Getting a Handle on YouTube

Things are changing on You Tube and it will give you a bit more flexibility on how you use this platform. A YouTube handle is a new way for people to find you and connect with you. Unlike channel names, handles are unique to each creator, making it easier for you to establish a distinct presence on YouTube.

Over the coming weeks YouTube will be introducing handles to make it easier for members of the community to find and connect with each other. Your handle will be unique to your channel and will be how people mention you in comments, community posts and more.

Here's what you need to know:

They are gradually rolling out the ability to choose a handle for all channels over the coming weeks, and if you have a YT channel you will receive an email and a notification in YouTube Studio when you're able to choose yours. In most cases, if you already have a personalised URL for your channel, you will already have this reserved for you as your handle. If you want a different handle from the one that we've reserved, you can change it. If you don't already have a personalised URL you'll also be able to choose a handle for your channel.

Your new handle will become a part of your channel URL. In most cases, your personalised URL will become your handle. You can use your handle to direct people to your channel when they're not on YouTube.

For example, if your handle is @user123, your channel URL will be https://youtube.com/@user123

Starting on 14 November 2022, if you haven't yet selected a handle for your channel, YouTube will automatically assign you a handle, which you can change in YouTube Studio if you'd like to.

Happy to advise on how you can make the most of your You Tube Presence – Message us at [email protected]