Since YouTube is a Google service, it is, to some extent, synced up with all other platforms that the company offers. In other words, you can utilize one Google account to access YouTube, Gmail, Google Docs, Sheets, and Hangouts.
Fortunately, this fact does not mean that your YouTube channel name has to be the same as the handle you use for other Google services. In fact, you can change your YouTube name anytime you want in just a few clicks.
Follow along to find out how.
Changing Your YouTube Channel Name
Whether you have a personal YouTube channel or you run an official account for your brand, you can change its name on your phone or PC. In the former case, you do so via the YouTube app, and in the latter, you use YouTube Studio in your browser.
On Your Phone
- Navigate to the YouTube app and log into your account.
- Tap your profile picture in the upper right-hand corner.
- Select Your channel.
- Click on the Edit button (it resembles a pencil).
- Type in your new channel name.
- Click Save on Android or Done on iOS.
On Desktop
- Type YouTube.com in your browser and log in.
- Click your avatar in the upper right-hand corner.
- Go to Your channel.
- Click Customize channel to open the YouTube Studios homepage.
- From there, go to Basic info in the navigation menu at the top of your screen.
- Select the pencil icon next to your name and make changes.
- Click Publish to save.
Regardless of the device you choose, the change will only be visible on your YouTube account. In other words, your other Google service handles will remain the same.
If you want to personalize your channel even more, you can also choose a new profile picture. As with renaming your channel, the image you have on your Google account will be unchanged.
Lastly, it’s important to point out that you can only rename your channel twice in 14 days. So, make sure you choose your new moniker carefully.
Will My URL Also Change?
You should note that your channel name and your URL (handle) are not directly connected. Thus, changing one will not automatically impact the other.
If you want your URL to reflect the new name you’ve chosen, you can change it following the same steps outlined above. However, instead of focusing on the Channel Name section, make the necessary adjustments in the Handle slot.
A Note for Verified Channels
In case you have an official YouTube channel, a name change will result in the loss of your verification badge. This policy was enforced by the platform to reduce the risk of impersonation and protect creators and viewers alike.
To renew your verification after picking a new name, you will have to re-apply for your badge. The process is exactly the same as the one you have already completed the first time around.
It’s important to remember that YouTube can take a considerable amount of time to review your channel and verify it again. In the meantime, you will have to post your content without the recognizable badge that sets official accounts apart from regular ones.
