Handles are a way for you to find and connect with creators on YouTube. Handles are unique and short channel identifiers separate from channel names, and they start with the “@” symbol. For example, @youtubecreators.
All channels will have an associated handle that can be used to find and interact with other users– both creators and viewers. Your handle will also automatically become the new YouTube URL for your channel that will make it easy for people to discover you. For example, youtube.com/@youtubecreators. You can use this URL to direct people to your channel when they’re not on YouTube. Each channel can only have one handle.
In the coming months, you can use your handle in places like comments, mentions, and in Shorts. You’ll see your handle shown in more places over time. You can also use your handle outside of YouTube to promote your channel.
Handle naming guidelines
Note: YouTube reserves the right to change, reclaim, or remove a handle at any time.
Your handle must follow these guidelines:
- Is between 3-30 characters
- Is made up of alphanumeric characters (A–Z, a–z, 0–9)
- Your handle can also include: underscores (_), hyphens (-), periods (.)
- Is not URL-like or phone number-like
- Is not already being used
View or change a handle
- You’ll be notified in YouTube Studio and by email when you can choose your handle.
- Go to youtube.com/handle on a computer or on a mobile device with the YouTube app.
- If you don’t have the YouTube app installed, you’ll be prompted to download it.
- Select Choose handle or Change handle.
- You may already have a reserved handle based on your custom URL.
- Type in the handle field to check the availability of your preferred handle.
- You can also choose one of the suggested handles, or the pre-filled handle based on your channel name.
- Once you’ve found an available handle, click Confirm selection.
- If your preferred handle isn’t available, it’s usually because:
- Another channel already selected that handle..