YouTube recently announced that it would be rolling out handles for YouTube channels
Recently, YouTube stated that it would start implementing handles for YouTube channels. You may be curious about them and how they differ from YouTube channel names if you’ve recently learned about them or if YouTube has already notified you via email that you need to select one. To help you better understand what a YouTube handle is and how to choose one when it becomes available to you, we’ll go through what it is in this article and address some frequently asked questions about it.
What is a YouTube handle?
Although they are distinct from YouTube channel names, YouTube handles are another way to identify your YouTube channel. They resemble the handles you’ve seen on TikTok and Twitter in terms of appearance. For instance, @DigitalTrends. When a YouTube handle is generated, it also has a matching URL that looks like this: youtube.com/@[handle name]. No matter how many subscribers a channel has, all YouTube channels will have handles and unique URLs. Following the completion of the handles rollout, handles will begin to show up in locations like search results, the Shorts tab, comments, and mentions.
Are they different from YouTube channel names?
Yes. The names of particular YouTube channels serve as unique identifiers. While numerous YouTube channels can have the same channel name, each YouTube channel’s handle should be completely distinct. Your channel now has a name, a handle, and a URL thanks to the most recent upgrade. The handle should make it simpler to discover your unique channel and get in touch with the right creator.
When are users able to pick a handle?
On October 10, YouTube formally announced the introduction of its handles. One of the announcements stated that users would be given the option to select a handle “over the next few weeks.” YouTube will let you know via email and YouTube Studio when it’s time for you to select a handle for your channel. You’ll have the option to select one at that point. After that, you’ll have until November 14 to select a handle. If you don’t select one by then, YouTube will do it “based on your channel name,” per its help article on the subject.
How do you choose a handle?
Wait until YouTube alerts you (through email and/or YouTube Studio) that selecting a handle is available. When that occurs, you can choose a handle for your channel by going to youtube.com/handle. Your chosen handle must adhere to certain requirements:
- It must contain numbers and letters. They can be uppercase or lowercase. A handle can also have hyphens, underscores, or periods.
- The handle can’t already be claimed by another channel. Remember, they have to be unique.
- It cannot violate YouTube’s Community Guidelines.
- It can’t resemble a URL or phone number.
- It should be between three and 30 characters long.