Peggy K's Creator News

This week YouTube announced that every channel will be able to add a unique handle. The @handle will identify your channel as a custom URL, and will be used for mentions, comments, search results, Shorts player and more. Unlike custom URLs, there is no minimum subscriber requirement and you will be able to choose a new channel identifier. The option to add a handle will be gradually rolling out over the next few weeks. Any new YouTube channel will also be able to set a handle.  Think about the identifier you want to use. This is an opportunity to rebrand! You just need to make sure that the handle you want complies with YouTube's handle policy and is available. Fortunately, your current custom URL, channel URL and legacy username URL will continue to work after you add the handle to your channel. That means any links you have previously shared to promote your channel should continue to work. Note that every channel will have the opportunity ...

Note: as part of the shutdown of consumer Google+ on April 2, 2019 Google+ custom vanity URLs will no longer be supported . Any links that use Google+ vanity URLs, including Album Archive, will no longer work.  When you set up a Google+ Profile or Page, the link to the profile uses an impossible to remember 21-digit user ID.  A Custom URL lets you use a link that's easy to remember when you are promoting your Google+ activity. If your Google+ Profile or Page is eligible for a Custom URL, you will see a banner on your Profile or Page's profile.  You will then have the option to claim the offered Custom URL. The offered Custom URL is usually based on the name of the Google+ Profile or Page. You will not have the option to request a specific Custom URL. Also note that Google+ and YouTube now have separate Custom URL systems. Adding a Google+ Custom URL does not create a YouTube channel Custom URL, which has different eligibility requirements. Read on for...

Ever since  the new YouTube custom URLs  were introduced, YouTubers have wanted to also have the equivalent shorthand vanity URL - one without the /c/ in the middle.  Now channels with a new-style custom URL automatically have the equivalent shorthand URL. A shorthand vanity URL - one without a /user/ or /c/ - is useful to use to promote your channel. In the past, that short URL was most often based on the /user/ URL for the channel. Now that's changed. Shorthand URLs are  now based on the new /c/ custom URL , not the old /user/ URL. If your channel's old and new custom URLs are different, you should check to be sure the old shorthand URL still leads to your channel. Not sure if your channel has new-style custom URL set? Check your channel's Advanced Account Settings ( https://www.youtube.com/account_advanced ). Why does my old shorthand vanity URL now direct to the wrong YouTube channel?

Update April 2, 2019: with the shutdown of consumer Google+, Google+ custom URLs will no longer work. This will not affect YouTube custom URLs. Update  April 5, 2017: you can now remove Custom URLs, and add a new different Custom URL.  Learn how to change your Google+ Custom URL . Update December 16, 2016: YouTube Custom URLs are now independent of Google+ Custom URLs ( Official Announcement ) Go to  www.youtube.com/features  to see if your YouTube channel is eligible for a Custom URL. Learn how to add a Custom URL to your Google+ Profile or Page . Update 10/13/15: now only 100 subscribers are required for custom URL eligibility, rather than 500 subscribers.  Update 3/4/15: you can now check the custom URL set for your channel in your channel's Advanced Account Settings ( https://www.youtube.com/account_advanced ) Update 2/26/15: shorthand vanity URLs are now based on the new /c/ custom URL, rather than the old /user/ custom URL. More d...

In 2014 YouTube and Google+ integration really took off. On November 6, 2013 YouTube switched to the new Google+-based commenting system. Over the past year YouTube and Google+ became even more tightly entwined. YouTube and Google+ introduced a number of new features, while we said goodbye to others (RIP YouTube Inbox). There was a change at the top for both products. At YouTube Susan Wojcicki - formerly Google SVP for advertising - took over from Salar Kamangar, while over on Google+ Vic Gundotra was replaced by former Google+ VP of Engineering Dave Besbris. I think it's still too early to say whether that represents a significant shift in direction, but their interviews at Re/code give a sense of direction things are heading: New YouTube Boss Susan Wojcicki Talks Talent, Music and M&A New Google+ Head David Besbris: We're Here for the Long Haul What was new for Google+ and YouTube in 2014? As YouTube and Google+ become more integrated, many new features are o...