How to Make a YouTube Channel, Step-By-Step (With Photos)

The age of social media has brought about endless possibilities through various platforms available and accessible without breaking a sweat. You can access numerous useful platforms with an internet-accessible device and a stable service provider.

YouTube is one of the numerous applications that has gained popularity over the years. The app gives you access to entertainment and provides an avenue to reach a vast audience which can culminate in a revenue stream. However, you must set up a YouTube channel to access the app’s numerous features and channels. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial on how to create a YouTube Channel.

A Short Introduction to YouTube

YouTube was launched in 2005 by Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim as an online video-sharing platform. In 2006 it was acquired by Google, which expanded it to a global platform. Today, it is the most popular streaming app garnering an annual revenue of up to $2.5 billion. If you’ve watched a video online before, chances are that it was from YouTube.

What is a YouTube Channel?

For most people, YouTube is simply a source of entertainment. You may use it to stream your favorite music, watch funny clips, or watch educational videos. Whatever your preference, you will surely find something to keep you busy.

However, YouTube is much more than a video-watching platform. With a YouTube channel, you can access other incredible features away from the usual access to content. The channel creates a personal account that gives you a public presence on YouTube. For example, you can like and comment on videos and upload your content. 

How to Create a YouTube Channel

Now that you have an idea of what a YouTube channel is and the advantages of having one, the next step is knowing how to create one. Luckily, it is a simple process that requires basic computer skills and a stable internet connection. With the proper instructions, you will be done in no time. Let’s get to it, step-by-step.

Step 1: Open the YouTube App

You must have the YouTube app or load the website to create a YouTube channel. While this is probably an obvious step, it has to be mentioned. After all, this is a step-by-step guide. There are various ways to access the YouTube platform. It would be easier for those using their phones to download the YouTube app. Alternatively, you could use your web browser, especially if you are using a desktop computer or laptop.

If you choose to use the application, ensure you have installed your device’s most recent app update. The Google Chrome platform is much more convenient for those using a browser. Either way, you will be directed to the YouTube home page.

Step 2: Set Up a Google Account

It is also mandatory to have a Gmail account to create a YouTube channel. YouTube is part of a string of available Google apps and platforms. As such, you need a Google account to create a YouTube channel and enjoy the privileges that come with it. If you have an existing Google Account, this is an easy step.

Once on the platform, click the “Sign In” link at the top right of your screen, which will redirect you to the Google sign-in page. If you have a Google account, all you need to do is type in your email and password, and you are good to go. If not, you need to create an account by clicking the prompt at the bottom left and inputting your details as directed.

You must create a Gmail address and agree to the Google terms and conditions. After successfully finishing the simple process, you will be directed back to the YouTube platform.

Step 3: Create a YouTube Presence Using Your Google Account

After setting up your Google account and linking it to the YouTube platform, the next step is to create an online presence by creating an account. Click on the icon on the far top right of your screen. The icon contains an avatar you may have chosen when creating your Google account, your initials, or a profile photo. It is a representation of both your Google and YouTube accounts.

Once you’ve clicked on the icon, a drop-down menu with several account managing options will appear on your screen. Scroll to the bottom of the offered options and click on “Settings.” You will be directed to different settings. Click on the Account settings and proceed to the “Create a channel” option under “Your YouTube Channel.”

A pop-up menu labeled “How you’ll appear” will show on your screen, requiring you to complete this process. First, you need to input your channel’s proposed name. This doesn’t have to be the one on your Google Account; you can be creative and create a unique name. However, to quickly identify and reach a large target audience, we recommend using a name representing your brand or the content you wish to post.

The step also requires you to create a handle name that begins with ‘@ .’This handle name will cement your online YouTube persona, so be creative! It has to be unique to allow friends and fans to tag and mention your account in video comments. 

Once you’ve input your preferred names for your platform, click on “Create channel” at the bottom left of your screen to finish setting up your online presence.

Step 4: Familiarize Yourself With the Customization Page

At this point, you already have an active YouTube account and channel. You can successfully upload videos, like and comment on other creators’ content, and create playlists. However, you still have to make a couple of tweaks. So, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the customization settings.

On your channel dashboard, a “customize channel” option takes you to a page where you can personalize your account. This is the final part of setting up your YouTube channel. It allows you to add basic information, brand your channel, and create an appealing layout.

Step 5: Input Your Basic Info

After creating your YouTube Channel, the next step is to provide additional information that will make it easier for your target audience to access your content. Select the “Basic info” option on the channel customization page. The link will direct you to a subsequent page that allows you to give crucial information on your YouTube Channel.

The customization tool allows you to describe what your channel is centered on, the language you plan to use, and other aspects that can help audiences find your page. Use thoughtful keywords, increasing the chances of your platform ranking high when people query the YouTube search engine.

Lastly, you could add useful links, such as links to other social media platforms and contact information. Such information will appear on your channel dashboard.

Step 6: Brand Your Channel

The whole point of customizing your YouTube channel is to make it unique and align it to your niche. What better way to achieve this than adding unique visuals? This is what branding your channel is all about.

The “Branding” option on channel customization enables you to add a profile picture and banner image to your channel and a watermark associated with your content.

A profile picture sits on the icon with your initials or the avatar you may have chosen earlier. It makes your channel easily identifiable as people browse through YouTube. It shows below your videos appearing on a user’s play page. You can use your photo or a company logo. Anything goes as long as your chosen picture does not violate YouTube guidelines and policies.

On the other hand, a banner image is a landscape picture that appears at the top of your channel page. It is a great way to advertise your brand, as it is one of the first things people see when they visit your YouTube Channel. It would be in your best interest to make it as captivating and informative as possible.

The last phase of branding your channel is creating a video watermark. This signature appears at the bottom right of all videos originally uploaded to your page. It prevents people from pirating your content.

Step 7: Create a Befitting Layout

While visual appeal is essential, it is equally important to ensure your content is well-organized to attract people to your channel. Thus, the third customization option allows you to arrange your content sequentially.

The customization feature allows you to add a spotlight video at the top of your channel’s homepage to introduce your platform. You can share a preview of your content to attract prospective subscribers or share highlights of your new content to entice returning subscribers.

You could further organize your YouTube channel by separating your content into categories through the featured sections option. Put short videos in one segment, or arrange them in playlists. This will make your channel easy for people accessing your content, increasing its appeal.

Step 8: Upload Videos

After successfully creating your channel and customizing it, the next obvious step is to upload your content to get your YouTube channel up and running. Click the “Create” icon on the top right corner of your screen. The option is symbolized by a video camera icon with a plus (+) sign in the middle; you can’t miss it.

Clicking the icon allows you to either start a live stream or upload a video. Pick the latter if you want to share your content and create a fan base on the video-sharing platform.

While it may seem like that is the final step, it’s not. Setting up a YouTube channel is more than sharing quality videos. You have to ensure it reaches an audience. Thus, you need to ensure your video’s titles are clear and concise, have an in-depth description, have accurate tags, and are categorized correctly. This will ensure the target audience consumes your content.