How to change your YouTube channel name
You can change your YouTube channel name directly from your account settings on any device. The process takes about two minutes and takes effect when ready across YouTube, though it may take a few hours to update everywhere Google shows your channel. You do not need to create a new channel or lose your subscribers, videos, or watch history.
The name you change is the one that appears on your channel page and next to your comments and uploads. This is separate from your Google account name, which you can also change, but changing your YouTube channel name does not automatically change your account name.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your YouTube channel name from the channel settings menu without affecting your videos, subscribers, or account history.
- The change takes effect when ready on YouTube but may take a few hours to appear in search results and other Google services.
- You can change your channel name as often as you want, though YouTube may limit how frequently you can do so if you change it repeatedly.
- If you have a custom URL (a personalized channel link), changing your channel name does not change your URL unless you update it separately.
- Changing your channel name is different from changing your Google account name, and doing one does not automatically do the other.
Steps to change your channel name on desktop
Open YouTube in a web browser and sign in to your account. Click your profile picture in the top right corner and select Create a channel or Manage your Google Account depending on whether you already have a channel. If you already have a channel, click your profile picture again and choose Settings.
In the Settings menu, click Channel on the left side. Then click Basic info. You will see a field labeled Channel name with your current name. Click in that field, delete the old name, type your new name, and click Publish or Save. The change takes effect when ready.
Steps to change your channel name on mobile
Open the YouTube app and tap your profile picture in the top right corner. Tap Settings, then tap Channel. Tap Basic info and then tap the pencil icon next to your channel name. Delete your current name, type your new name, and tap the checkmark to save.
On both iPhone and Android, the process is the same. The change will appear on your phone when ready and will sync to your desktop and other devices within a few minutes.
What happens to your custom URL when you change your channel name
Your custom URL (the personalized link like youtube.com/c/yourname) does not change automatically when you change your channel name. If you want your custom URL to match your new channel name, you will need to change it separately in the same Basic info section. YouTube only lets you change your custom URL once every 90 days, so plan ahead if you want them to match.
If you do not have a custom URL yet, you can create one after you change your channel name. You must have at least 100 subscribers and have had your channel for at least 30 days before YouTube lets you claim a custom URL.
How long the change takes to show everywhere
Your new channel name appears on your channel page and next to your comments and uploads within seconds. However, search results, Google Maps (if you have a business channel), and other Google services may take a few hours to update. YouTube's recommendation system and notifications to your subscribers will show your new name within minutes.
If you are changing your name for a business or brand, tell your followers about the change on your channel's community tab or in a video so they know it is still you. This is especially important if your old name was very different from your new one.
Limits on how often you can change your channel name
YouTube does not publish a hard limit on how often you can change your channel name, but the platform may restrict you if you change it very frequently (for example, multiple times per day). If you try to change your name and see a message saying you cannot, wait a few days and try again.
There is no limit on how many different names you can use over time, only on how quickly you can switch between them. If you are testing out names for a rebrand, space your changes out by at least a few days to avoid triggering any restrictions.
Changing your Google account name versus your YouTube channel name
Your Google account name and your YouTube channel name are separate. Changing one does not change the other. Your Google account name is what appears in Gmail, Google Drive, and other Google services. Your YouTube channel name is what appears on your channel page and next to your videos.
If you want to change both, you will need to do each one separately. To change your Google account name, go to myaccount.google.com, click Personal info, and edit your name there. To change your YouTube channel name, follow the steps in the desktop or mobile sections above.
What you cannot change about your channel
You cannot change your channel ID, which is a permanent number assigned to your channel when you create it. YouTube uses this ID internally to track your channel, and it never changes even if you change your name multiple times. Your channel ID is different from your custom URL.
You also cannot transfer your channel to a different Google account. If you want to move your channel to a new account, you will need to create a new channel on that account and manually re-upload your videos or use YouTube's transfer tools if you are moving a business channel to a new owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my subscribers see my old channel name or my new one?
Your subscribers will see your new channel name when ready on your channel page and next to your videos. Their subscription to your channel does not change, and they will continue to receive notifications about your new uploads. You do not lose any subscribers when you change your name.
Can I change my channel name back to what it was before?
Yes, you can change your channel name back at any time. There is no penalty for reverting to an old name, and you can do it as often as you want (within YouTube's rate limits). straightforward follow the same steps and type your old name back in.
Does changing my YouTube channel name affect my Google account or Gmail?
No. Changing your YouTube channel name does not change your Google account name, Gmail address, or anything else in your Google account. They are completely separate, and you can change one without touching the other.
What if my desired channel name is already taken?
YouTube will not let you use a name that is already in use by another channel. If you see an error message when you try to save your new name, try a different name. You can add numbers, underscores, or hyphens to make a name unique if your first choice is taken.
How do I know if my channel name change worked?
After you click Publish or Save, your new name will appear on your channel page within seconds. You can also check by clicking your profile picture and selecting View your channel to see your updated name displayed publicly.