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)

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

Pop culture: Entertainment news, trends, and recent events

Sports: Conversations with athletes, coaches, and analysts

Personal development: Self-help and personal growth topics, like mindfulness, goal-setting, and mental health

Business and entrepreneurship: Interviews with successful business owners and experts in various fields

Politics: Discussing current events and political issues

Science and technology: Exploring the latest breakthroughs in science

History: Discussing significant events, figures, and periods in history

Education: Exploring an academic subject and speaking to other educators and experts

think about the format your show will take

. Will you do interviews with experts or have discussions with co-hosts? Will you build a roundtable of guests or fly solo and share stories from the heart? Or maybe a mix-and-match?

Now that you have a plan for your podcast, you can start putting your ideas into action. A large part of that process is 

Here are some essential pieces to consider:

A quality microphone produces clear, crisp audio. Some popular options include the Shure SM7B, the Audio-Technica AT2020, and the Rode Podcaster.

Budget-friendly options: Pyle Classic Retro, ATR2100-USB

Premium options: Apogee HypeMiC, Blue Snowball Ice

Buy a good pair of headphones so you can hear your recording accurately and can make adjustments as needed. The headphones should be comfortable, have great sound quality, and fit within your budget.

Budget-friendly options: Sennheiser HD 280 Pro, OneOdio Headset

Premium options: Sony MDR1AM2/B, Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X

An audio interface connects your microphone and headphones to your computer. This allows you to convert the analog signals from your microphone into digital signals that can be recorded/edited.

Budget-friendly options: Focusrite Scarlett, PreSonus AudioBox

Premium options: MOTU 8pre USB, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)

There’s no shortage of recording software, with both free and paid options on the market. Some of those include Audacity, GarageBand, and Adobe Audition. Look for user-friendly software that has the features you need to edit your recordings.

Budget-friendly options: Riverside, ZHKUVE Rechargeable Sound Audio Recorder

Premium options: Rode RODECaster Pro (console), Hindenburg Journalist (software), DYW Portable Digital Voice Recorder

A pop filter is a small screen that goes in front of your microphone. It reduces the popping noise that comes from pronouncing words with harsh-sounding letters, like “K,” “C,” and “P.” This makes your recordings sound more professional!

Premium options: Shure PS-6 Popper Stopper, Royer PS-101, Stedman Proscreen XL

If you’re recording a lengthy podcast, the last thing you want to do is hold a microphone the entire time. An arm will prop up your mic and stabilize volume levels (because the mic isn’t moving).

Budget-friendly options: CUIJU Adjustable Microphone Arm

Premium options: Rode PSA1+, TONOR Studio Suspension Scissor Boom Arm

You'll need a quality camera if you want to start a video podcast on YouTube. There are plenty of options, but the best cameras record video in FHD (full high definition) or 4K.

Budget-friendly options: Logitech Brio 4k, AVerMedia PW513

Premium options: Canon EOS M50, Nikon Z5, Canon VIXIA HF G50, Canon EOS M6 Mark II

3. Create Your Podcast in the YouTube Studio

Now that you have your equipment, you're probably wondering how to set up a podcast on YouTube. The good news is that it doesn't take long!

Here’s a step-by-step guide for uploading a podcast to YouTube:

New podcast is the last menu option after clicking create

3. Give your podcast a title, description, privacy setting (private or public), and square-shaped thumbnail. Click 

A form that shows all the necessary podcast details

The content option is on the left navigation bar

Podcasts option is on the uppermost page tab

Click the videos icon beside your podcast playlist

Now we’re getting to the fun part. If you want your podcast audience to grow over time, you need a bit more than entertaining episodes. Everything about your show should work together to keep viewers engaged, from the episode artwork to the keywords you use.

Here are some ways to grow your YouTube podcast:

 in the title and description of each episode. That will help your podcast rank higher in YouTube search results.

Let's be honest, you probably did not discover your last superhit podcasts from an actual episode. In all likelihood, you first saw it in a YouTube Short or TikTok, because that's where discoverability lies.

Turn longer episodes into short clips, teasers, and highlight reels in just a few minutes with 

, to attract new viewers. Use them to steer viewers to your full episodes and get more views!

Invite popular guests onto your podcast, then ask them to promote the episodes they appear in. This extra bit of promotion invites new listeners to check out your show.

We talk about YouTube communities all the time, but what about podcast communities? They 

 exist, and you should nurture them just like any other following. 

 about your podcast and ask viewers for feedback!

The cover art for your show should be attractive, but don't forget to make static images for each podcast episode. They should be bold and have a consistent style for 

YouTube isn't the only place to promote your podcast. Share the episodes on Instagram Reels, Facebook Watch, and platforms that make sense for your audience.

One could argue that consistent podcasting is more crucial that dropping 

. After all, many people listen to podcasts during their commute and at work. 

Post new episodes on time so viewers and listeners know what to expect each week!

As you implement these strategies, don’t forget to check your podcast analytics in the YouTube Studio. You can do that by going to 

Analytics > Overview > Select an episode from the Podcasts card on the lower right.

This section shows the overall performance of your podcast episode, including views, watch time, revenue, and more.

Are the listens rolling in yet? If so, it's time to monetize your podcast so you 

 This allows you to buy better equipment, such as a green screen for showing different background images.

A man recording and filming a YouTube podcast

Man recording podcast or livestream with headphones and microphone in home studio.

Yes! This is an excellent way to expand your audience outside of Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or the platform you’re using. 

That’s because YouTube has a discovery algorithm.

 Unlike many platforms, it will push your episodes to like-minded viewers.

Plus, it's easier to monetize a YouTube podcast due to all of the money-making tools.

Unfortunately, you can’t use audio files to create a podcast. 

Here’s what YouTube says about the topic on its support page

“On YouTube, each podcast episode is represented by a video. MP3s can’t be turned into podcasts on YouTube. To create a podcast, upload or add videos to your podcast’s playlist.”

Bottom line, your podcast should be a video file. It will look like the traditional YouTube video with both audio and visual components.

On YouTube, you can turn a podcast video into an audio episode. The same support article states that:

“Podcast videos are available for audio-only playback. To turn off audio-only playback for a video, you must remove it from all podcasts within your video settings.”

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

Everything You Need to Know About Starting a YouTube Podcast

Keeping up with YouTube search trends is how successful creators stay ahead of the curve. Which brings up an important question:

YouTube trending topics change fast, and knowing what’s trending today can help you create videos that hit while the interest is hot.

The truth is that, sometimes, you have to look outside the platform. The best trending topics on YouTube are also all over the internet, and the more places you look, the more trends you'll find!

If you’ve ever wondered how to find trending topics for YouTube, this guide breaks down exactly where to look and how to spot opportunities before they peak.

One of the best ways to spot YouTube trends, Google Trends will help you discover those moments. This tool shows the popularity of 

 topic on the internet over an extended period of time.

Here’s how to use Google Trends for YouTube purposes.

Trending now tab on Google Trends website

2. Select a country, then browse the first two tabs on the screen: daily search trends and real-time search trends.

 option shows what’s been trending in the last few days, and the 

 option shows searches that are trending right now. Both results should give you a general idea of what’s popular online.

1. On the Google Trends homepage, type something into the search bar, preferably a topic related to your channel. As an example, we’ll use “pumpkin spice latte.”

Google Trends Search for pumpkin spice latte

2. Choose a region, time period, category, and then select 

Analyze the graph to see how popular your topic is. In this example, “pumpkin spice latte” is picking up steam as fall approaches.

Google trends graph for a search term shows increasing popularity

Want to go even deeper? Scroll down and view the 

 panel. You’ll find even more topics related to your original search that could spark great video ideas.

If you're wondering how to see trending YouTube videos, look no further than the explore section. Below that, there's a trending tab showing the most popular videos on YouTube right now.

This page will show you the top trending topics for YouTube by category: music, movies, gaming, and more. It’s not as detailed as Google Trends, but it’s a great place to see what’s happening within different niches.

As a busy content creator, sometimes you just need to know what are people searching for on YouTube. vidIQ's 

 help you find what trends are falling. One tool in particular, 

shows you the top searches on YouTube, including the volume of searches, so you can take advantage of them!

Top rising keywords today, this week, or this month, by language.

Monthly search volume and competition score for keywords.

The growth percentage of a keyword's search volume.

A filter for searching keywords by YouTube niche.

An overall keyword score (higher is better).

For example, the search term "Colorado vs. Oregon" (referring to U.S. football) rose in popularity by 

 today! The keyword score is 61, which means it has high search volume and not much competition! You'd have a decent shot at getting more YouTube views.

A list of global risking keywords on YouTube. Colorado vs Oregon is circled

By far, this is the best way to see YouTube search trends on the rise. 

TikTok is where trends are born. If you want to know what’s trending right now (or will soon be trending content for YouTube), it makes sense to open TikTok.

But “watching videos” is only the first step. If you want to get up to speed much faster, explore trending videos and hashtags in the TikTok Creative Center.

 tab. From there, you can view trending hashtags, songs, videos, and creators who also end up on YouTube!

5. Get Daily Video Ideas (with Performance Predictions)

If you’re looking for video ideas that fit your channel, 

 when you sign up for a free vidIQ account.

 old ideas. We use artificial intelligence trained on the latest YouTube trending topics to suggest video ideas that match your content! 

: low, medium, high, or very high views. With that type of data, you can choose in-demand topics for your channel. You can even see top-ranked videos for a particular subject.

YouTube trends don't just happen inside of YouTube. If you want to find viral topics that grow your channel, it's time to look outside of the platform.

YouTube Tips for Creators

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

Everything You Need to Know About Starting a YouTube Podcast

6 Places to Find YouTube Trending Topics for Your Videos in 2025

How to Start a YouTube Channel in 2025: Step-by-step guide

YouTube's 'Suggested Videos' Algorithm: How to Crack It

The Beginner's Guide to the YouTube Studio

How to Use YouTube Clips

vidIQ’s Title Flip Framework: Write Titles That Get Clicks & Rank

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

How to Get More Views on YouTube: 12 Powerful Tips

3 Secrets for Writing Click-Worthy YouTube Titles

How to Start a Faceless YouTube Channel in 2025