How to Create a YouTube Channel on a PC or Laptop: Step-by-Step Guide

12.2024

We’ve already explored why businesses need YouTube; now it’s time to move from theory to practice.

Here’s what you need to know and where to click to create a channel and upload your first video:

  1. Go to YouTube.com and click “Sign In” in the top-right corner.
  2. Create a Google account or use an existing one. It’s better to register a new account to keep your personal Gmail secure.
  3. Fill out the registration form for the new account.

How to Create a Channel on YouTube

  1. Go to YouTube’s homepage. In the top-right corner, click your profile picture to open the menu and select “My Channel.”
  2. Click “Use a business or other name.” The chosen name will be linked to your business YouTube account.
  3. Click Create and wait for the new account to be activated.

How to Name Your YouTube Channel

Coming up with a channel name doesn’t require a step-by-step guide.

  • For personal channels or blogs, trust your creativity and play with words.
  • Use the channel’s planned content as inspiration. If you prefer simplicity, just use your name!
  • For corporate channels, it’s best to use your company, firm, or brand name.

How to Customize Your YouTube Channel

Before uploading videos, focus on the channel’s appearance — it’s like the packaging that makes a first impression.

Avatar

To add an avatar, click the pencil icon, then change the channel icon and upload a photo.

Channel Header Design

Click “Add channel art” and upload an image. Ensure the dimensions are correct: 2560 × 1440 pixels, with a safe zone (to avoid cutting off text or logos) of 1546 × 423 pixels.
You can include your slogan or a special offer on the banner.

Channel Logo

Make your videos recognizable by adding a channel logo.

  1. Go to your account and click “YouTube Studio”.
  2. In the left menu, select “Settings”.
  3. Under the Branding tab, upload the logo.
  4. Choose when the logo will appear:
    • In the last 15 seconds
    • At a specific time
    • Throughout the entire video
  5. Save the changes.

Channel Layout

To customize your channel layout, click the icon next to “Subscribe” and enable the “Customize channel layout” option. You can now organize sections like Home, Videos, Playlists, Channels, and About.

Channel Description

Go to the “About” section and add a description. Include details about the channel’s purpose, links to your website and social media, and contact information.
Tip: The description should focus on the viewer, providing clarity about your business and goals, rather than stuffing it with keywords.

Uploading Your First Video

To upload your first video:

  1. Click the + icon in the top-right corner and select the file.
  2. While the upload is in progress, add a title, description, and tags.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Create a YouTube Channel on a Mobile Device?

  1. Download the YouTube app.
  2. Log in and like any video.
  3. Choose an existing Google account or create a new one by filling out the registration form.
  4. Customize your channel and start uploading videos.

How to Make a YouTube Channel Private?

If you need to restrict access to your videos, you can make them private or available via a link only. This is useful for paid content like courses or tutorials.

  1. Open your channel and go to Video Manager.
  2. Select the video and click “Edit”.
  3. Adjust access settings as needed.

How to Delete a YouTube Channel?

If you decide to stop creating content and managing the channel, you can delete it. Be aware that this action is irreversible.

  1. Open YouTube on your computer and go to your channel.
  2. Click your account icon in the top-right corner and select “Settings”.
  3. In the left menu, choose “Advanced Settings” and delete the channel.
  4. Follow YouTube’s prompts. Note that the videos might remain accessible for some time before being fully removed.

How to Create a Second YouTube Channel?

If you already have one channel but need another, there’s no need to register a new Google account.

  1. In the top-right corner, click your account icon and select “Settings”.
  2. Click “Manage channels” and create a new one.

How to Add Subtitles to YouTube Videos?

Adding subtitles makes your content more accessible to a wider audience.

  1. Upload the video to your channel.
  2. On your computer, open Google Drive.
  3. Select the video and click the three-dot menu.
  4. Choose “Manage subtitle tracks”.
  5. Click “Add subtitle tracks”, then select and upload the file containing your subtitles.
  6. Specify the language and name for the track.

We hope this guide helps you navigate the world of YouTube. Now it’s time to start creating and bringing your ideas to life!