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YouTube channel URLs have changed quite a bit over the years. What used to be a simple custom /c/ URL is now tied to your YouTube handle.
If you’re looking at an older guide, you’ll also notice outdated instructions about creating a custom URL.
But guess what? YouTube no longer lets creators create new /c/ custom URLs.
Existing ones still work, but new personalized URLs now use the handle format.
I’ve managed Breadnbeyond’s YouTube presence for years, so I’ve seen this shift firsthand.
The good news is that changing or finding your current URL is fairly straightforward once you know which URL type your channel uses.
I’ll break down what happened to YouTube custom URLs, how handle URLs work, how to find your current channel URL, and what happens if you decide to change your handle.
Get to Know YouTube Channel URLs
YouTube has several changes to its channel URL system. Your Channel may have different URLs (depending on when your Channel was created) that direct your audience to your channel homepage or podcast content.
Now, we’re about to break down three types of URLs on YouTube, which are widely known as the YouTube URL format for channels and podcasts.
1. Legacy URLs
Example: youtube.com/user/username
Legacy URL is the first format on the YouTube channel URL system. This type of URL is no longer required for channels today.
If you created your Channel a long time ago, you might have been assigned to this type of URL by default (you can set a username). The legacy URL remains the primary link of your Channel.
2. ID-Based URLs
Example: youtube.com/channel/(random24characters)
This type of URL was introduced in 2015 when Google made it possible to create YouTube channels separately from our Google accounts.
ID-based URL has a random string of 24 characters (numbers and letters) at the end of the URL to give you a unique channel ID.
3. Current Custom URLs
Example: youtube.com/c/customname
Introduced in 2016, the custom URL allows you to create a URL for your Channel based on your liking.
A custom URL is an addition to your legacy or ID-based URLs. You may use the custom URL for your channel promotion efforts.
4. Handle URL
Meanwhile, a handle URL looks like this: youtube.com/@YourHandle
This is the current personalized URL format you’ll see on YouTube.
A handle is your unique YouTube identifier that starts with@, such as @Breadnbeyond. When you choose a handle, YouTube automatically creates a corresponding handle URL:
youtube.com/@Breadnbeyond
Your handle is different from your channel name. It can also appear when people mention your channel, interact with you in comments, or find your content on YouTube.
So if you’re setting up or updating your channel today, you’ll use the handle to create your personalized YouTube channel URL, rather than creating a new /c/ custom URL.
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What Is a YouTube Handle URL?
A YouTube handle URL is a personalized channel link based on your unique YouTube handle. It uses the @ format and is the current way YouTube creates personalized channel URLs.
A YouTube handle is a unique identifier for your channel that starts with @. When you choose a handle, YouTube automatically creates a corresponding URL using that handle.
For example:
- Handle: @Breadnbeyond
- Handle URL: youtube.com/@Breadnbeyond
Unlike the old /c/ custom URL system, you don’t need to create a separate custom URL. Your handle becomes part of the URL automatically.
YouTube introduced handles as a way for viewers to identify and interact with channels across the platform.
Handles can appear in comments, mentions, live chat, and Shorts, as well as in your channel URL.
From my experience working with brand channels, I also find this format easier to use in promotions.
youtube.com/@Breadnbeyond is much easier to recognize and share than a channel URL containing a long string of characters.
Can You Still Create a YouTube Custom Channel URL?
No, not anymore. When I first started working with YouTube for Breadnbeyond, custom channel URLs were a useful way to turn a long channel ID into something much easier to remember.
You could have a URL based on your brand name instead of a string of random letters and numbers.
But YouTube has since changed how personalized channel URLs work.
You can no longer create a new custom URL using the old /c/ format.
So if you’re following an older tutorial that tells you to meet certain requirements, such as having at least 100 subscribers, that information is outdated.
Instead, YouTube now uses handles to create personalized channel URLs.
For example, if your handle is @Breadnbeyond, your personalized URL is:
youtube.com/@Breadnbeyond
If you already have an older custom URL such as youtube.com/c/Breadnbeyond, you don’t need to replace it.
Existing custom URLs continue to work. You just can’t create a new one or change the existing /c/ URL.
So, if you’re starting a YouTube channel today, don’t worry about qualifying for a custom URL. Choose a handle instead.
That’s the system YouTube currently uses for personalized channel URLs.
Also read: 9 Handy Tricks to Get More YouTube Subscribers
How Do You Find Your YouTube Channel URL?
You can find your YouTube channel URL directly in YouTube Studio or from your channel page. If your channel uses a handle, the URL you’ll find will usually be your handle URL. You can also view the URLs associated with your channel through YouTube’s handle settings.
Find Your Handle URL in YouTube Studio
If you want to find your personalized YouTube channel URL, YouTube Studio gives you the most direct way:
- Sign in to YouTube Studio.
- Go to Customization.
- Select Basic info.
- Find the Handle section.
- Copy your handle URL.
You’ll see a URL based on your handle. YouTube automatically creates this URL when you choose your handle.
Find Your YouTube Channel URL From Your Channel
You can also get your channel URL directly from your channel page:
- Open your YouTube channel.
- Select Share.
- Copy the channel URL.
Depending on your channel and how you share it, the URL may appear as your handle URL. YouTube also supports ID-based channel URLs, and older personalized URLs can continue to direct people to the same channel.
Planning new videos for your YouTube channel? Talk to Breadnbeyond about your next video project
How to Change Your YouTube Handle
If you want to change your personalized YouTube channel URL, you need to change the handle associated with it. YouTube automatically creates a new handle URL when you change your handle.
Here’s how:
- Sign in to YouTube Studio.
- Go to Customization.
- Select Profile.
- Find Handle.
- Enter your new handle.
- Select Publish.
YouTube currently allows you to change your handle twice within a 14-day period.
When you change it, YouTube holds your previous handle for 14 days. During that period, both the old and new handle URLs work.
After 14 days, the previous handle can become available for another user to claim.
So if you’ve already printed your old YouTube URL on business cards, added it to your website, or used it in other marketing materials, keep that 14-day window in mind before updating everything.
Conclusion: What You Need to Know About YouTube Channel URLs
YouTube no longer allows new /c/ custom URLs, but existing ones continue to work. For new or updated channels, the handle URL is now the current personalized YouTube URL.
You can change your handle if you want a different personalized URL, and you can use that URL across your website, social media, email campaigns, and other video marketing channels.
At Breadnbeyond, we know that a YouTube channel URL is only one small part of a video marketing strategy.
If you want to turn your YouTube content into videos that are easier to understand, remember, and share, talk to our team about your next explainer video.
YouTube Custom Channel URL FAQs
1. Can I still create a YouTube custom URL?
No. YouTube no longer allows new /c/ custom URLs to be created. If you want a new personalized URL, you need to choose or change your YouTube handle instead. YouTube automatically creates a handle URL based on it.
2. Can I change my old YouTube custom URL?
No. Existing /c/ custom URLs can no longer be changed directly. If you want a different personalized URL, you can change your YouTube handle, which creates a new handle URL.
3. Do old YouTube custom URLs still work?
Yes. Existing custom URLs continue to work and can still direct viewers to your channel. YouTube also notes that legacy personalized URLs redirect users to the newer channel URL based on your handle.
4. Does a YouTube handle affect SEO?
A YouTube handle is primarily an identifier that helps people find and interact with your channel. It is not a direct ranking factor that guarantees better YouTube search visibility.
YouTube says search results are influenced by factors such as how well the title, description, and video content match a search query, along with engagement signals. So while a clear, recognizable handle can make your channel easier to identify and share, don’t treat it as an SEO shortcut.
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