Wh ere introducing handles, a new way for people to find and connect with creators and each other on YouTube. On my channel names Handles are unique to each channel making it easier for creators to establish and maintain their distinct presence on YouTube.
Every channel on YouTube will have a handle and because handles are unique identifiers, it’s easy to confirm if you are engaging with the right person. And I will show across a few surfaces within YouTube including your channel homepage, search results, short feeds, within comments and community posts and more and can be used off YouTube to promote your channel
Let’s walk through how you can choose your handle but gradually rolling out handles to all channels over the coming days. And we will notify you in YouTube studio and by email when it’s time to choose your handle. You can also go to youtube.com/handle for more information and to get started
To make it easier for you to choose a handle if you already have a personalized URL in the majority of instances we’ve automatically reserved that as your handle. if you don’t have a personalized URL or want to do something different, don’t worry you’ll be able to choose a handle.
Please note that in certain cases you preferred handle may not be available.
You’ll be able to select another option once you’ve been notified that you’re able to choose a handle. When you choose your handle will also create a matching URL. You can use this URL to the right people people to your content when they’re not on YouTube.
We recommend you update your social media profiles and external websites to use this new URL. Now let’s walk through some questions you might have about handles
Who is eligible for a handle?
We are opening access to everyone and removing me 100 subscriber eligibility threshold that applies to custom URLs. Every channel on YouTube will have a handle that can be used between creators and viewers.
You’ll also get a new unique YouTube URL then matches your handle and will make it easy for people to discover and connect with you on YouTube.
Are there any guidelines for using a handle for my channel?
Handles can be up to 30 characters. Remember your handle will be the way people find and interact with you, so make sure you choose one the best represents your channel guidelines.
And remember your handles must follow Youtube community guidelines. What if my preferred handle is already selected by the time I’m able to choose? For the vast majority of channels if you already have any type of personalized YouTube URL, we will automatically convert this to your handle. You can also choose a new handle as long as it isn’t already being used by someone else. If your channel doesn’t have a personalized URL, you can either select a new handle or if you don’t select the handle YouTube will automatically assign you one that you can change at any point.
Users are not bound to their channel name as the basis of their handle. The way they are limited today when it comes to creating a custom URL. If the handle you want isn’t available, get created and try adding numbers periods or underscores.
