YouTube is taking a page out of Twitter’s book with a new feature. The platform has introduced @username-style handles for creators and channels. This change aims to simplify the process of mentioning creators and channels in comments, video descriptions, and community posts. Creators can now easily tag each other in collaborations, opening up new opportunities for visibility on the platform.
Unlike channel names, @usernames on YouTube will be unique. However, channel names will still be retained as a way to identify a channel. The transition to handles will be gradual, with creators being notified when they can choose their handle over the next month. Channels with personalized URLs will receive their default handle in most cases, but creators can opt out and change it later on.
Creators may feel pressured to secure their desired handle, as availability will depend on factors like YouTube presence and subscriber count. An FAQ about YouTube handles can be found online.


