Create a YouTube channel

You can watch and like videos and subscribe to channels with a Google Account. But without a YouTube channel, you have no public presence on YouTube. Even if you have a Google Account, you need to create a YouTube channel to upload videos, comment, or make playlists. 

You can create your channel on either the YouTube website or the YouTube mobile site.

1. Sign in to your Google account (or register and sign in if you don’t have one).
2. Create a new YouTube channel using your Google account.
3. Navigate to the Customize Channel page.
4. Add Basic Info to your channel for discoverability.
5. Upload branding elements to your channel.
6. Customize your more advanced layout options.
7. Add videos and optimize them for search.

1. Sign in to your Google account.

You’ll need a Google account to watch, share, create, and comment on YouTube content. Go to youtube.com and click “Sign In” in the upper right-hand corner. From there, you’ll be taken to a Google sign-in page.

1. If you have a Google account, you’ll be prompted to sign in.
2. If you have multiple Google accounts, be sure to select the one you want to be associated with the YouTube channel.
3. If you do not have a Google account, click “Create Account” and follow the prompts to register for one.

2. Create a new YouTube channel using your Google account.

Once you’re set up with and signed into your Google account, it’s time to create a channel. Click your user icon in the upper right-hand corner. This represents both your Google account and your YouTube account (as YouTube is owned by Google). You’ll see a drop-down menu, where you’ll want to click “Settings.”

From there, you’ll be taken to your account overview. Click “Create a new channel” under “Your channel.”

The first step is to create your new channel name. It can be whatever you want, and doesn’t have to be the same name that you used to create your Google account — but we do recommend that it reflects the brand the YouTube Channel will represent.

After you enter the channel name, you might be asked to verify the account via text message or voice call. If that happens, enter the code you receive from the option you choose.

Once you’ve verified your account, you’ll be taken to the dashboard for your channel. Now, it’s time to start customizing it.

3. Navigate to the Customize Channel page.

We’ll start with the fundamental details about your channel. From your channel dashboard, click “Customize channel.”

From there, you’ll be taken to the channel customization page.

You’ll notice three tabs: “Layout,” “Branding,” and “Basic info.” These three tabs will help you optimize your channel for viewers.

4. Add Basic Info to your channel for discoverability.

Start by clicking “Basic info.”

Here’s where you’ll enter some basic information about your channel, like the language your videos are in, as well as a description that helps people discover your channel when they enter search terms that describe what videos they’re looking for. These keywords can include what your channel is about, the problems it helps solve, the people and products featured, your industry, and more.

You’ll also be able to add links to sites you want to share with your viewers. These links will be displayed over your banner image (more on this later) like so:

5. Upload branding elements to your channel.

In addition to the descriptive details you’ve added, there’s another element of customization for a new YouTube channel: The visuals.

Under the “Branding” tab, you’ll be able to add your profile picture, banner image, and video watermark.

Profile Picture

Profile pictures help YouTube users identify the creator of a video when browsing video content. You’ll see this image appear beneath YouTube videos on the play page, as shown below. YouTube recommends using a picture with dimensions of at least 98 x 98 pixels.

Banner Image

The banner image is a large banner displayed at the top of your channel page, and it’s a big opportunity to convey your brand to your viewers. YouTube recommends using an image that’s at least 2048 x 1152 px and 6MB or less.

Verify your YouTube account

To verify your channel, you’ll be asked to enter a phone number. We’ll send a verification code by text or voice call to that phone number.

Once you’ve verified your account, you can:

• Upload videos longer than 15 minutes
• Add custom thumbnails
• Live stream
• Appeal Content ID claims

You may also be asked to verify your account when you sign up.

Why does YouTube ask for my phone number?

We take spam and abuse seriously. Using phone numbers to verify identity is one way to protect our community and combat abuse.

We use the phone number to send you a verification code. We also make sure the phone number is linked to no more than 2 channels per year.

Note: We don’t sell your personal info to anyone.

I haven’t received the verification code

You should get the code immediately. If you haven’t, you can request a new code. Make sure you’re not running into one of these common problems:

• Some countries/regions and carriers don’t support text messages from Google: Most mobile carriers support text messages from Google. If your carrier doesn’t support text messages from Google, you can try the voice call option, or use a different phone number.
• There are too many accounts with the same phone number: If you get the error message, “This phone number has already created the maximum number of accounts,” you’ll have to use a different number. To help prevent abuse, a phone number can only be associated with 2 accounts per year.
• Text message delivery can be delayed: Delays can happen in densely populated areas, or if your carrier’s infrastructure isn’t well maintained. If you’ve waited more than a few minutes and still haven’t received our text message, try the voice call option.