How To Get a Custom URL For Your YouTube Channel

Did you know that YouTube lets you choose a custom URL once you check specific requirements? Instead of sharing a long link with numerous unrelated letters, symbols, and numbers, you can now create a URL that will represent your brand and help you share your channel with ease.

In this article, we’ll share a step-by-step guide to help you create the new URL and a list of tips that will help you make the right choice. But, first, let’s go over the YouTube eligibility requirements.

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Who’s Eligible For A Custom URL?

Not all YouTube channels are eligible for custom URLs. Here are the YouTube requirements you should check to be suitable for an URL change:

You should have at least 100 subscribers
The account has to be at least 30 days old
You have to upload a banner image and a profile picture

Custom URLs are just as important as your channel name, especially if you’re trying to establish a brand and promote it on this platform.

And when you’re finished, take a look at our other YouTube guides:

How To Get Your YouTube URL: Step-By-Step Guide

YouTube is a social media platform with rules that equally apply to all users. Here are a few regulations and things you should know before you start creating your own URL.

You can change custom URLs up to three times a year. That means that you can remove a custom URL three times a year as well.
Short URLs are much more user-friendly, and your audience is more likely to remember a short URL than a long one.
You can’t have the same URL as another user. Each URL is unique and should be on-brand with your channel.
The URL that you’ll choose should be catchy and easy to remember.
Consider custom URLs to be branded links. The new URL you’ll create should represent your brand, and people should associate the new name with your business or services. In some cases, links shortening is not as essential as creating a recognizable, brand-specific link.
If you want to find an URL that will work best, you can use a link management platform to do all the analytics and suggest the best options for your brand.

When you want to create a custom URL for your channel, the procedure is relatively straightforward. These are the steps you should follow:

Log into your YouTube account.
Next, find your profile image in the top right corner of the screen. Click on it, and you’ll see a drop-down menu.
This is where you will find the Settings section to help you change your account settings and URL. Click on it.
A new window will pop up, and there will be a new settings section on the left side of your screen. Choose the Advanced Settings option.
On the screen, you should see the phrase ‘You’re eligible for a custom URL,’ but this only happens for eligible channels. If you don’t see this option, you won’t be able to change your URL. Click on the Here word right next to the phrase.
A box will pop up where you can add and remove letters and numbers to create a custom name.
When you’re done, agree to the Terms of Use by ticking the box.
Click Change URL, then Confirm.

Another way to create a custom URL is through your YouTube Studio. Follow these steps:

Access your channel homepage, and click on your profile photo in the top right corner.
Click on YouTube studio from the drop-down menu.
Select Customization from the menu on your left-hand side.
There will be three tabs in the top part of the screen; click on the Basic Info tab.
Right under your Channel URL, you’ll see a box where you can see your existing YouTube channel URL. If you’re eligible for a change, you can add, remove letters and create that custom YouTube URL.
Once you’re done, select Publish, then Confirm.

When the procedure is done, and your new URL is accepted you should feel free to share it and promote your YouTube channel. You can find it in the Advanced Settings section, right under your channel ID and user ID.

Why Do I Need A Custom YouTube URL?

As we mentioned before, your default URL is quite long and hard to remember. If you can’t even remember those numerous characters, numbers, and letters, how do you expect your audience and potential followers to remember them? There are more than 37 million channels on YouTube, that’s why you should do your best to become more visible.

Using a shorter, brand-specific URL can be good for marketing. For example, when you upload videos, you should add that URL link in the description together with a call-to-action to stimulate your viewers to visit your account, watch more videos, and subscribe.

Another smart idea is to create a QR code for promotional purposes. You can choose what to add to this code, including links to your social media platforms, several YouTube videos, and even your website. Once people scan the code, they’ll see the link to your YouTube channel, and it will contain the custom name you chose.

Conclusion

Custom URLs are an excellent feature that you should consider doing after you have more than 100 subscribers. Choosing a short, branded URL can bring numerous benefits, including making it easier for other users to remember it, help you build a recognizable brand, and help you promote that brand.

Before choosing custom ULRs, remember that it’s better to opt for short, on-brand versions. You can change and remove an URL only three times a week; that’s why you must make the right choice.