Guide

How to Make a YouTube Channel: Steps From Scratch

You can make a YouTube channel in ten minutes: sign in with a Google account, create a channel, name it and upload a video. The planning that follows is what matters, and this guide takes it in order.

1. Make a YouTube channel: sign in and create it

Sign in to YouTube with your Google account. Click your profile picture, then Create a channel. Choose a name, a handle and a picture, and confirm. Your channel now exists, even before you upload.

2. Pick a name and handle people can say

A channel name that names the topic helps. Say it aloud and spell it for a friend: if either is hard, pick another. You can change the name later, but YouTube limits how often.

3. Add a picture, a banner and a short description

Open YouTube Studio and choose Customization. Add a clear profile picture, a banner and a description that says what you post and how often, in plain words.

4. Upload your first video

In YouTube Studio, choose Create, then Upload videos. Add a title, a description and a thumbnail, and choose Public or Schedule. A good first video answers one question well.

5. Plan how often to post, and how you might earn

Choose a rhythm you can keep, such as one video a week, and batch the work. You can earn money later through the Partner Program, which has its own rules. See our guide to YouTube monetization.

Questions

How do you make a YouTube channel for a business?

Create it from the Google account the business owns, or a brand account so more than one person can manage it. Use the business name as the channel name.

How to create a YouTube channel and make money?

Create the channel, post steadily, and apply to the Partner Program once you meet its thresholds. Sponsors and your own products can pay earlier.

Do I need a camera?

No. A phone is enough to start. Clear sound and steady light matter more than the camera.

Try it on your own post.

Start free

Every account starts with 14 days of Pro. No card.