Change your YouTube channel name in three steps

Your YouTube channel name is separate from your Google Account name, and you can change it without affecting your email or other Google services. Go to YouTube.com, click your profile icon in the top right corner, and select Create a channel or Settings depending on whether you already have a channel. From there, click Edit channel info on the left side, then change the text in the Channel name field. YouTube saves the change when ready — you do not need to click a separate save button.

If you cannot find the channel name field, make sure you are signed into the correct Google Account. YouTube ties each channel to one Google Account, and you can only edit a channel you own. If you manage a channel for someone else, the owner must make the name change themselves, or they must give you owner-level permissions in the channel settings.

The name change takes effect right away on your channel page, in search results, and on any videos you have uploaded. Subscribers see the new name the next time they visit your channel. There is no limit to how many times you can change your channel name, and no waiting period between changes.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube channel names are separate from your Google Account name and can be changed without affecting your email or other services.
  • The channel name field is in Settings > Edit channel info, and changes take effect when ready.
  • You can only change a channel name if you own the channel or have owner-level permissions from the person who does.
  • You can change your channel name as many times as you want with no waiting period between changes.
  • Your old channel name becomes available for other users to claim once you change it.

Where to find the channel name field

Start by signing into YouTube with the Google Account that owns the channel. Click your profile picture in the top right corner of any YouTube page. A dropdown menu appears with several options — look for Settings or Create a channel if you do not have a channel yet.

Once you are in Settings, look for the left sidebar. Click Edit channel info or Basic info depending on your account type. The page that loads shows your channel name at the top in a text field. This is the field you edit. Type your new name directly into it, and the change saves automatically within a few seconds.

If you see a message saying you cannot edit the channel, you may not have the right permissions. Check with the channel owner to confirm you have owner or manager access. Editors and moderators cannot change the channel name — only owners can.

What happens to your old channel name

When you change your channel name, your old name becomes available for any other YouTube user to claim. This happens when ready. If you want to keep using a particular name in the future, do not change away from it unless you are certain you will not need it again.

Your channel URL (the web address) may or may not change depending on your account setup. Some channels have a custom URL that you set manually, and changing your channel name does not affect it. Other channels use a generic URL based on your channel ID, which never changes no matter what name you use. You can check your channel URL in the Basic info section of your settings.

Changing the name on a brand account

If your channel is linked to a brand account — a special type of Google Account created specifically for a business or organization — the process is slightly different. Brand accounts do not have a personal Google Account attached, so you cannot change the name through personal settings.

Instead, go to YouTube Studio (the creator dashboard), click Settings on the left, then Channel, then Basic info. The channel name field is in the same place, and you edit it the same way. The change takes effect when ready. Brand accounts are useful if multiple people need to manage a channel, because you can add and remove managers without sharing a password.

If you manage a channel for someone else

If you are a manager or editor on a channel but not the owner, you cannot change the channel name yourself. Only the channel owner can make this change. Ask the owner to go to their Settings, find the channel name field, and update it. If the owner is no longer available or you need to transfer ownership, contact YouTube Support through the Help Center.

If you are trying to change the name on a channel you thought you owned but cannot access the settings, you may not have the right account signed in. Double-check that you are using the Google Account that created the channel. If you created the channel years ago and no longer remember which account you used, you can try recovering access through Google Account recovery tools.

Changing your display name versus your channel name

YouTube has two separate name fields that can cause confusion: your channel name and your display name. The channel name is what appears at the top of your channel page and in search results. The display name is what appears next to your comments and likes around YouTube.

Both are in the same Basic info section of your settings, but they serve different purposes. You can change either one independently. Most people only need to change the channel name, but if you want your comments to show a different name than your channel, you can update the display name separately.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you cannot find the channel name field, try refreshing the page or clearing your browser cache. Sometimes YouTube takes a few seconds to load all the settings options. If the field is still missing, try a different browser or device to rule out a technical glitch on your end.

If you see an error message when you try to save a new name, the name may contain characters YouTube does not allow. Channel names can include letters, numbers, spaces, and hyphens, but not most special characters like @ or #. Try removing any unusual characters and try again.

If you changed your channel name but it is still showing the old name in some places, wait a few hours. YouTube sometimes takes time to update the name across all its systems, especially in search results and recommendations. Clearing your browser cache can speed up the process on your end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my YouTube channel name back to what it was before?

You can change your channel name to any text you want, but you cannot reclaim an old name if someone else has claimed it in the meantime. If you want to use an old name again, check whether it is still available. If it is not, you will need to choose a different name or contact the person using it to see if they will release it.

Does changing my channel name affect my videos or subscribers?

No. Your videos stay on your channel with all their views, likes, and comments intact. Your subscribers remain subscribed and will see your new channel name the next time they visit your channel. The change does not affect watch history, playlists, or any other YouTube data tied to your account.

How long does it take for the name change to show everywhere on YouTube?

The name change appears on your channel page and in your settings when ready. Search results and recommendations may take a few hours to update. If you see your old name in some places after several hours, try clearing your browser cache or signing out and back in.

Can I use special characters or emojis in my channel name?

YouTube allows letters, numbers, spaces, and hyphens in channel names. Most special characters and emojis are not allowed. If you try to use a character that is not permitted, YouTube will show an error message. Stick to standard keyboard characters for the best results.

What if I forgot which Google Account owns my channel?

Try signing into each Google Account you use and checking the YouTube home page. The account that owns the channel will show that channel in your channel list. If you cannot remember your account passwords, use Google Account recovery at accounts.google.com to regain access to your accounts.