Yes, you can change your YouTube channel name whenever you want

YouTube lets you change your channel name at any time, and the process takes less than a minute. You do not need to create a new channel, lose your subscribers, or start over. The change appears across all your videos, playlists, and comments when ready.

The steps are the same whether you use a computer or the YouTube app on your phone. You go into your channel settings, find the channel name field, type the new name, and save it. YouTube does not limit how many times you can change it, so you can adjust it again later if you want.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your channel name directly from your account settings without losing subscribers, videos, or your channel history.
  • The change takes effect when ready across YouTube, including on all your uploaded videos and in the comments you have posted.
  • You can change your channel name as many times as you want, with no waiting period between changes.
  • Your channel URL may stay the same or change depending on whether you have a custom URL set up.
  • If you have a custom URL, changing your channel name does not affect that URL, so your links keep working.

How to change your channel name on a computer

Open YouTube and click your profile picture in the top right corner. Select "Create a channel" if you do not have one yet, or "Settings" if you already do. From the Settings menu, click "Channel" on the left side, then click "Basic info."

You will see a field with your current channel name. Click on it, delete the old name, and type your new one. YouTube shows you how many characters you have used and how many you have left — the limit is 30 characters. Click "Publish" to save the change.

How to change your channel name on your phone

Open the YouTube app and tap your profile picture at the top right. Tap "Create a channel" or go to "Settings" if you already have one. Tap "Channel," then "Basic info."

Tap the channel name field, clear the old text, and type the new name. The 30-character limit still applies. Tap the checkmark or "Done" button to save your change. On some phones, you may need to tap "Publish" instead.

What happens to your videos and subscribers when you change your name

Your videos stay exactly where they are. All your uploaded content, watch history, playlists, and saved videos remain unchanged. Your subscriber count does not drop, and your subscribers will see your new name the next time they visit your channel or see a notification from you.

Comments you posted under your old channel name will now show your new name. People who search for your old channel name may not find you as easily, but anyone who subscribed to you will still be subscribed. Your channel ID — the number YouTube uses to track your account — never changes, so YouTube knows it is still you.

How your channel URL changes (or does not)

If you do not have a custom URL, your channel URL includes a string of numbers and letters that YouTube assigned to you. When you change your channel name, this URL does not change. Your channel stays at the same web address, so any links to your channel keep working.

If you have set up a custom URL — like youtube.com/@yourname — changing your channel name does not affect it. Your custom URL stays the same, and your channel name can be different from your custom URL. This is useful if you want to rebrand your channel name but keep the same web address that you have shared with people.

Things to know before you change your channel name

YouTube does not prevent you from using a name that another channel already uses. Two channels can have the same name, so check whether the name you want is already taken by someone else. If it is, people searching for that name might find the other channel first.

Your channel name can include letters, numbers, spaces, and some special characters, but YouTube filters out certain symbols. If you try to use a character that is not allowed, YouTube will tell you when you try to publish. There is no waiting period between name changes, so you can change it back when ready if you change your mind.

If your channel is part of a brand account — a YouTube account that multiple people can manage — only the account owner or someone with permission to edit the channel can change the name. Check your channel settings to see who has editing rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my subscribers be notified when I change my channel name?

YouTube does not send a notification to your subscribers when you change your channel name. They will see the new name the next time they visit your channel or watch one of your videos. If you want to tell them about the change, you can post a community post or mention it in a new video.

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

Yes. You can change your channel name to anything at any time, including a name you used in the past. There is no restriction on reusing old names or changing back and forth. Just go to your channel settings and type the name you want.

Does changing my channel name affect my YouTube URL or links to my channel?

If you have a custom URL, it does not change at all. If you do not have a custom URL, your channel URL stays the same because it is based on your channel ID, not your name. Any links people have shared to your channel will keep working.

What if someone else has the channel name I want?

YouTube allows multiple channels to have the same name. You can use a name even if another channel already has it. However, when people search for that name, they might see the other channel first, especially if it has more subscribers or videos.

Can I change my channel name if I have a brand account?

Only the account owner or someone with channel editing rights can change the channel name on a brand account. If you do not have permission, ask the account owner or someone with admin access to make the change for you.