YouTube unique handles and customized URLs will be available to all channel owners

YouTube is relaxing requirements for channel owners to have a customized URL so their fans can easily follow their content. The platform is also rolling out the option to select a unique handle for everyone with a YouTube channel.

While YouTube has existing unique identifiers, it is still a common occurrence for multiple creators to have the same channel name. This could be an unfavorable situation, especially for smaller channels or creators just starting their YouTube venture.

That will be addressed soon, as the platform rolls out unique handles for all channel owners. “Every channel will have a unique handle, making it easier for fans to discover content and interact with creators they love,” YouTube said in a blog post.

YouTube’s unique handles will primarily appear on channel pages and Shorts. But creators can also use them to tag other YouTubers in a community post or in a video description, which would be useful when they need to tag collaborators.

The personalized URLs will be set as unique handles by default. Creators with channels using custom URLs can still select a new handle, but YouTube will then use the handle they choose as their new URL. So if they choose “creator” as their unique handle, their channel’s URL will be youtube.com/@creator.

Meanwhile, viewers can still open their favorite channels using existing custom URLs. YouTube said when users enter old URLs, viewers will be redirected to the creator’s page.

YouTube handles are also going to be required to post comments, which means they are not exclusive to creators. People who only use YouTube to watch videos have to turn their accounts into a channel and select a handle before they can post comments.

The prompt to select unique handles will be sent through email and YouTube Studio notifications over the coming weeks. “The timing of when a creator will get access to the handles selection process depends on a number of factors, including overall YouTube presence, subscriber count and whether the channel is active or inactive,” the company said on a support page.

Creators and viewers have until Nov. 14 to choose a unique handle. After that, YouTube will assign handles based on their channel names. But YouTube said assigned handles can be changed at a later time.

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