YouTube usernames and channel names are different things

YouTube lets you change your channel name — the display name people see on your videos and comments — but not your username, which is the @handle you use to tag people or link to your channel. The channel name is what most people think of when they want a new identity on the platform, and you can change it as often as you want. The username is permanent once you set it, though you can pick a new one if you have never claimed one before.

If you are looking to rebrand or just want a different name showing on your videos, you are changing your channel name. That takes about two minutes. If you want to change your @username specifically, you can only do that once, and only if you have not already picked one.

Key Takeaways

  • Your channel name (what appears on videos) can be changed anytime by going to YouTube Studio, clicking your profile picture, and selecting "Create a new channel" or editing your existing channel settings.
  • Your @username (the @handle) can only be changed once, and only if you have never claimed a username before.
  • After you change your channel name, it takes a few minutes to show up everywhere on YouTube, though your old name may still appear in some places for a few hours.
  • Changing your channel name does not affect your subscriptions, playlists, watch history, or any videos you have uploaded.

How to change your channel name in YouTube Studio

Open YouTube Studio on a computer or phone. Click your profile picture in the top right corner, then select "Settings" from the menu. On the left side, click "Channel information." You will see a field labeled "Channel name" with your current name in it. Click on that field and type your new name. YouTube allows up to 30 characters.

After you type the new name, click "Publish" or "Save" (the button label depends on whether you are on mobile or desktop). YouTube will confirm the change. Your new channel name should appear within a few minutes, though it may take a few hours to show up in all places where your name appears — like in the comments section or on your channel page.

Changing your @username for the first time

Your @username is separate from your channel name. It is the handle people use to tag you in comments or to link directly to your channel. If you have never claimed a username, you can pick one now. Go to YouTube Studio, click "Settings," then select "Channel" from the left menu. Look for a section called "Basic info" or "Channel URL." If you see a button that says "Create username" or "Claim your username," click it.

Type the username you want. YouTube will tell you immediately if it is already taken. Usernames can be 3 to 30 characters and can include letters, numbers, underscores, and hyphens. Once you confirm, your username is locked in. You cannot change it again, so choose carefully. Your new @username will be active right away.

What happens to your old channel name

When you change your channel name, your old name does not become available for someone else to use immediately. YouTube holds it for a short period. Your old name will not appear on your channel page, in search results, or on new videos you upload, but it may still show up in old comments or in the YouTube app for a few hours while the system updates everywhere.

If you change your mind within a short window, you can change your channel name back to the old one. There is no limit on how many times you can change your channel name, so you can experiment without losing anything.

What does not change when you update your name

Changing your channel name does not affect your subscriptions, your subscriber count, your playlists, your watch history, or any videos you have already uploaded. All of your content stays exactly where it is. People who are subscribed to you will still be subscribed after the name change. Comments you made under your old name will still be there, but they will now show your new channel name next to them.

Your channel URL (the web address) also does not change if you only change your channel name. If you have a custom URL, it stays the same. Only if you claim a new @username for the first time will your channel URL update to include that username.

Troubleshooting common name change problems

If you try to change your channel name and see an error message, the most common reason is that YouTube thinks your account is too new. YouTube requires accounts to be at least 30 days old before you can change the channel name. If your account is older than that and you still cannot change it, try signing out, clearing your browser cache, and signing back in.

If the name you want is already taken, YouTube will tell you that when you try to save it. You will need to pick a different name. If you are trying to claim a @username and it says the username is unavailable, that means someone else has already claimed it. You can only claim a username once, so if you wait too long, someone else may take the one you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my YouTube username more than once?

No. You can only claim a @username one time. Once you pick one, it is permanent. Your channel name (the display name) can be changed as many times as you want, but your @username cannot.

Will my subscribers know if I change my channel name?

Your subscribers will see your new channel name the next time they visit your channel or watch one of your videos. They will not receive a notification about the change, and they will stay subscribed no matter what name you use.

How long does it take for my new channel name to show everywhere?

Your new channel name should appear on your channel page and on new videos within a few minutes. It may take a few hours to show up in all places, like in the comments section or in search results. Your old name may still appear in some places briefly while YouTube updates its systems.

What if someone took the @username I wanted?

If the @username you want is already claimed, you cannot use it. You will need to pick a different username. There is no way to request a username from someone else or to see who has it.

Can I change my channel name on the YouTube app?

Yes. Open the YouTube app, tap your profile picture, select "Settings," then "Channel information," and edit your channel name the same way you would on a computer. The process is identical.