YouTube Launches @handles for Channels

Be prepared for the rollout starting November 14th 2022 to ensure you get the handle you want! This new update is a great way to drive traffic to your channel - great for businesses and content creators.

What are @handles?

If you use social media such as fakebook, Instagram or TikTok then you will be familiar with @handles. They are an unique identifier to help people find and interact with you, (and the correct you!) on social media.

YouTube is finally adopting the usage of @handles on its platform to help users easily identify the channel they want to interact with. No more falling for copycat channels!

You will see @handles on channels homepages, search results and on the Shorts feed.

Why is YouTube introducing @handles?

How many times have you been searching for a channel by name but you come across 4 with the same name? How do you know which one is the right one?

YouTube says:

“Handles are a new unique identifier (example @youtubecreators) & ALL YouTube channels will have one. Your unique @handle will help people find & interact with you & your YouTube channel. And because handles are unique (unlike channel names), it’s easy to confirm if you’re engaging with the right person or not.”

Another reason is likely to do with the rise of YouTube Shorts, making it easier for users to tag and interact with channels and follow popular creators.

Check out this video explainer by YouTube:

What do I need to do with my channel?

YouTube says over the next few weeks it will start to open access to channels to allow them to choose their unique @handle to use. If you do not choose one by the 14th November then YouTube will automatically assign you one based on your channel name, but don't worry you will be able to change this!

Your @handle will also become your channels unique URL, unless you already have a custom URL. Previously, only channels with 100+ subscriptions could access this feature so this will be a welcome addition for businesses with a small following.

So keep an eye out for your invitation to choose your @handle and set your unique URL (if you do not already have one)

Will my business benefit from having a @handle?

By assigning a @handle to your YouTube channel you can be consistent with your marketing presence across various platforms. You may already be using the same handle on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, so it makes sense to keep your branding consistent and make it easier for your audience to follow you no matter what platform they use.

Handles make it so much easier to mention your business and others in descriptions, comments and community posts as well as shout outs and collaborations to increase visibility and reach new audiences.

Adding a @handle to your YouTube channel will help users find and interact with you more easily and increase your visibility and reach!

Mark 14th November 2022 on your marketing calendar today.

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