YouTube announces handles, a unique channel identifier for all users

YouTube has announced handles, a unique channel identifier, to make it easier for viewers to find content and connect with their favorite creators. To ensure users are interacting with the right creator, each channel handles are unique and will show on YouTube Shorts and channel pages. Anyone with a YouTube account can choose their own channel handle, irrespective of creator or subscriber count.

According to YouTube, Channel handles will also work as a unique channel URL, for example, youtube.com/@youtubecreators. Earlier, creators with over 100 subscribers were eligible for a custom URL, but now, all channels will have a unique URL based on their handle. Existing channel URLs will redirect to the new handle-based URL.

Users will also be able to use channel handles across comments sections, mentions, and YouTube Shorts, in the coming months. YouTube is gradually rolling out handles to all channels in the coming weeks. The exact timing when a user can choose their YouTube handle depends upon several factors, including subscriber count, overall YouTube presence, and whether the channel is active or not.

The company will start sending the notification to users via email and YouTube Studio when the time comes to select the handle. Then, users can visit youtube.com/handle to choose it. If a user does not select their channel handle by November 14, the company will start assigning it based on their channel name. However, they will be able to edit their YouTube handle later via youtube.com/handle.