In October 2022, Google unveiled YouTube handles for YouTube creators. The handle will represent a special user name that will help creators get identified quickly and easily. Before the unveiling of YouTube handles, the only way you could find someone on YouTube is through their channel name which at times seems problematic since creators can have closely similar channel names. Now, similar to Instagram and Twitter, you can now share your Youtube handle so people find you easily. Wondering how to get a YouTube handle, this guide will detail it for you.
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What is a YouTube Handle?
YouTube handle is the latest way to help both viewers and creators to find and connect with each other on YouTube. To simplify the definition of YouTube handles, you can think of them as unique identifiers just like on Twitter and Instagram that help your audience to find you easier. While multiple YouTube channels can have the same channel name, handles are unique and start with the “@” symbol. For example, @youtubecreators. They are short channel identifiers separate from the channel name. The handle will automatically become a part of the channel’s URL. For example, youtube.com/@youtubecreators.
Why is a YouTuble Handle important?
There are a number of things that you will achieve with the YouTube handle.
- First, you get to identify yourself in a unique way.
- The YouTube handle makes it easier for people to find you n YouTube.
- Makes it easier for people to tag you in videos.
- Get noticed in Shorts.
How to Get a YouTube Handle
Getting a YouTube handle is quick and easy. However before we dive into how to get a YouTube handle, you need to know whether you qualify. All capable channels will receive a notification urging them to choose a handle if they wish to. If you haven’t received the message, here is what you need;
- Your YouTube channel must have at least 100 subscribers or more.
- The channel must be at least 30 days old.
- Ensure that your channel has a banner and profile icon.
Now that you have all the required requirements in check, you can now proceed to follow the step-by-step guide to help you get a customized YouTube handle.
Step 1: Go to YouTube’s Handle page.
Step 2: Select the account and click on choose to handle or change handle. If you do not qualify, you will see this message “Handles will be rolling out soon. We’ll notify you when you can choose yours” below your youtube handle. If you qualify, proceed to step 3.
Step 3: You can choose one of the suggested handles or type in the handle field to check the availability of your preferred handle. Please note that some handles might not be available simply because they were chosen by another channel or the handle that you selected does not meet the handle selection guidelines.
Step 4: Upon finding the available handle, click Confirm selection to finalize the process. That’s it!
From now on, your handle will start appearing on platforms across YouTube like the shorts tab, search results, comments, and mentions. YouTube will also show your handle alongside the channel name such as the channel page.