How to Pick a YouTube Channel Name: Everything You Need to Know

Posted:
October 31, 2024
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Updated:
November 6, 2024
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Andrew Kozik
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Andrew Kozik
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Your channel name can basically become your digital identity. It’s the first impression you’ll get to make on your potential subscribers and a way to tell what your content is about before the users even click the video. If you manage to come up with a simple yet catchy nickname, you’ll make finding your channel a hundred times easier.

Looking for creative ideas on how to create a name for a YouTube channel? We’ve got you! Here are some pieces of advice that will hopefully inspire your mind. 

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Why Even Bother to Choose a Cool Nickname?

Your channel name is a fundamental part of your brand identity. A well-chosen name can help you stand out from the crowd and show people who you really are, as well as:

  1. Attract your core audience without you even trying
  2. Explain the potential viewers what your content revolves around
  3. Make it easier for users to discover your channel when going through the search results
  4. Make the users remember the name and even be able to recall it

What to Think About When Picking a Channel Name?

How Well Does It Reflect Your Content?

When you're thinking of channel name ideas for YouTube, it'd be a great idea to consider names that are catchy and that show what your videos are about, too. 

For instance, if you're creating cooking tutorials, you could try incorporating some culinary terms or wordplay that's related to food – it'd definitely help people to understand what your channel's about straight away.

Is the Brand Memorable and Unique?

In the big, bustling space of YouTube, it's so important to stand out. The best names for YouTube channels are memorable, unique, and just a little bit different. Avoid those generic terms and aim for something that'll make you shine. Just make sure it's easy to spell and to say so folks can easily share it with friends.

Can I Use the Same or Similar Name Across All Platforms?

If you're building your personal brand across multiple platforms, it's a great idea to be consistent in naming. This can really help people recognize your brand more easily.

How to Choose YouTube Channel Name 

Just Use Your Real Name

Many content creators wonder, "Should I use my real name on YouTube?" 

If you have a catchy real name and you're looking to build a personal brand (or you're sharing content about your amazing personality), this approach can be super effective. It helps you come across as authentic and easy for your viewers to connect with you on a personal level.

Describe Your Channel, Literally

Using descriptive names that hint at your content can be a great way to engage your viewers. Take "Baking with Sarah," for instance. That's a great example of a channel name that lets viewers know what they can expect. This strategy is a great fit, especially for niche content creators.

Play with Words

You can use clever wordplay or puns in your content area to come up with awesome names. For example, a channel about philosophy might go with something like Think Tank or Mind Matters.

You can get inspired by these few ways to play with words. 

Get Inspired by Popular YouTubers

Don’t worry, we don’t mean that you need to duplicate other YouTubers’ channel names. But you can use the exact tips and tricks that they have to come up with the perfect name.

MrBeast, for example, used his GamerTag ID that was generated on XBox. He randomly got MrBeast6000, and, later on, the YouTuber simply decided to drop the ‘6000’.

PewDiePie originally registered an account under the name “Pewdie” (‘pew’ represented the sound that guns make and ‘die’ refers to death in video games). 4 years later, the YouTuber forgot his password and was forced to create a new account. This time, he added “Pie” just because he loves pies.

A Few Tips When Coming Up with YouTube Usernames Ideas

  1. Keep it short and sweet: Shorter account names are usually easier to remember and type.
  2. Avoid special characters: These might make it a bit more challenging to recall or type the name correctly.
  3. Double-check if it already exists: Make sure you choose a name that's not taken on YouTube or other social platforms. 
  4. Consider searchability: If it fits, go ahead and add keywords. Just don't let SEO get in the way of your creativity.
  5. Test it out: Why not ask your friends or potential viewers for their opinions on your shortlisted names? It could be really helpful to get other perspectives.

What Is a Good Name for YouTube: Getting Creative

If you're struggling to come up with YouTube usernames ideas, consider these tricks:

  1. Combine relevant words: Have fun with it! Mix words related to your content area in unexpected ways.
  2. Use alliteration: Names that repeat sounds can be really catchy and memorable.
  3. Create a persona: You can take your channel to the next level by developing a character or alter ego that represents its essence.
  4. Take advantage of your location: If it's relevant to your content, you can definitely incorporate your city, country, or region into the name. 
  5. Use foreign words: If it feels right, why not try using some words from other languages that fit with your content? Just make sure that their pronunciation is intuitive and simple.

In any case, remember, the best names for YouTube channels are those that speak to your target audience and reflect the content you're sharing.

Navigating the Legal and Technical Considerations 

Is a YouTube Channel Name Unique?

Several channels on the platform can have the same nickname, but each one needs to have a unique handle. You should also remember that using the same name and image as another channel on purpose is not allowed

Can I Use Any Name for YouTube Channel?

While it's totally up to you to choose a name, there are a few simple regulations that you would have to adhere to. Avoid using channel names that:

  1. Infringe on copyrights or trademarks
  2. Impersonate other individuals or brands
  3. Contain offensive or inappropriate content
  4. Violate YouTube's community guidelines in any other way

Which Name is Best for a YouTuber?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing the perfect account name for your YouTube channel. But, in general, a great YouTube channel name should be:

  1. Relevant to your content
  2. Easy to remember and spell
  3. Unique and distinguishable
  4. Aligned with your long-term content goals
  5. Appealing to your target audience

Here is a perfect example:

Final Thoughts

Now you know how to pick a YouTube channel name. 

Picking a YouTube channel name is one of the most important parts of your content creation journey. With a little creativity, you can find a name that perfectly represents your channel and draws in viewers. And while a great name can help you get started, it's the amazing content you create that'll help your YouTube success soar!

And this is where BigMotion comes in. 

BigMotion is an awesome AI video creation platform that'll make your life easier. It's designed to help you create videos faster so you can focus on building your amazing YouTube Channel.

With BigMotion, you can:

  • Generate unique, faceless videos on any topic
  • Use high-quality AI voices for professional voiceovers
  • Automatically add captions and background music
  • Create video series with pre-made templates, and more

Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your content production to the next level, BigMotion is here to help. We've got all the tools you need to succeed in the exciting world of YouTube content creation!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should my channel name be?

Your handle can be anywhere between 3 and 30 characters, while the actual name can contain up to 50 characters. But you might want to still keep the name short and simple (between 1-3 words and up to 20-30 characters is perfect).

Can I change my nickname after creating it?

When thinking about how to choose YouTube channel name, bear in mind that you wouldn’t necessarily have to keep it forever. The platform allows you to change the name up to 2 times during a 2-week period. 

With that being said, it is advised to choose the name wisely from the start and stick to it to avoid confusing your audience. 

How do I check if a YouTube channel name is already taken?

You can use this tool to check the availability of the name across various social media platforms.