How to Choose a YouTube Channel Name (126+ Ideas)

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YouTube Channel Name

Brian Dean

Written by Brian Dean

What Is a Channel Name?

Your channel name is the official name of your channel on YouTube. It serves as your channel’s identity and is displayed on videos, the channel page, and in search results. Choosing a strong channel name is crucial for branding, discoverability, and overall channel success.

There are several different types of Channel Names, including a person’s first and last name (Casey Neistat) and names that describe a channel’s overall topic (5-Minute Crafts).

Why Is Your Channel Name Important?

Your Channel Name appears on your videos, your channel page, and in YouTube’s search results.

YouTube channel name

Also, your channel name is a big part of how people will define and understand what your channel is about. So it’s important that your name accurately represents your brand.

Best Practices

Choose a Channel Name Category

The first step is to decide on the Channel Name category you’re going to go with.

In general, Channel Names fall into 4 main categories:

  1. Name (Taylor Swift)
  2. Brand (Nike)
  3. Category (Classic Game Room)
  4. Descriptive (Epic Rap Battles)

Using your first and last name as your Channel Name the easiest and most straightforward approach. And it works particularly well if you plan on being the ‘face’ of your channel.

For example, Marie Forleo is an entrepreneur with a strong personal brand. So when she created her YouTube Channel, she simply named it: Marie Forleo.

Marie Forleo – Headshot icon

However, using your name as your Channel Name may not be a good fit for you. If that’s the case, make sure to review these best practices to help you choose a great Channel Name.

Your Name Should Describe Your Topic

Ideally, someone could see your Channel Name and instantly understand what type of videos you put out.

That said, you don’t need to literally describe your channel’s topic. That can lead to a flat, generic-sounding Channel Name (like: Videos For Weight Lifters).

Instead, think of a creative way you can highlight (or even hint at) your channel’s topic.

For example, let’s look at the Video Influencers channel.

YouTube – Video Influencers

Video Influencers describes this channel’s topic (growing your brand through video)… without sounding boring or generic.

Your Name Should be Unique

It’s important that your name stands out from other channels on YouTube.

For example, The Action Lab is a growing science channel.

YouTube – The Action Lab

Let’s say you wanted to name your channel Action Laboratory. That name could be easily confused with The Action Lab.

So before deciding on a name, pop your potential name into YouTube and see what comes up.

YouTube SERP – Action Laboratory

If you see another channel (or channels) that have a Channel Name that’s very similar to yours, you should probably go with something else.

However, if you can’t find any similar-sounding channels, you’re good to go.

YouTube SERP – The Innovation Lab

Also, make sure to search for your potential name in Google as well. This helps you avoid a Channel Name that’s similar to another brand (even one that’s not active on YouTube).

For example, Screen Junkies is a movie-focused channel with over 6.7 million subscribers.

YouTube – Screen Junkies

This unique Channel Name ensures that it won’t be confused with any other movie-related brand on or off YouTube.

Your Name Should be “Sticky”

You want your Channel Name to be something that people can easily remember.

So the more unique your name, the more it will stick in people’s minds.

For example, MrBeast is one of the most popular channels on YouTube (over 255 million subscribers).

YouTube – MrBeast

Epic Meal Time gives you an idea of what this channel is about… and it’s very memorable.

Another example of an extremely sticky name is Crazy Russian Hacker (12 million subscribers).

YouTube – CrazyRussianHacker

Not only are Taras’s videos extremely well done, but his hilarious channel name is one that’s hard to forget.

Naming Tips and Checklist

Here are some quick tips and strategies to help you decide on your Channel Name.

  1. Keep it short and sweet: Aim for a channel name that is no more than 20 characters long. This will make it easier for viewers to remember and type in.

  2. Make it memorable: Choose a channel name that is unique and easy to stand out from the crowd. Avoid using generic or overused names.

  3. Use relevant keywords: Incorporate keywords that accurately reflect the content of your channel. This will help viewers find your channel when searching for relevant topics.

  4. Keep it brand-safe: Avoid using offensive or controversial language in your channel name. You want to create a channel that is welcoming and inclusive to all viewers.

  5. Check for availability: Before you settle on a channel name, make sure it is available on YouTube, other social media platforms, and a website domain name.

  6. Get feedback: Ask friends, family, and colleagues for their feedback on your channel name. This can help you identify any potential issues before you launch your channel.

  7. Make it easy to pronounce: Choose a channel name that is easy for people to say and spell. This will help avoid confusion and ensure that viewers can find your channel.

  8. Keep it consistent: Use the same channel name across all of your social media platforms. This will create a cohesive brand identity and make it easier for viewers to find you.

  9. Be mindful of cultural sensitivities: If you are targeting a global audience, be mindful of cultural sensitivities when choosing a channel name. Avoid using names that may be offensive or misunderstood in certain cultures.

  10. Keep it evergreen: Avoid using trends or references that may become outdated quickly. Choose a channel name that will have lasting appeal.

If you’re stuck, I recommend checking out the Hootsuite YouTube Name Generator. Just enter a word or phrase that you want to include in your Channel Name, and the tool will spit out 100 name ideas that include that term.

Tip: Use NameChk to easily see if your Channel Name is available as a domain name and on several social media sites.

NameChk – The Innovation Lab

YouTube Channel Name Inspiration

To inspire your channel naming process, here’s a curated collection of creative and catchy channel name examples across various niches:

Creative Channel Names

  1. DreamCraft Creations
  2. Artistic Flair Hub
  3. InnovateEasel
  4. Imaginative Mindscape
  5. Creativity Corner
  6. Visionary Vistas
  7. Palette Pioneers

Catchy Channel Names

  1. BuzzVibe Central
  2. ClickSparkle
  3. ViralWaves Zone
  4. Trending Tidbits
  5. SnapSizzle
  6. EchoPop Network
  7. Whirlwind Wow

Unique Channel Names

  1. QuirkQuest
  2. Uncommon Canvas
  3. SingularScene
  4. MysticMingle
  5. RareRhythms
  6. Oddyssey Online
  7. Neverland Niche

Cool Channel Names

  1. ChillVille Streams
  2. FrostByte Flicks
  3. Urban Edge
  4. IceFire Fusion
  5. CoolWave Collective
  6. SleekStream
  7. NeonNightlife

DIY Channel Names

  1. CraftyHands Haven
  2. Maker’s Mastery
  3. DoItAll Workshop
  4. HandyCraft Hub
  5. BuildBuzz
  6. HomeHacks HQ
  7. DIY Dynamo

Tech Channel Names

  1. TechTrend Tracker
  2. Digital Dimensions
  3. FutureFusion 360
  4. ByteBound
  5. CircuitSavvy
  6. GadgetGurus
  7. NexGen Nerds

Business Channel Names

  1. BizGrow Gateway
  2. Corporate Climb
  3. Entrepreneur Edge
  4. MarketMovers
  5. Success Summit
  6. VentureVistas
  7. Boardroom Buzz

Marketing Channel Names

  1. MarketMagnet
  2. BrandBeat
  3. TrendTracker Tactics
  4. PromoPulse
  5. AdAlchemy
  6. CampaignCrafters
  7. InsightInvasion

Food Channel Names

  1. FlavorFiesta
  2. Culinary Canvas
  3. Gourmet Glance
  4. TasteTrekkers
  5. RecipeRampage
  6. SpiceSpiral
  7. KitchenKaleidoscope

Travel Channel Names

  1. WanderWorld Watch
  2. TrekTales
  3. GlobeGlimpse
  4. RoamRadar
  5. VoyageVista
  6. Destination Discovery
  7. PathPioneer

Lifestyle Channel Names

  1. LifeLuxe Lane
  2. DailyDose Deluxe
  3. VogueVoyage
  4. SerenityScope
  5. HarmonyHaven
  6. RhythmRoutines
  7. BlissBoutique

Fashion Channel Names

  1. StyleSpectrum
  2. VogueVibes
  3. FashionForward
  4. ChicCircle
  5. TrendTrail
  6. CoutureCanvas
  7. GlamGaze

Animal YouTube Channel Names

  1. WildWhiskers
  2. CreatureCorner
  3. FaunaFocus
  4. PawsPavilion
  5. SafariScope
  6. CritterChronicles
  7. BeastlyBliss

Kids Channel Names

  1. KiddoKingdom
  2. FunFables Factory
  3. LittleLearners Lounge
  4. PlayPatch
  5. StorySpark
  6. JuniorJamboree
  7. WhizKids World

Gaming Channel Names

  1. GameGlitch Guild
  2. PixelPioneers
  3. VirtualVanguard
  4. ControllerCraze
  5. PlayPalace
  6. DigitalDuelists
  7. ConsoleCrusaders

Sports Channel Names

  1. SportSpirit Squad
  2. AthleticAvenues
  3. PlayfieldPulse
  4. GameGear Grounds
  5. VictoryVoyage
  6. ChampionChase
  7. MatchMomentum

Learning Channel Names

  1. EduExplorers
  2. KnowledgeNexus
  3. BrainBoosters
  4. LearnLadder
  5. ScholarStream
  6. InsightIsland
  7. WisdomWave

How to Change Your Channel Name?

To change your YouTube channel name, follow these steps:

  1. Sign in to YouTube Studio.
  2. From the left menu, select Customization > Basic info.
  3. Click the pencil icon next to your channel name.
  4. Enter your new channel name and click Save.
  5. A pop-up window will appear warning you that you can only change your channel name three times per 90 days. Click Change channel name to confirm.
  6. Your channel name will be updated immediately. It may take a few minutes for the change to be reflected across all of your videos.

Change your channel details: a guide to changing your channel settings (including your Channel Name)

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