Managing YouTube channels
A YouTube channel can be connected to a Google+ profile or Google+ page.
A Google+ profile is specific to just one Google Account. So a YouTube channel connected to a Google+ profile is only accessible from one account.
A Google+ page can be managed by multiple Google Accounts. Any manager account can access that Google+ page. So a YouTube channel connected to a Google+ page can be shared across multiple accounts.
In addition, a single Google Account can be a manager of multiple Google+ pages. So if you have multiple YouTube channels connected to Google+ pages, you can manage them all through one Google Account without signing out. Find out how to switch between channels you manage.
Learn how to view the all channels and pages associated with your Google Account.
Switch between channels on a Google Account
With YouTube channels connected to Google+ pages, you can manage multiple channels (up to 50) from one Google Account. However, you can only use one channel at a time. Here’s how to select the channel you want to manage:
- Click your channel icon in the top right corner of YouTube. You’ll see a list of the Google+ pages that you manage, as well as your personal Google identity. If you have over ten channels, you can choose View all to see all of your pages and channels at once.
- Click the account you want to use. If you a choose a page that doesn’t have a channel, you’ll see the option to create a channel for the page.
You’ll also see a similar list of choices when you sign in. You can always check the name and avatar in the top right corner to confirm which channel you’re using.
When you sign in from a mobile browser, you’ll see a prompt to choose which channel to use. To switch to a different channel:
- Touch the Guide icon
in the upper left corner. - Touch the current channel name at the top of the sidebar that appears.
- The Use YouTube as menu will open and you can select a different channel from the list.
in the upper left corner.When you sign in to the YouTube app on iOS or Android, you’ll see a prompt to choose which channel to use. To switch to a different channel that you own or manage, you’ll need to sign out and sign back in.
I have a channel linked to a Google+ page, but it doesn’t show in the list! This means that the Google Account you’re currently signed into is not listed as a manager of that channel’s +page. You’ll need to add your Google Account as a manager of the channel’s connected Google+ page.
View all channels on a Google Account
With Google+ pages, you can manage multiple channels from one Google Account. You can see all channels and pages associated with your Google Account:
- If you have over ten channels, click on your channel icon in the top right corner of YouTube and choose View all.
- If not, you can choose See all my channels in your account settings.
My channels
This list shows YouTube channels that are owned or managed by your Google Account. Click a channel to use YouTube as that channel.
If you want to remove a channel, you will need to delete the channel or, if it’s connected to a page, remove your Google Account from the page manager list.
Other options
Listed here are Google+ pages that are owned or managed by your Google Account but do not have a YouTube channel. Click an option to create a new YouTube channel for that page.
If you want to remove a page, you either need to remove your Google Account from the page manager list or delete the page entirely.
Note: If you see an option that shows your email address, this lets you use YouTube as a viewer without a channel. You can’t remove it, but you can use that option to create a new channel connected to your Google+ profile.
Add or remove managers of a channel
If a channel is linked to a Google+ page, then multiple people can manage the channel without sharing passwords. For someone to manage the YouTube channel, they must be listed as a manager of the linked page.
- Only the owner of the Google+ page can add or remove managers. Sign into the page owner Google Account.
- On YouTube, make sure you pick the right channel. Then go to the channel’s account settings and click Add or remove managers.
- To add a manager, enter the email address of whoever you want to be a manager. ClickInvite. Once they accept the invitation, they’ll then be able to access that channel from their own Google Account.
To remove a manager, find the manager you want to remove, and click the X by their name. They will no longer be able to access the channel from their Google Account.
Learn more about adding managers and removing managers on a Google+ page.
Transfer ownership of a channel
Each Google+ page has one owner; this owner applies to the connected YouTube channel. To transfer ownership of a channel connected to a Google+ page, you need to transfer ownership of the page itself. The person you transfer ownership to must be a manager of the page for at least one day.
- Only the current owner can transfer ownership. Sign in to the page owner Google Account.
- On YouTube, make sure you pick the right channel. Then go to the channel’s account settings and click Add or remove managers.
- Click the dropdown arrow below the person’s name and select Transfer ownership.
Learn more about transferring ownership of a Google+ page.
Set default channel for account
If your Google Account includes more than one YouTube channel, you may see a popup to choose a channel when you sign in:
If you want to always sign in directly to one channel, you can set a default channel in the popup. Just select the one you want and check Don’t ask me again. You can still easily switch to other channels on the account.
Change the default channel
To change the default channel on your Google Account:
- On a computer, sign in to YouTube with your Google Account.
- Switch to the channel you want to make the default channel.
- Go to your advanced account settings.
- Under “Default Channel” check “Use this channel (channel name) when I sign in to my <email> account.”
- Click Save.
