Making a YouTube channel helps bring your unique content to a global audience. YouTube is available everywhere, from browsers to the best premium and budget streaming devices. While it seems like an overwhelming step, creating a channel is a streamlined process that'll get you uploading videos within minutes of creating a Google account.
We walk you through the entire process of creating a YouTube channel and answer any burning questions you may have. We reiterate this at the end but make sure you verify your YouTube account after creating your channel.
How much does it cost to make a YouTube channel?
Making a YouTube channel is completely free. You don't need to subscribe to Google One or pay a one-time fee to Google. You only need a Google account and a smartphone or computer to get started.
How to create a YouTube account
If you have a Google account, you have a YouTube account. Your YouTube account is created at the same time as your Google account. Still, you need to follow some extra steps to set up your channel.
However, you may want a separate Google account for your YouTube account. Juggling multiple Google accounts is straightforward. Follow our guide on how to change your default Google account to avoid getting mixed up.
How to make your own YouTube channel
Making a YouTube channel is quick and straightforward. There's a lot to customize later on, but we'll start by walking you through the basic steps.
- Go to youtube.com and sign in with your Google account details.
- Click your profile picture in the upper-right corner.
-
Click Settings from the drop-down menu.
-
Select Create a new channel in the Your Channel menu.
- Check your existing channels. Select Create a channel.
-
Enter your YouTube channel name, upload a profile picture (if your Google account doesn't have one), and click the Create button.
That's it. You've successfully created a new YouTube channel. You can select your Google account profile picture and head to YouTube Studio to check the channel dashboard in action.
How to customize your YouTube channel
Customizing your YouTube channel is essential before uploading videos. We walk you through adding a profile photo, custom header, and watermark to help your channel stand out.
- Head to youtube.com and sign in with your Google account details.
- Click your profile picture in the upper-right corner.
-
Select Your Channel.
-
Click Customize Channel.
Let's start with your channel branding. Your chances of gaining meaningful momentum on YouTube are zero without a profile picture and a banner image. It's the first thing viewers notice when they open your YouTube channel. Head to the Branding section in the Channel customization menu to make changes.
How to create a profile picture for a YouTube channel
The set profile picture appears next to your videos and comments. It represents your YouTube channel to your viewers. If you want to create a personal brand on YouTube, use one of your images as the main picture. If you want to grow a company or brand, use a relevant logo. Use a picture that's at least 98 x 98 pixels and 4MB or less.
Your picture should also follow the YouTube Community guidelines and not contain any disturbing content. Select Upload and pick one of the images from your PC or Mac.
How to create a banner for a YouTube channel
Your YouTube channel banner image is another important factor to consider. It appears across the top of your channel. It needs to be spot on. Otherwise, viewers may think twice before clicking the Subscribe button. You can use a graphic design tool such as Canva or Adobe Express to create an eye-catching banner image or hire a designer. For the best results on all devices, use an image that's at least 2048 x 1152 pixels and 6MB or less.
How to create a video watermark for a YouTube channel
The watermark appears in the lower-right corner of the video player for all your videos. YouTube recommends an image that's 150 x 150 pixels and 1MB or less. Use a subtle watermark that doesn't distract viewers while streaming your YouTube videos.
How to create a channel trailer for a YouTube channel
Now that you've completed branding for your YouTube channel, it's time to add a video spotlight. Open Layout in channel customization and add a channel trailer.
The Channel trailer shares a preview of your channel for people who haven't subscribed. Similar to a banner image, you should create a channel trailer. It sets the tone for your YouTube channel and gives a good idea about what to expect from your content. You can take some inspiration from similar channels on YouTube.
How to create a featured video for a YouTube channel
It highlights a video for your subscribers to watch. The added video isn't shown again at the top of your page for subscribers who watched it. Creators mostly pick their best or most-popular video under the Featured video section.
How to add basic info for a YouTube channel
Slide to the Basic info tab and enter the channel name and description. Your name and description represent you and your content. It must be spot on. The description is limited to 5,000 characters, so you have some room to get creative. The channel description appears in the About section of your channels and search results.
You can choose a unique handle to create a custom YouTube channel URL. Also, consider adding links to social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Don't forget to add contact info so that viewers and brands reach you over email for queries and collaboration.
Select the Publish button in the upper-right corner, and your YouTube channel is good to go.
Remember to verify your YouTube channel!
Can I create a second YouTube channel?
It's common for creators to have more than one YouTube channel, each for specific needs. After all, you don't want to upload your travel vlogs on your business YouTube channel. You can create another YouTube channel under the same Google ID. To create another channel, find the Add or manage your channel(s) option in the YouTube settings menu (refer to the steps above).
Start your YouTube journey
Now you know how to create a YouTube channel, you're ready to upload videos. Even so, you'll still watch other creators' videos, so read up on the best YouTube hidden tips and tricks to get the most out of the platform.