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How to Choose Your YouTube Channel Display Name via Google+

  |  10 months ago   |  
How to Choose Your YouTube Channel Display Name via Google+

The YouTube blog announced today the ability to change how you appear on YouTube, with the chance to use your real name along with any photo you associate with yourself through Google Plus.   Also, you now have the ability to review your activity and whether you'd like those activities shared publicly in association with your real name.  This ability was given to new users in March of this year, and it apparently proved popular enough that YouTube is allowing it for existing users now.  But you know, you have to use Google Plus and stuff.  That might be a sticking point for some.

Be the Master of How You Look On YouTube

This is not yet available for partners, brands, or organizations (is that the first time ever?), and only in the US for now.  You can now appear as you do on Google Plus, with a full name complete with spaces, along with a picture:

How to Choose Your YouTube Channel Display Name via Google+

But maybe you don't want to have your name associated with your channel.  In that case, you can keep using your alter-ego by just clicking “I don’t want to use my full name” when you see the prompt.

And maybe you've got some videos and comments you'd like to keep away from your real name.  You can now review all of your activity and make sure that some of those groaners aren't attached to it:

How to Choose Your YouTube Channel Display Name via Google+

So YouTube is making it possible for your experience on the site to be a lot more personal.  Hey, some people like the idea of having their face plastered all over a site, making witty comments and posting crazy Spring Break videos.  I don't think I'll be one of them.  But I certainly think there is a good time and place to have your real identity known, and at least YouTube is allowing you to select certain videos and certain comments to be seen publicly.  It's not all or nothing.

As always, there will be more changes along these lines coming soon, along with more ways to use the username is the future.  Google has a help document with additional information on how to do this here - http://support.google.com/youtube/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=2663685

Posted in Web Video Industry News
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About the Author -
Chris Atkinson joined ReelSEO in 2011. He is a longtime film and television reviewer, and has almost two decades of experience in the theater industry. He also writes on his personal blog - http://nymoviereviews.com. View All Posts By -

What do you think? ▼
  • http://www.Viditude.com/ Pat Ferdinandi

    This is GREAT news. Back in 2006 when I created my own personal channel, I used a really back id (not my name). Now I can have my REAL name appear. Thanks for this Chris.

  • Nick Hope

    This makes it more important than ever that they offer multiple channels under one email address. What if I want my face and real name associated with both my makeup and motorcycling channels?

  • Nick Hope

    Regarding partners, today's YouTube creator blog says, "Once we have the bits ready, you’ll be able to connect a Google+ page to your YouTube channel."

  • http://www.videoleadsonline.com/ videoleadsonline

    I can't do this yet... but will most likely do it when it is offered to me... Does anyone know if this changes the URL to the channel? i.e. YouTube.com/user/XXXXXX  - where the X's change to the new name (if available)?

  • cjbruce

    This is good for personal channels, it will be great when they allow it for businesses/brands.

    • http://www.videoleadsonline.com/ videoleadsonline

      cjbruce There are current work-arounds for Business Branded YouTube Channels. The trick is dealing with the 'person' you have to set up to own the Branded channel, as they must exist together now (because of G+).

  • http://www.dfwrealties.com/ Omni Chaparala – DFW Realties

    Chris, this is a good post. I guess Google is also doing this to promote its Google Plus accounts. Just my opinion.

  • http://www.Viditude.com/ Pat Ferdinandi

    This is GREAT news. Back in 2006 when I created my own personal channel, I used a really back id (not my name). Now I can have my REAL name appear. Thanks for this Chris.

  • Nick Hope

    This makes it more important than ever that they offer multiple channels under one email address. What if I want my face and real name associated with both my makeup and motorcycling channels?

  • Nick Hope

    Regarding partners, today's YouTube creator blog says, "Once we have the bits ready, you’ll be able to connect a Google+ page to your YouTube channel."

  • http://www.videoleadsonline.com/ videoleadsonline

    I can't do this yet... but will most likely do it when it is offered to me... Does anyone know if this changes the URL to the channel? i.e. YouTube.com/user/XXXXXX  - where the X's change to the new name (if available)?

  • cjbruce

    This is good for personal channels, it will be great when they allow it for businesses/brands.

    • http://www.videoleadsonline.com/ videoleadsonline

      cjbruce There are current work-arounds for Business Branded YouTube Channels. The trick is dealing with the 'person' you have to set up to own the Branded channel, as they must exist together now (because of G+).

  • Omni Chaparala – DFW Realties

    Chris, this is a good post. I guess Google is also doing this to promote its Google Plus accounts. Just my opinion.

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