Your YouTube channel name is one of the first things viewers notice. Whether you’re rebranding, shifting content focus, or simply refining your identity, knowing how to change YouTube channel names properly is essential. The good news? You can update your channel name and URL directly through YouTube Studio—but there are a few important factors to consider before making the switch.
Why Change Your YouTube Channel Name?
There are several reasons why a creator might want to update their channel name:
- Rebranding: Your content has evolved, and your old name no longer fits.
- SEO & Discoverability: A more keyword-friendly name can improve search rankings.
- Consistency Across Platforms: Aligning your name with other social media handles builds recognition.
- Professionalism: If your current name sounds too generic or outdated, a refresh can help attract the right audience.
Before making the change, it’s crucial to understand YouTube’s limitations—you can only update your name three times every 90 days, and if your channel is verified, you will lose the verification badge and need to reapply.
How to Change Your YouTube Channel Name the Right Way
Updating your name is a straightforward process, but taking a strategic approach can help maintain your audience and SEO rankings.
1. Choose a Name That Aligns With Your Brand
Changing your channel name isn’t just about picking something new—it’s about choosing something that reflects your content and remains search-friendly.
- Keep it simple and memorable.
- Avoid special characters or overly long names.
- Make sure the new name aligns with your niche.
If your current name already has strong brand recognition, consider a partial rebrand instead of a full overhaul. For example, if your channel is called Mike’s Tech Reviews, a subtle shift to Mike’s Tech Hub retains familiarity while expanding its scope.
2. Update Your Channel Name in YouTube Studio
Once you’ve decided on a new name, updating it in YouTube Studio is simple:
- Log into YouTube Studio and go to the Customization tab.
- Click on Basic Info to find your current name and URL.
- Click the edit icon next to your name, enter the new one, and save changes.
This process updates your channel name across YouTube, but it won’t automatically change your URL unless you meet certain requirements.
3. Claim or Update Your Custom YouTube URL
If you have 100+ subscribers, you may be eligible for a custom YouTube URL, which helps with branding and easy sharing.
To update your URL:
- Go to YouTube Studio > Customization > Basic Info.
- Scroll to the Custom URL section and click edit.
- If eligible, choose a new custom URL based on your updated channel name.
If you can’t immediately update your URL, you may need to wait a few days or check if another creator is already using your desired URL.
4. Notify Your Audience About the Change
If you have an engaged audience, a sudden name change can cause confusion. To avoid losing subscribers or recognition:
- Announce the change via a pinned comment or a community post.
- Explain why you updated the name and what content changes (if any) they can expect.
- Update your channel banner and video intros to reflect the new name.
If your audience is used to searching for your old name, consider including it in video descriptions for a short period to help with the transition.
5. Reapply for Verification (If Needed)
If your channel was verified, you will lose your verification badge when you change your name. To regain it:
- Go to YouTube’s verification request page and submit a new application.
- Ensure your channel still meets the 100,000-subscriber requirement.
Verification doesn’t affect monetization, but the badge adds credibility, so it’s worth reapplying if your audience values the recognition.
Final Thoughts: Is Changing Your YouTube Channel Name Worth It?
If done strategically, changing your YouTube channel name can help you grow, rebrand, and improve discoverability. However, it’s important to choose a name that aligns with your long-term goals to avoid unnecessary changes in the future.
By following best practices—choosing a strong name, updating branding materials, notifying your audience, and securing a custom URL—you can transition smoothly without losing recognition.
Need More YouTube Tips?
Whether you’re rebranding or refining, a name change can be a game-changer—just make sure it’s the right move for your channel.