Do's and Don’ts of Naming Your YouTube Channel
Choosing a memorable and relevant channel name is crucial for your YouTube channel's success. It should be short, catchy, and reflect your content niche. Avoid clichés, overly long names, and special characters. Research other channels for inspiration but don't be afraid to be unique.
Choosing the perfect name for your YouTube channel is one of the most important steps when starting out. It's one of the first things your viewer sees and what they'll remember you by.
A great name can make your channel really stand out, help people find you, and even affect how seriously people take your content. But on the other hand, a bad channel name can do the opposite.
To help you pick the perfect channel name, here are five do’s and don’ts to guide you through the process!
1 - Do Make It Memorable
Why This Matters
Your channel name should be something that sticks in your audience's mind.
Imagine someone stumbles on your video and likes it. A week later, the viewer tries to find your channel again, and they can't.
If your name is simple, catchy, and memorable, they’re more likely to remember it and find you again.
Think about the names of successful YouTubers like “MrBeast” or “PewDiePie.” Their names are short, catchy, and easy to spell. Not to mention stand out against other creators' names.
2 - Do Consider Your Audience
Why This Matters
When naming your channel, think about who you're targeting with your content and what name would appeal to that specific audience.
For example, if you’re creating content for a younger audience, a fun name like “TheOdd1sOut” might be more appealing.
What these types of guides never tell you is that there's no one system fit's all when it comes to channel names. It highly depends on the niche you're looking to make content in.
Your channel name can be your company name, personal name, stage name, or something specific your niche will understand.
Channels in the entertainment, finance, or lifestyle niche usually use the creator's name and don't mention any keywords.
However, in niches like gaming, tech, and cooking, it's more important to include content-relevant words in your channel name.
3 - Do Keep It Relevant
Why This Matters
Your channel name should give people a clue about what kind of content you make.
Now, you don't literally have to name your channel solely based on the content you make.
You should think of out-of-the-box ways you can incorporate something to do with your niche or what you do.
A perfect example of this is Linus Tech Tips. It clearly tells the viewer that his channel is about tech tips from him.
4 - Do Research Other Channels
Why This Matters
Just like you'd look for inspiration from channels in your niche when brainstorming video ideas, it's important to research your channel name, too.
Research channels in your niche to see what kind of names are being used.
If you notice that most channels in your niche have similar names, you can use this chance to come up with something completely different that stands out.
Researching other channels gives you ideas on what to do and what not to do with your own channel.
ASAPScience uses "ASAP" to stand out from other channels in its niche while also telling you, the viewer, that the channel provides science-based videos as quickly as possible.
Doing research will also prevent you from slipping into do #5.
5 - Do Check Availability
Why This Matters
Once you’ve decided on a name, it's incredibly important to check if that name isn't already taken.
Now, the channel name you have in mind is probably being used by someone else. The key is to make sure it's not taken by any big creators.
Start by searching YouTube to see if the name is already taken. Even if the name is available, check for any similar names.
For example, if MrLeast isn't literally taken, it doesn't make sense for me to use it because everyone will think I'm parodying MrBeast, of course.
So, now you know what to do when creating your channel name. However, knowing what not to do is just as important, so let's get into that.
1 - Don’t Use Numbers or Special Characters
Why This Matters
Including numbers or special characters in your channel name can make it look a lot more complicated than necessary.
Special characters like underscores or hyphens can make it harder for people to search for your channel.
Numbers are fine if they're part of your brand name (cough cough 1of10). But if you're adding them to "look cool" or "be different," there are better paths to take.
One exception I've seen to this is a Minecraft channel by the name of GamerBoy80. But I feel it's part of the trope that gaming usernames have numbers at the end, especially because he's in the gaming niche.
2 - Don’t Choose a Name That’s Too Long
Why This Matters
A YouTube channel name is always better the shorter and sweeter it is.
Your channel username should aim to be no more than 20 characters long and 2-4 words. This will make it much easier for viewers to remember your name and type it in.
Long names can also be cut off in search results or certain devices.
A great example of this is 1of10. It's short, spelt how it sounds, and straight to the point.
3 - Don’t Make It Too Niche
Why This Matters
Even though it's important for your channel name to be relevant, you don't want to make it too niche and limit the people who might be interested in your content.
A very niche name might put you in a box you don't particularly want to only make content about.
If your name is too specific, you might also limit who your audience might think your channel is for.
As your channel grows, your interests and content might change. If your name is too specific, it might not match the new direction your channel goes in, which could confuse your audience or make you need to completely rebrand. A more flexible name lets you change and adapt your content over time.
Think of channels like The Try Guys or The Needle Drop. Their channel names might hint at what their content is about, but they also leave room for interpretation and content change.
4 - Don’t Use Clichés
Why This Matters
You need your channel name to be somewhat original, and the way to do the exact opposite is by using cliches.
Using common words or clichés in your channel name can make it harder to stand out.
We're talking terms like "Guru", "Zone", "Spot", "World", or "Vlogs".
A clichéd name can give the impression that you didn't put much thought into your branding, leading to your audience thinking you're another one of those automated garbage channels.
5 - Don’t Overthink It
Why This Matters
When you first start out, it can be incredibly easy to overthink and overcomplicate the whole process.
It’s easy to get stuck in the cycle of trying to find the “perfect” name, but the truth is, no name is perfect.
Do you know what matters more than a good channel name? Creating good content.
Keep in mind that your channel name is just one part of your brand. Don't let choosing a good channel name stop you from actually creating content and building your channel.
This channel name doesn't have to be the name you stick with forever.
Naming your channel is important but overall easy. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can choose a name that is memorable, relevant and attracts your target audience.
Remember, creating your channel is just the first step. What truly matters is making videos that your audience likes and wants to watch. And you can count on 1of10.com to help!