Creating a YouTube account takes five minutes and requires only a Google account

YouTube is owned by Google, so you need a Google account to watch, upload videos, or save playlists. If you already have Gmail, Google Drive, or use any other Google service, you already have a Google account and can sign in to YouTube when ready. If you don't have one, you'll create it during the YouTube sign-up process — YouTube will walk you through it.

Once you're signed in, you can watch videos, subscribe to channels, create playlists, and comment. You don't need to do anything else to start using YouTube. The account itself is free.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a Google account to use YouTube; if you have Gmail or any other Google service, you already have one.
  • Go to youtube.com, click "Sign in" in the top right corner, and enter your Google email and password.
  • If you don't have a Google account, YouTube will let you create one during sign-in without leaving the site.
  • Your YouTube account is the same as your Google account — you use the same email and password for all Google services.
  • Once signed in, you can watch videos, subscribe to channels, and save videos to playlists without any additional setup.

Sign in with an existing Google account

Go to youtube.com in your web browser. In the top right corner, you'll see a "Sign in" button. Click it.

A window will open asking for your email address. Type the email you use for Gmail, Google Drive, or any other Google service. Click "Next." On the next screen, type your password and click "Next" again. YouTube will sign you in and take you to your home feed.

If you're on a phone or tablet, the process is the same: open the YouTube app (read it free from the App Store or Google Play), tap your profile icon in the top right, tap "Sign in," and enter your Google email and password.

Create a new Google account if you don't have one

If you don't have a Google account, you can create one without leaving YouTube. Go to youtube.com and click "Sign in" in the top right. Instead of entering an email, look for a link that says "Create account" or "Create a new Google Account" — the exact wording varies depending on your device, but it's always near the sign-in box.

Click it. YouTube will ask for your name, a new email address you want to create (or you can use an existing email), and a password. Fill in each field. You'll also be asked to verify your phone number — Google texts or calls you a code, you enter it, and your account is confirmed. This usually takes less than a minute.

Once your account is created, you're automatically signed into YouTube. You can now watch videos and use all YouTube features.

What you can do once you're signed in

Signing in unlocks features that aren't available to people watching without an account. You can subscribe to channels so their new videos appear in your "Subscriptions" feed. You can like videos, which helps YouTube recommend similar content to you. You can create playlists to organize videos you want to watch later.

You can also customize your home feed — YouTube learns what you watch and shows you recommendations based on your viewing history. You can clear your history at any time in your account settings if you don't want YouTube to remember what you've watched.

If you want to upload your own videos, comment on videos, or create a custom channel name, you'll set up a YouTube channel. This is a separate step from creating your account, and most people don't need to do it unless they plan to upload content or interact heavily with other creators.

Signing in on different devices

You use the same Google email and password to sign in on any device — your computer, phone, tablet, or smart TV. Once you sign in on a device, YouTube usually remembers you, so you won't have to sign in again the next time you open the app or website.

If you want to sign out on a device (for example, if you're using a shared computer), go to your profile icon in the top right corner and click "Sign out." The next person who opens YouTube on that device will see the sign-in screen.

If you forget your password

Go to youtube.com and click "Sign in." Click "Forgot password?" below the password field. Google will ask you to enter the email address for your account. You'll then be asked to verify your identity — usually by entering a code Google texts to your phone or by answering a security question you set up when you created your account.

Once you verify who you are, you can create a new password. Use something you haven't used before and that you can remember. After you set your new password, you can sign back into YouTube.

Keeping your account find

Use a password that's at least 8 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Don't use the same password for YouTube that you use for your email or bank accounts.

If you use a shared device, always sign out when you're done watching. If you think someone else has accessed your account, go to your Google Account settings, click "Security" on the left side, and look at your "Your devices" section to see where your account is signed in. You can sign out of any device from there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to use YouTube?

No. Creating an account and watching videos is free. YouTube makes money from ads that play before or during videos. If you want to remove ads, YouTube offers a paid subscription called YouTube Premium, but it's optional — you can watch as much as you want without paying.

Can I use YouTube without signing in?

Yes. You can watch videos, search, and browse channels without an account. You just won't be able to subscribe, like videos, create playlists, or see personalized recommendations. Most people sign in because it makes the experience more useful.

What's the difference between a Google account and a YouTube account?

There is no difference. YouTube is a Google service, so your YouTube account is your Google account. The email and password you use for YouTube work for Gmail, Google Drive, Google Photos, and every other Google service. You have one account across all of them.

Can I create more than one YouTube account?

Yes. You can create multiple Google accounts, each with its own email address, and each one will have its own YouTube account. You can switch between them by clicking your profile icon and selecting a different account. This is useful if you want separate watch histories or subscriptions for different people in your household.

What information does YouTube need from me?

To create an account, Google needs your name, an email address, and a password. If you're under 18 in some countries, you may need to provide a parent's or guardian's email. YouTube may ask for a phone number to verify your identity, but this is optional for most users and is only used to confirm you're real.