How to customize a YouTube channel

How to customize YouTube channel

This article will explain everything you need if you want to learn how to customize a YouTube channel. YouTube is a fantastic resource with a gigantic database.

After Google, YouTube has the highest number of users. More than 2 billion visit the platform monthly, which is equivalent to one-third of the Internet.

Millions of people are using YouTube to earn money, but it is not as easy as one might think. There are different techniques that you can use to grow your channel.

Customization of your YouTube channel is one of the most basic and essential things that you must do.

In this article, we will explain how you can customize your YouTube channel. The layout and design of your channel are crucial as they will create the first impression on the visitors.

If you want your YouTube channel to grow, please follow the customization tips in the article.

Table of Contents

  1. How to customize a YouTube channel
    1. How to upload a profile picture for your YouTube channel?
    2. How to select a banner for your YouTube channel?
    3. How to upload a channel trailer on YouTube?
  2. Wrap Up

How to customize a YouTube channel

Channel customization on YouTube is not a complicated process. You can sign in to YouTube Studio first, and from the left menu, use the customization options:

How to customize YouTube channel

You will come across three different options that you can use to customize your YouTube channel. Those are:

How to customize YouTube channel

Layout – This tab will allow you to put a channel trailer, featured video, and create different sections for the channel.

Branding – The branding tab will enable you to put a profile picture along with a banner and video watermark.

How to customize YouTube channel

Basic info  – You can use this tab to customize the channel name, description, and site links:

How to customize YouTube channel

When users visit your YouTube channel, they are looking for some information about your channel. You can use different options and see which one seems the best for you.

Your YouTube channel page is the visitor’s landing page, and it needs to be well-organized.

You are more likely to get more viewers and subscribers if your YouTube channel page is impressive. Five features must be on your channel if you want it to grow, at least from a visual standpoint:

  • A nice profile icon that looks neat in a small, circular format;
  • A channel trailer that gives information about the content you create;
  • A useful and informative channel banner;
  • A featured channel section;
  • A featured playlist of your videos containing the topics you cover.

How to upload a profile picture for your YouTube channel?

Go to the branding tab under “Channel Customization”. There, you will be able to find three different options: “Profile Picture”, “Banner Image”, and “Video Watermark”:

How to customize YouTube channel

Click upload next to the profile picture option to upload your photo:

How to customize YouTube channel

First and foremost, please note that you need to select an appropriate profile picture size. The best size for a YouTube profile picture is 800 x 800 pixels.

An important thing to note here is that while these are square dimensions, YouTube profile pictures are circular.

Keeping the circular crop in view, make sure that you select an image in which everything you want others to see, is visible. Make the necessary adjustments to ensure no text or critical components of your brand are outside the borders.

A good, clear profile picture will help the users to get a better idea of your brand. The profile picture will also appear along with your brand name everywhere you comment or post content.

The YouTube profile picture will also become your profile image across all other Google properties.

So, a professional and clear profile photo is an essential aspect of customizing your YouTube channel.

How to select a banner for your YouTube channel?

Selecting a good banner (also known as channel art) for your YouTube channel is another necessary facet to customize your channel well. The banner on YouTube is the same as a cover photo on Facebook or the header image on Twitter.

The banner takes a big part of the computer screen, so it is essential to make the banner professional, eye-catching, and a clear depiction of your brand.

Not everyone will visit your channel using a computer, so make sure that the image you select looks good on a mobile screen as well.

At the bottom right side of the banner, you can also add other links. It is an excellent idea to provide the links to your social media or other related accounts, to improve your brand success.

YouTube recommends a minimum banner size of 2048 x 1152 pixels and the maximum file size that you can upload as a banner is 6 MB.

How to upload a channel trailer on YouTube?

Go to the “Layout” tab under “Channel Customization”. You will see the option to add a channel trailer from your uploaded videos.

You will also be able to add a featured video for your subscribers from the same page.

Make sure that the channel trailer clearly explains the purpose of your channel and the content you create:

How to customize YouTube channel
How to customize YouTube channel

There is no restriction on the length of the channel trailer, but ideally, it should be between 30 to 60 seconds. You can include the introduction of your channel along with the type of videos that you post.

Another option is to offer a subscription using some call-to-action gesture.

Wrap Up

They say, “The first impression is the last impression” and YouTube is no different. Your channel page is the landing place for your viewers, and it should leave a good impression on everyone.

You can maximize your reach by efficiently customizing your YouTube channel. This article explained some ways in which you can easily customize it.

By employing some simple yet effective techniques, you can make your channel grow tremendously.

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