Handle (@username)

What is a YouTube handle?

A YouTube handle is a channel’s unique identifier that starts with the @ symbol, like @MrBeast. Every channel has exactly one handle, no two channels can share it, and it doubles as the channel address: youtube.com/@handle. YouTube rolled handles out to all channels in November 2022.

Handle vs. channel name

The channel name is a display label, and several channels can use the same one. The handle is unique: if @techtips is taken, you have to pick another option.

Why your handle matters

A handle gives your channel a short link that is easy to say out loud or drop into a social bio.

• Mentions. Viewers and other creators can tag you with @ in comments, community posts, and Shorts.

• Brand consistency. The same handle on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok makes your brand easier to find.

• Impersonation protection. Handles are unique, so nobody else can claim yours while you hold it.

How to choose and change your handle

YouTube’s rules: 3–30 characters; letters, numbers, underscores, hyphens, and periods; no spaces.

1. Go to youtube.com/handle and sign in.

2. Click the change option and type a new handle.

3. Save it — the address youtube.com/@newhandle starts working right away, and links with the old one stop opening your channel.

You can change your handle up to twice every 14 days. Views, subscribers, and monetization are not affected.