Understand your YouTube channel's URLs

Your channel can have more than one URL that directs your audience to your channel homepage. These URLs can look different from one another, but each URL can point your audience to the same place – your channel. Handle URLs, custom URLs and legacy username URLs are all forms of personalised URLs. You can view all URLs associated with your channel at youtube.com/handle.

Channel URL (ID-based)

Example: youtube.com/channel/UCUZHFZ9jIKrLroW8LcyJEQQ

This example is a standard URL that YouTube channels use. It uses your unique channel ID, which is the sequence of numbers and letters at the end of the URL.

Find your handle URL

To find your channel's handle URL:

Sign in to YouTube Studio.
From the left menu, select Customisation Basic info.
Under Handle, you can view your handle URL.

Handle URL

Example: youtube.com/@youtubecreators

A handle URL is created automatically whenever you choose or change your handle as a channel owner. The end of the URL starts with an '@' symbol and includes your chosen handle. Any custom URLs that you may already have will continue to work. Learn more about viewing or changing your handle.

Customised URL

Example: youtube.com/c/YouTubeCreators

New custom URLs can no longer be set up or changed. Any custom URLs that you may already have will continue to work. All legacy URLs now redirect users to your new channel URL that is based on your handle.

Legacy username URL

Example: youtube.com/user/YouTube

Depending on when your channel was created, it may have a username. Usernames are no longer required for channels today, but you can still use this URL to direct viewers to your channel. This also includes if your channel name has changed since you chose your username. Existing usernames can't be changed.

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