How to Change YouTube Channel Names in 2023 (Quick & Easy Tutorial!)

There’s a long list of reasons to change a YouTube channel name. Maybe you’ve woken up with fresh YouTube channel name ideas, or perhaps you feel that your current name isn’t allowing your channel to grow and get the attention it deserves.

Whatever the reason, there’s good news – changing YouTube channel names is definitely possible! 

That’s why we’ve decided to create this complete guide on how to change YouTube channel names.

Important: When available, we use affiliate links and may earn a commission!

This process used to be a lot more complicated! There were different steps depending on whether you had a brand account or personal account. Basically, it wasn’t straightforward – the process could be confusing and time consuming if you didn’t know what to do. 

In this guide, we’ll cover the full process step-by-step to YouTube name changes.

How To Change YouTube Channel Names

First of all, go to YouTube and make sure you’re signed into your associated Google account. Then click on your profile picture and from the drop down menu go to YouTube Studio. 

YouTube Studio highlighted in a YouTube Menu that shows up when you click your YouTube account's profile picture on the top right
Make sure you sign into YouTube Studio using the relevant Google account name

Select Customization in the left menu. This is where you can edit channel settings such as profile picture, channel banner and more. To access your YouTube channel name, go to Basic Info. Right at the top you’ll see a section for Name

All you need to do is type in your new YouTube channel name to this section. 

Then press Publish in the top right corner. It’s that easy! 

PRO TIP: You can only change YouTube channel name twice in 14 days, so don’t go overboard on the name changes. 

Channel Name section in Basic Info under Customization page in YouTube Studio with "The Tom Rawlins Experience" name in the text box
Simply go to Customization in YouTube Studio to change your Name

Changing Names For Verified Channels

There is one extra step for verified YouTube channels. 

If you change your verified channel name, the new channel won’t be verified. This means you’ll need to reapply for verification. 

In our experience this has been a super quick process, so it’s not a downside – just something to be aware of!

How To Change Your YouTube Channel Handle

If you’re changing your YouTube channel name, there’s a good chance you’ll want to change your YouTube handle. This will also change your YouTube custom URL.  

While still in the Basic Info section, go to Handle and type in your updated channel handle. You’ll see a green tick appear next to the handle to let you know that handle is good to go. 

In this case, we changed the channel handle from @TomRawlins to @TheTomRawlinsExperience. 

Handle section in Basic Info under Customization page in YouTube Studio with "@TheTomRawlinsExperience" written in the text box
You can easily change your custom Handle under Basic Info in Customization tab as well!

This means the YouTube URL was changed from ‘https://www.youtube.com/@TomRawlins’ to ‘https://www.youtube.com/@TheTomRawlinsExperience’. 

So make sure you keep track of your updated channel URL as well! 

Again, make sure you hit Publish after making changes and then your new channel name & handle will be out in the internet stratosphere! 

PRO TIP: If your channel is verified, changing your YouTube handle won’t remove your verification badge. 

Publish button found on the top right corner of the Channel customization page under the Account Profile in YouTube Studio
Make sure to hit the Publish button on the top right to save your updated name!

Want to Change YouTube Channel Name? Now You Can!

There you have it – the complete guide on how to change a YouTube channel name for YouTube creators.

Now you know the updated process to change your YouTube channel name. The process to change your YouTube channels name is the same for mobile devices using the YouTube app! 

If you want to learn more about how to correctly set up and optimize your YouTube channel, check out our full tutorial here. You can also download our free YouTube Ranking Guide where we cover the 3 most powerful tools and ranking strategies to increase your YouTube traffic by 10x!

FAQ

Can I rename my YouTube channel? 

Absolutely! The process is now super simple to change your YouTube channel name. Simply go to Customization in your YouTube Studio, then Basic Info and you can edit your name in that section. 

Can I change my YouTube channel name and keep my subscribers? 

If you change your YouTube channel name you will keep your existing subscribers (unless they decide to unsubscribe for some reason, of course!). 

Why can’t you change your YouTube channel name?

If you’re unable to change your channel name, you may have already hit the maximum number of name changes. You can only change your channel name twice every 14 days.


Recommended Gear & Resources

Check out an up-to-date list of all the gear, software & tools we use and recommend right now at Primal Video on our resources page here!

Related Content

Share this...

Save this post for later?

Hit the button below and we'll send you this post for later, plus subscribe you to our awesome (free!) Primal Video Insider updates!

Table of Contents
Save this post for later?

Hit the button and we'll send you this post for later, plus subscribe you to our awesome (free!) Primal Video Insider updates!

Hit the button below and we’ll send you this post for later, plus subscribe you to our awesome (free!) Primal Video Insider updates!

More from Primal Video...

How to Monetize YouTube Videos (+ TOP Ways to Make Money on YouTube!)

How to Make Money on YouTube!

Most people are familiar with YouTube ads as a way to make money on YouTube in 2020, and whilst it’s …

View →

How to Make a GIF From Video – Video to GIF Tutorial (UPDATED)

If you’ve ever searched for the perfect GIF and weren’t able to find it, you probably wondered how to make …

View →
Final Cut Pro vs Adobe Premiere: Best Video Editor? - Video editing software

Final Cut Pro vs Adobe Premiere: Best Video Editor?

Final Cut Pro vs Adobe Premiere. Both are great options but which is the BEST video editing software? These 12 …

View →
DaVinci Resolve - [UPDATED] Complete Tutorial for Beginners!

Complete DaVinci Resolve Tutorial for Beginners! (UPDATED)

The first thing you need to know about DaVinci Resolve is that this software is seriously powerful when it comes …

View →

How To Add Subtitles on YouTube (Quickly & Accurately!)

Have you been thinking about levelling-up your YouTube videos with closed captions? Or, still not sure whether you should bother …

View →
Best Screen Recorder for iPhone (& HOW to Record iPhone Screen!)

Best Screen Recorder for iPhone (& HOW to Record iPhone Screen!)

Review of the BEST Screen Recorder for iPhone & iOS, including both free and paid apps and a complete tutorial …

View →
How To Save Periscope Videos With All Interactions (Hearts and Comments) For YouTube - Periscope

How To Save Periscope Videos With All Interactions (Hearts and Comments) For YouTube

Periscope is a great way to easily live stream and interact with your audience, LIVE. Unfortunately, as of this video, …

View →
Best Live Streaming Software for MAC - 2022 Review!

Best Live Streaming Software for MAC – 2022 Review!

This is our complete guide to the best live streaming software for Mac in 2022.  It’s no secret that live …

View →
Don't miss a thing!

Become a Primal Video Insider to stay in the loop.

If you get my best Blue Steel impression now, just imagine what's waiting for you on the inside...

Become a Primal Video Insider and unlock:
We hate spam and promise to keep your email address safe.
Check out our Privacy Policy for more info!

If you get my best Blue Steel impression now, just imagine what's waiting for you on the inside...

Become a Primal Video Insider and unlock:
We hate spam and promise to keep your email address safe. Check out our Privacy Policy for more info!