit

Make sure you're using the right YouTube video title length before settling on a headline. It’s easy to fall in love with the words you’ve written, only to realize you have too many!

Keep in mind the YouTube title character limit of 100 characters. But even that’s too long. The best titles are around 

 and display fully on most devices. Anything longer will show up as a truncated title.

It’s true: Sensational headlines attract viewers out of sheer curiosity. Even if something looks too good to be true, viewers will investigate just to be sure.

On its support page, YouTube states that it doesn’t condone “misleading metadata or thumbnails, [such as] using the title, thumbnail, [or] description to trick users” into watching a video.

One example could be a video titled “Buying a Mansion for $1 Million.” If the creator drives around to look at expensive homes with no intention of buying, renting, or even discussing that journey, it’s clickbait.

4. Use the Right Keywords for YouTube Search

Think of your YouTube title as the headline of your content: clear, compelling, and optimized for search. SEO (search engine optimization) is 

 on YouTube. If people aren’t searching for the kind of videos you make, getting views as a new creator is tough.

create a YouTube video title with solid keywords

. Start by studying your niche to see which phrases competitors use in their videos. Then use 

The goal is to find terms with high search volume plus low to medium  competition.

7 Ways to Discover the Best YouTube Keywords for Your Channel

Adding numbers to headlines is an old marketing rule that still works today. According to an 

, people pay special attention to numbers.

“Among our discoveries was that numerals often stop the wandering eye and attract fixations, even when they're embedded within a mass of words that users otherwise ignore,” writes Jakob Nielsen, computer interaction researcher.

people love numbers because they’re associated with facts

. So if you want people to click your titles, don’t skimp on the numerals.

decide to make purchases with their subconscious mind

? Choosing to watch a YouTube video doesn’t cost money, but it’s still a subconscious 

explore what viewers feel subconsciously as they browse YouTube

. What emotions arise when they think of specific topics?

Once you know this, it’s easier to write titles that stick. You’ll know which emotive words to use, such as “lucrative” for finance geeks or “blissful” for hopeless romantics.

Here's how to tap into three emotions that make people click videos: curiosity, fear, and desire.

7. Create Harmony Between the Title and Thumbnail

When people create YouTube video titles, the thumbnail is typically an afterthought. But that’s a costly mistake. 

No title exists in a vacuum because the headline appears beside the preview image on YouTube. So it’s wise to consider how the two combine to attract viewers. 

If the title doesn’t build upon what the thumbnail shows, it's not accurate or strong enough. Do your best to create real harmony, like the thumbnails we paired with these titles.

 so your thumbnail and title work together to grab attention.

8. Add Hashtags in Your YouTube Video Title

You want hashtags in your titles because they help viewers find content similar to what they’re already watching. If your title has a hashtag like #growyourchannel, your content could show up on the 

We accomplished this feat on the vidIQ channel. Below, notice we added #growyourchannel to a video titled “YouTube Settings You Need to Know to Grow Your Channel.”

Four years later, that video is still featured on the #growyourchannel hashtag page.

Here’s how to add hashtags in a YouTube video title:

Type the # symbol in your title or description, then start typing the best terms for your topic. YouTube will suggest some popular hashtags; all you have to do is choose the best one for your video.

9. Get Inspiration from Other YouTube Videos

Did you know that seasoned creators don't always brainstorm their video titles? Many of them look at channels in their niche and pull inspiration from videos that went viral!

It takes time to research those channels, so we'll save you a bit of trouble here. We interviewed title expert Jake Thomas, who studies trends within the YouTube video space. According to him, 

these emotion-driven titles are working for creators

Viewers get curious when they see these titles, and that motivates them to click on the video!

AI can take the guesswork out of writing titles. Instead of spending hours brainstorming, try 

 for every video description you provide. Plus, the ideas are optimized for viewer engagement!

vidIQ ai title generator with the prompt "buttery biscuits grandma style"

YouTube video titles generated by vidIQ's AI Title generator 

11. Write Wholesome Video Titles for YouTube

 when you’re naming YouTube videos. Steer clear of profanity, hate speech, and misinformation that's harmful in the real world.

YouTube Shorts move fast, and so do viewers. Titles matter just as much here as they do on long-form videos. The difference is you need to grab attention instantly in a crowded feed. A trending title for YouTube Shorts can help your content surface in search and ride momentum in the Shorts player. Keep it short, keyword-rich, and curiosity-driven so viewers stop scrolling and tap your video

How to Write the Best Titles for YouTube Shorts



Here are the best practices for titling Shorts:

 Give viewers a snapshot of what to expect.

 Pose a question, or use intriguing adjectives. The goal is to make them stop scrolling and start watching.

 Shorts do appear in YouTube search, so use the right keywords to get more views in that area.

 You have 40 characters to work with before YouTube truncates the rest of your title when viewing Shorts in the app).

Writing Good YouTube Titles Takes Practice

It won't happen overnight, but with regular practice, following YouTube video title best practices ensures your videos have the best chance of showing up in search and suggested feeds.

Part of that skill set comes with mastering the basics. Once you've done that, you're ready to move to the next step: 

creating thumbnails that make viewers stop in their tracks

Smiling woman sitting outdoors using smartphone, enjoying social media or messaging.

Titles should be 60 to 70 characters, with your main keyword near the front. Use relatable, emotive words (or a number) to spark curiosity, and make your thumbnail reinforce the same promise. Avoid clickbait and draft 2 to 3 variations and pick the clearest.

11 Ways to Write Exciting YouTube Titles for Your Videos

vidIQ's AI title generator creates optimized, high-CTR titles based on your topic and target keywords.

Find rising topics, pick better keywords, 
and publish with confidence using vidIQ.

In 2026, faceless content is bigger than ever. From gaming and tutorials to commentary and Shorts, there are endless faceless YouTube channel ideas to explore. If you’re looking for YouTube channel ideas without showing your face, you’ll find plenty of ways to build a brand, connect with viewers, and even monetize your channel without stepping in front of the camera

 is no easier than starting one where everybody knows your name. To make up for the lack of face time, you'll need more visual elements, such as stock videos, images, graphics, and text. So, in the long run, you'll spend more time editing than other creators.

But making faceless content comes with many advantages, such as:

Keeping your employer from knowing you have a channel

Shielding yourself from unwanted opinions (family and friends)

Having a comfortable experience on YouTube

Ready to get started? Here are the best faceless YouTube channel ideas.

Faceless YouTube Channel: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you in college or high school? If so, this may be the perfect idea for your YouTube channel. "Study With Me" videos create a virtual library atmosphere where high levels of productivity meet unwavering concentration. So, crack open your textbooks, point the camera away from yourself, and get to studying! And if you need some inspiration, check out 

Have you ever wondered why flamingos are pink or how many times a bee flaps its wings per second? Chances are, someone else is thinking the exact same thing. Well, this is your sign to create a channel dedicated to interesting facts! They'll be the star of the show while you remain 100% anonymous. 

 is a good example, as the channel is faceless but has thousands of facts to share.

Who says you can't create your game show on YouTube? If your friends call you the trivia king or queen, put your knowledge to the test by creating games and quizzes in video format. These channels throw down the gauntlet on topics from pop culture to physics, and you won't see the quizmaster — just the challenge they've set. By the way, 

You might not have the face of a magician, but then again, you don't exactly need one. Plenty of YouTubers are performing magic tricks with just their hands showing, and you can follow their lead to grow your YouTube channel. Check out this card illusion from 

Imagine starting a plant care channel using your backyard, patio, or the space beside your kitchen window. You wouldn't have to show your face, especially when filming educational videos. For example, 

 has a viral video exposing indoor plants that grow in 

 (no soil required). It's greenery galore without a gardener in sight!

6. Silent Vlogs (Day in the Life Without Talking)

If silence is golden, then silent vlogs are pure treasure on YouTube. These videos strip away the chatter, letting the visuals do all the talking. It's life, unscripted and unspoken, and sometimes that says more than words ever could. For a little inspiration, check out 

With this channel idea, puppets have the full stage. If you're crafty and creative, this type of content is a great way to grow on YouTube while staying out of the spotlight. There aren't many puppet channels on YouTube, either, so you won't face overwhelming competition. Check out 

8. Remote Control Vehicles and Competitions

This YouTube idea offers the thrill of racing without having to drive (or crash) a real car. It's all about the machines and their maneuvers, so you can definitely show that without appearing on camera. For example, 

 is one channel cashing in on this easy idea!

Who's really the boss at home? Pet vlogs are a great way to showcase the daily drama and delights of our animal overlords. After all, it's a pet's world — we're just living in it (and filming it). There's no better example of this than 

If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you're fortunate in that you'll 

 have to appear on camera. You can go bird watching, whale watching, or any type of watching for that matter — and let the animals steal the show. Check out 

 to see how majestic this channel idea can be!

You don't have to go to Europe, Asia, Africa, or any other continent to show the world around you. Plenty of faceless channels are using stock footage and imagery to show the most exciting cities on Earth! Best of all, these videos get massive buzz. 

 snagged 8.7 millions views with their viral guide, "25 Most Beautiful Destinations in Europe."

Do you love reading books? Have you always believed that animated videos are the 

? If so, it's time to start your faceless channel and make "book summaries" the sole focus! Many people don't have time to read a full book, so you'll help them out by summarizing the main takeaways. That's how 

A science experiment is the perfect activity for starting a faceless YouTube channel. After all, people come to see a shocking treat, and not necessarily the creator performing them. So, no worries here: You can keep the camera in your hands and rake in millions of YouTube views. Check out this video by 

, which got 26 million views showing a compilation of experiments!

Telling a personal story is one of the best ways to connect with viewers around the world. And, you don't have to be on camera to do it! Many creators take the comic book or cartoon approach, sketching out their story so it's visually compelling. 

 is the king of animated storytimes, and he pulls in millions of views with each upload!

Tech reviews are popular on YouTube, but it's also an oversaturated niche with lots of competition. And guess what? Most techies on YouTube show their face. But you can stand out by focusing on the product you're reviewing and having sharp, insightful narration! If you need inspiration, check out 

Some people are solving the hardest puzzles on Earth without 

 is one of those fascinating creators. This channel has over a billion views, so don't underestimate the joy of solving a good puzzle!

. This DIY creator (do it yourself) shows viewers how to craft cool things without necessarily 

 how to do it. Nonetheless, people still love the content! Check out the video below, which earned 5.3 million views for turning a Coke bottle into a table lamp!

If you understand money on an academic level, try explaining it to millions of viewers on a faceless channel! Finance has been popular on YouTube for years, so why not snag some of those views for yourself? Creators like 

 are practically going viral with each video. The one below explains the psychology of money, and it has 3.5 million views!

Do dogs watch TV? Some creators are proving that they do. Several YouTube channels are producing TV shows for dogs, which includes scenic nature, animals grazing, other dogs playing, and calming music. With this type of channel, you can go faceless for as long as you wish; 

Don't want to show your face on YouTube? No problem. These faceless YouTube channel ideas will help you stay anonymous while building a strong community.

40 Faceless YouTube Channel Ideas That Actually Work in 2026

Use real-time insights to choose 
topics that are gaining momentum


Lydia Sweatt

Posts Written By Lydia Sweatt

How to Choose a YouTube Channel Name (6 Tips That Work in 2026)

11 Ways to Write Exciting YouTube Titles for Your Videos

40 Faceless YouTube Channel Ideas That Actually Work in 2026

30 YouTube Keyboard Shortcuts Every Creator Should Know

How to Change Your YouTube Channel Name (2025 Step-by-Step Guide)

How to Make Money on YouTube in 2025: A Complete Guide

Everything You Need to Know About Starting a YouTube Podcast

How to Remove Copyright Claims on YouTube

6 Places to Find YouTube Trending Topics for Your Videos in 2026

YouTube Shorts Size & Dimensions: The Complete 2026 Guide

YouTube Shorts Monetization Requirements (Updated for 2026)

How to Start a Gaming YouTube Channel in 2026