Use vidIQ to find simple improvements that 
boost clicks, views, and watch time.

Watching, editing, or analyzing videos on YouTube gets a lot easier once you know the right YouTube keyboard shortcuts. Instead of fumbling with your mouse, you can pause, skip, rewind, and even change playback speed with simple key presses.

YouTube shortcuts help you move through videos faster and stay focused on what matters most, creating and learning from great content.

That’s why you need to know these 30 YouTube keyboard shortcuts for Mac and PC.

YouTube Keyboard Shortcuts You Need to Know

Anytime you need a refresher while you are in YouTube, press 

 to see a list of (most) YouTube keyboard shortcuts.

These YouTube hotkeys will help you view content faster, and we’ve listed them below for convenience.

These shortcuts make it easy to jump to key moments, review footage, or replay important sections without touching the mouse. Whether you’re analyzing your own upload, following a tutorial, or watching long interviews, quick rewind and fast-forward keys save serious time.

When watching videos at faster playback speeds, YouTube may increase your skip distance automatically. At 1x speed, the arrow keys skip 5 seconds, but at 2x speed, they often jump 10 seconds instead. The player adjusts dynamically on desktop to make navigation feel smoother while watching in fast-forward.

Perfect for scanning through long videos or slowing down detailed clips. Increasing or decreasing playback speed helps you study pacing, learn complex topics, or analyze editing styles more efficiently.

Quick volume and mute shortcuts make it easy to manage audio while multitasking, adjusting sound for headphones, or testing levels during playback.

 — Adjust volume by pressing the up arrow to increase video volume by 5%, and pressing the down arrow to decrease it by 5%.

Switching between full screen, theater, and mini-player views helps when you’re 

, browsing comments, or running multiple monitors. These shortcuts optimize focus and workflow for any viewing setup.

Caption shortcuts improve accessibility and comprehension. Toggle them on when studying foreign-language videos, increase text brightness for visibility, or resize captions for easier reading on smaller screens.

 — Change the transparency of caption backgrounds.

 — Adjust font sizes by pressing the minus key to decrease font size and the plus key to increase font size.

Navigating chapters or playlists is faster with keyboard shortcuts. Jump to key segments, move between related videos, or revisit earlier moments without interrupting playback.

 — Skip to the next video in a playlist or the next suggested video.

 — Go to the previous video in a playlist.

 — Press any number between one and nine to advance by 10% increments to skip to specific video points. Example: Press nine to go 90% into the video.

— Go back to the beginning of the video.

YouTube Spherical Video Controls (360 VR)

360° shortcuts let you explore immersive videos smoothly. Pan across environments, zoom in on details, or shift perspective while keeping playback fluid.

Watch the video below to see these YouTube keybinds in real-time.

Most people aren't aware of these YouTube video hotkeys. How does it feel to join the 10% of people who browse faster and easier on YouTube?

Want to learn more YouTube tips and tricks? Visit this page to read our best guideposts.

Keyboard with a red YouTube play button key representing video content creation.

Pause the video first, then use the comma (,) and period (.) keys to move one frame at a time. This YouTube frame-by-frame hotkey is perfect for creators who need precision when editing, analyzing transitions, or reviewing small details in footage.

Did you know there are several YouTube keyboard shortcuts? Whether you’re a video creator or casual viewer, you need these game changers in your life. Keep reading for a list of handy shortcuts.

30 YouTube Keyboard Shortcuts Every Creator Should Know

Use vidIQ to upgrade your next title, 
topic, and keywords in minutes

Whether you’re rebranding, refining your niche, or just ready for a new look, learning how to change your YouTube channel name is simple, and a lot easier than it used to be. You can now update your channel name without affecting your Google Account or losing any videos, playlists, or subscribers.

In this updated guide, you’ll learn how to change your YouTube name on both desktop and mobile, plus what to know before you do it, and how to edit your channel name safely.

TL;DR: How to Change Your YouTube Channel Name

YouTube Studio → Customization → Basic Info.

Every creator evolves. The name that fit your channel when you started might not reflect what you’re doing today, and that’s completely normal. Here are the most common reasons to change your YouTube channel name:

Maybe you’ve outgrown your old niche or are taking your channel in a new direction. A fresh name helps signal that change to both your audience and YouTube’s algorithm.

2. Aligning with your business or personal brand

If you’ve built a brand outside of YouTube, renaming your channel helps create a unified identity across all platforms, and can help people find you when searching your business name.

Hard-to-spell or generic names can hurt SEO. Updating your name can improve visibility, especially if you add descriptive words like 

A casual or joke name might have worked early on, but as you grow, you may want something cleaner and brand-safe for sponsors or collaborations.

Shorter names perform better in search, thumbnails, and memory. Removing filler words or numbers makes your branding more recognizable.


Before You Change Your YouTube Channel Name

Before you rush to rename your channel, take a minute to make sure your new identity is consistent and strategic.

Is your new name on-brand and easy to remember?

Does it align with your channel’s niche or target audience?

Have you checked for trademark conflicts?

If you’re unsure of a new name, try the 

. The tool suggests catchy, keyword-friendly channel names based on your niche or personality.


Changing Your YouTube Channel Name: What to Expect

Changing your channel name doesn’t affect your videos or subscribers, but if your channel is 

, changing your name will remove that verification badge. You’ll need to reapply once the new name is live.

 that appears under your channel name and in your URL) 

 when you rename your channel. You can keep it the same or manually update it later.

Example: If your channel name changes from 

If you change your name too frequently, YouTube may temporarily lock this feature.

Channel URLs only change if you manually update your handle or custom URL.

, and it’s easy to confuse them. Here’s the difference:

 are what matter most for branding and discoverability. The handle is unique and only one channel can claim each handle. Your handle is often used for tagging and linking, similar to Instagram or TikTok usernames.

 For brand consistency, try to keep your handle and channel name as close as possible (for example: 

How to Change Your YouTube Channel Name on Desktop

You can change your YouTube name directly inside YouTube Studio. Here’s how:

Log into YouTube and click your profile image in the top right corner. Select 

Under the channel name and description header, click the 

 beside your current name. This gives you the option to type a new one.

 in the top right corner to save your changes.

That’s it, your new name should appear immediately across your channel.

How to Change Your YouTube Channel Name on Mobile

You can also change your YouTube name from the mobile app. Just follow these steps:

Open the YouTube app and tap your profile icon in the top right corner.

This update syncs instantly, so you’ll see your new name on videos, comments, and playlists within minutes.

Need a visual tutorial for any of these steps? Watch the video below for more guidance:

How to Edit Your Channel Name in YouTube Studio

If you’re managing your branding assets, such as description, links, or handles, you can edit your channel name from the same place:

YouTube Studio → Customization → Basic info.

Update your name, and while you’re there, review your 

Editing your name inside YouTube Studio ensures your brand identity, links, and metadata all stay aligned.

If you want your handle to match your new name, here’s how to update it:

If your desired handle is already taken, YouTube will prompt you to choose a variation (like adding a word or number).


Handle Change Caution: Your Old Links May Break

When you update your YouTube handle, your channel URL changes too.

That means any links that use your old handle (for example, youtube.com/@OldHandle) will no longer work once the new handle goes live.

 Will stop working after a short redirect window (if any).

 (like youtube.com/c/YourChannel or /user/YourChannel): usually keep redirecting automatically.

 (comments, posts, tags): generally update on their own.

 (social bios, websites, email signatures): need to be updated manually.

 Before changing your handle, search your old channel name on Google and update any links that appear in other sites, press mentions, or directories. That helps preserve traffic and avoids broken redirects.

What Happens After You Change Your YouTube Name

After you’ve changed your name, here’s what to expect:

 will disappear from videos, comments, and playlists.

 stays the same unless you manually change it.

You might notice a short delay before your new name updates everywhere.

Once your new name is live, it’s a good idea to announce it in a Community post or short video to avoid confusing subscribers.

Pro Tips for Changing Your YouTube Channel Name

Changing your name isn’t just a technical step, it’s a branding move. Use these tips to make your new name stick and get the most out of your rebrand.

Before committing, make sure your new name is free on 

YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and your website domain

. Consistency builds trust and recognition.

YouTube channel page example showing subscriber count and navigation tabs with green arrow

There aren’t major risks, but there are a few things to watch out for:

 If your channel is verified, you’ll lose the badge and need to reapply.

 Your handle (the @username) doesn’t change automatically, so your name and handle could temporarily mismatch.

 If you also update your handle, your channel URL changes—update links on social media, websites, and video descriptions to avoid broken redirects.

 It can take a few days for your new name to appear consistently in search results.

 Sudden name changes can confuse subscribers if you don’t announce them clearly.

 Post a quick update or Community message explaining your new name and why you changed it. That helps maintain trust and prevents drop-offs in returning viewers.

Want to change your YouTube channel name? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you out.

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

Getting monetized on YouTube is a goal every creator wants to reach. It helps  start side hustles,

, or create a business selling products in physical stores. These days, the possibilities are endless!

But with so many options, how do you monetize YouTube videos in a sustainable, long-term way? 

There are several ways to do it, from joining the "standard" program that pays advertising revenue to making money through sponsorships. Let’s start with a beginner's guide on the basics of YouTube monetization.

The most common way to monetize your videos is by enrolling in the YouTube Partner Program (YPP), which provides access to varied revenue streams including ads, fan funding, and sponsorships. Reaching partner status is an upgrade for your channel, as it helps you monetize your community, and, if you reach certain milestones, make money from video advertisements.

YouTube compensates creators via the Google AdSense program; understanding its mechanics is crucial for optimizing your earnings. For now, know that when a viewer watches/clicks an ad within your video, revenue is generated. That revenue is then split between you and YouTube, where you get 55% of the money, and YouTube takes the other 45%.

Before you can join the YPP, you need to meet a few milestones first.

, and more, here are the minimum requirements to join the YPP:

3,000 public watch hours in the previous 12 months 

 3 million public YouTube Shorts views in the last 90 days.

YouTube Relaxes its Monetization Rules: Only 500 Subscribers Needed!

Minimum requirements for fan funding through the YouTube Partner Program

, you must meet the following requirements:

4,000 hours of public watch time within a 12-month period 

 10 million public YouTube Shorts views within a 90-day period.

graphic of how to get monetized on YouTube 

The good news is that once accepted into the YPP, you can continuously monetize your content without the need for reapplication after meeting new thresholds. Even if you entered the program with 500 subs and 3,000 watch hours, you don't need re-apply after hitting 4,000 hours and 1,000 subs. You'll simply unlock the revenue tools you didn't have before.

 staying compliant with the YouTube monetization policy is just as important as hitting the numbers. Copyright issues, reused content, or repeated Community Guidelines violations can keep you from getting approved.

Once you’ve met all of YouTube’s requirements, you’re ready to apply to the YPP! You'll do this on the YouTube Studio's "earn' page, which also tracks how much watch time you have and how many subscribers you've gained. Simply apply on this page when YouTube gives you the green light.

YouTube's earn page that tracks watch time and subscribers

If you're unsure how to locate this feature in YouTube Studio, simply head to the 'earn' tab for detailed monetization metrics. 

If you apply and are rejected for the first time, you’ll have 21 days to appeal the decision. Then you'll have to wait another 30 days before re-applying.

If you’re rejected a second time, you’ll still have 21 days to appeal, but you can only reapply after 90 days.

While this may seem harsh, it’s a balanced approach because YouTube is prioritizing new applicants over repeat ones. Use the time to fix anything unsavory on your channel, such as multiple 

 or videos that violate YouTube’s Community Guidelines.

How to Enable Monetization on YouTube Studio

 for as many videos as possible. You can do this while uploading new content, but it’s safer to wait until 

 you upload videos (at least a few hours). 

By then, YouTube will have processed your content. You’ll know if the system found something that could demonetize the video, such as 

Follow these steps to enable ads on your YouTube videos and boost your revenue:

Choose which ads you want to display on the video.

Keep in mind that even after monetization, not every video will display ads, especially if the content doesn’t meet advertiser-friendly standards. The best way to fully monetize a video (and keep it that way) is to create content in the PG to PG-13 range.

Understanding YouTube Monetization Metrics

Grasping YouTube monetization metrics is essential for creators looking to optimize their revenue streams. Key performance indicators include 

 (revenue per mille), which help determine how much income is generated per 1,000 views. While CPM measures the advertiser's payment rate, RPM offers a clearer picture of what you actually take home after YouTube’s revenue share. Other critical metrics include watch time, audience retention, and the percentage of monetized views.

High engagement not only boosts overall channel performance but also attracts higher-paying advertisers, especially if your audience comes from regions with strong economies. Metrics like click-through rates on ads, viewer demographics, and the time of year can further impact your earnings. Monitoring these numbers in YouTube Analytics allows creators to identify trends and adjust content strategies accordingly. By understanding these metrics, you can pinpoint what types of content perform best, optimize ad placements, and experiment with different video formats to maximize revenue.

Ultimately, a data-driven approach will help you align your creative efforts with monetization goals, ensuring that every view contributes effectively to your income.

YouTube AdSense is beneficial, but it’s not a reliable form of income for creators. Advertisement rates go up and down, so it’s hard to make the same amount of money each year with video ads.

. CPM (cost per mille) refers to the amount of money advertisers pay per 1,000 video views on YouTube. The rates vary depending on your channel’s niche, audience demographics, and more.

This table compares YouTube monetization methods, outlining the requirements and revenue potential for each.

Beyond AdSense: Using Brand Promotion as Your YouTube Monetization Strategy

Ads are just one piece of the puzzle. If you’re wondering how to earn money from YouTube beyond ad revenue, look at fan funding, sponsorships, affiliate links, and merchandise. The most successful creators build multiple income streams to stay consistent even when ad rates drop.

Here are additional ways to make money from your videos.

1. YouTube Sponsorship Deals, Brand Deals

With YouTube brand deals, you'll make money by featuring a product or service in your videos. You can work with multiple brands if you want, which leads to more money for your channel and less stress about earning AdSense revenue.

Unlike the YPP, you don’t need 1,000 subscribers and lots of watch time to profit from these deals. Having more subscribers is helpful, of course. But consistent views and an impressive collection of videos are more important. You’re ready to seek out YouTube sponsorships once you have both.

11 Companies Matching YouTubers with Amazing Brand Deals

. So don’t worry about channel size when looking for sponsors. There are brand deals for small channels, mid-sized channels, and mega influencers who dominate YouTube. Everyone has a chance.

When you’re ready to dive in, read this post about 

Did you know you can make money advertising product links on YouTube? It’s called affiliate marketing, and it's an easy revenue stream to set up.

Sign up for various affiliate programs with different brands/companies.

Get custom product links to share with your YouTube audience.

Earn a commission when viewers buy stuff using your link.

how to do affiliate marketing on YouTube.

 For beginners, we recommend signing up for the 

 program. You’ll get access to hundreds of custom links for everyday products, and adding those affiliate links to YouTube videos (in the description section) will help you earn commissions.

Always add relevant affiliate links to your videos. If you do a tutorial for a GoPro camera (for example), ask viewers to use your affiliate link when purchasing the product.

According to Amazon, affiliate commissions are up to 10% of each product sale. So if you spend some time promoting the links, you’ll make a nice chunk of money.

With 500 subscribers and 3000 hours of watch time, creators can unlock this feature and monetize directly from their audience through three main avenues:

 offer exclusive perks such as loyalty badges, custom emojis, and private live streams, generating a steady income from your most dedicated fans, offering a customizable way to earn money on YouTube. Prices for memberships can range from $0.99 to $100 per month.

Read this post to learn more about Channel Memberships and how to qualify for them.

are another way to monetize YouTube live streams. These are “donations” or “tips” ranging from $1 to $500 that viewers send creators during a live stream.

You’re in an excellent position to receive Super Chats if:

1. You’re a funny or entertaining person.

2. You host live streams on YouTube regularly.

3. You have hardcore fans who are vocal in the live chat section (where Super Chats are donated).

For example, Travis McPherson, vidIQ’s Creator-In-Residence, once 

 from a live stream with just a modest audience that only had 150 viewers.

 feature allows viewers to buy digital goods like stickers to show appreciation for your content. Promoting this feature in your videos can encourage more use of Super Thanks.

How to enable Super Thanks on your channel?

Creators across all genres received some 

 news late last year. As of February 2023, the YouTube Shorts fund is officially gone! Shorts creators can now sign up for YouTube's Partner Program and start making money from ad revenue. All you need is:

1,000 subscribers and 10 million eligible public Shorts views in the last 90 days.

1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid public watch hours on long-form videos.

Let's go through the revenue-sharing model for YouTube Shorts. First, this new approach splits advertising revenue in three directions: between creators, music publishers, and YouTube itself. Money is pooled, calculated, and distributed as shown:

Overall, Shorts monetization for creators is based on the number of views they get, their location, and the music tracks they use.

If a Short uses two music tracks, 66% of the revenue goes to music publishers and 33% to the creator. For one music track, it's a 50/50 split. 

If no music is used, the creator keeps all their revenue. Creators generally retain 45% of their share from the creator pool after accounting for music usage.

A phone surrounded by money and showing the Youtube logo 

Smartphone displaying YouTube logo on screen over scattered hundred dollar bills background

How to make money on YouTube in 2025: monetization rules, subs needed, policies, and revenue tips for creators.

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

This post was originally written on Apr 13, 2023 and has been updated with newer information.

Did you hear the news? YouTube is introducing podcast playlists, a new way for creators to upload and organize episodes on their channels. This update comes with exciting benefits, such as:

A chance to be featured on YouTube’s podcast page

Podcast badges that appear on watch and playlist pages

So if you've been waiting to start a podcast, now's the time to get going! This guide will show you how to start a podcast on YouTube, plus six ways to monetize your show.

The first step to building a podcast is knowing what you want to talk about. After all, it would be confusing if you posted about exotic cars one week and personal finance the next. By choosing one topic, you make it easy for listeners to enjoy their favorite subject through your show.

And there are plenty of ideas to explore! Some of the most popular podcasts on YouTube cover:

True crime: Discussing criminal cases and mysteries

Comedy: Conversations and interviews with comedic personalities

Ready to start podcasting on YouTube? From setting up your show to growing a loyal audience, this in-depth guide will show you how.

Lydia Sweatt

Posts Written By Lydia Sweatt

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 2025

YouTube Shorts Ratio and Size: The 2026 Guide to Perfect Vertical Videos

YouTube Shorts Monetization Requirements (Updated for 2025)

How to Start a Gaming YouTube Channel in 2025

The Beginner's Guide to the YouTube Studio

How to Find the Most Searched Keywords on YouTube for Your Niche

YouTube Watch Time: How to Reach 4,000 Hours and Monetize Your YouTube Channel