The Crucial Art of Selecting a YouTube Channel Name
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Classifying YouTube Channel Names: As Is or Something More?
- Does Your Name Reflect Your Content?
- Does Your Name Stand Out?
- Is Your Name Memorable?
- Strategies for Creating Channel Names
- Conclusion
Introduction
The name of your YouTube channel is the sine qua non of your online persona. It’s the one thing that will enable you to shape your identity on the platform and set the stage for your content. It pops up on your videos, your channel page, and in YouTube’s search results. It can either make you blend into the crowd or help you stand out from it.
Having an appropriate channel name is key to defining and projecting what your channel is all about. A good name encapsulates the essence of your brand and communicates it succinctly to your audience.
So how does one go about choosing a YouTube channel name? The process is less an exercise in registration and more an act of creation. Let’s delve into some best practices.
Classifying YouTube Channel Names: As Is or Something More?
In general, channel names tend to fall into one of four categories:
- Personal Name (e.g., Casey Neistat)
- Brand Name (e.g., Nike)
- Category Name (e.g., Classic Game Room)
- Descriptive Name (e.g., Epic Rap Battles)
Each category has its own unique benefits and limitations. Using your personal name for your channel is straightforward and works well if you plan on being the ‘face’ of your channel. In the case of Marie Forleo, she leveraged her strong personal brand when creating her YouTube Channel.
However, not everyone wants their personal name to be their channel name. In this case, they must consider the following important factors before they choose a fitting name.
Does Your Name Reflect Your Content?
The ideal YouTube channel name should offer an immediate insight into the type of content you produce. However, avoid sounding too literal or generic. Instead, use creativity to hint at your channel’s topic.
Consider the Video Influencers channel. The name isn’t bland but instantly communicates what the channel is about – growing a brand through video.
Does Your Name Stand Out?
Your channel name should set you apart from others on YouTube. If your prospective name is too similar to another, it may lead to confusion among viewers. For instance, ‘Action Laboratory’ could easily be mistaken for ‘The Action Lab.’ Thus, it’s essential to research potential names on YouTube and Google to ensure they aren’t already in use or too similar to existing ones.
Is Your Name Memorable?
A ‘sticky’ channel name is one that people can easily remember. The more distinctive your name is, the more likely it is to stick in people’s minds. Epic Meal Time and Crazy Russian Hacker are prime examples of memorable names that hint at what their channels are about.
Strategies for Creating Channel Names
Here are some strategies to consider when choosing a YouTube channel name:
- Avoid Numbers: A number in your channel name (CookingWithMelissa85) tends to appear autogenerated and makes your name harder to search for.
- Name Modeling: Consider successful brands on and off YouTube. What makes their names stand out? Try to emulate their successful formula with your Channel Name.
- Domain Name & Social Media Availability: Check if your prospective channel name is available as a domain name and on social media sites. Consistency across different platforms strengthens your brand.
- Keep It Simple: Opt for easy-to-pronounce and spell terms, where possible. It’s generally better to use 2-3 word phrases rather than one complicated word.
- Use Tools: If you’re stuck, tools like Shopify Business Name Generator can help spur some creativity by suggesting 100 names based on a term you input.
Conclusion
Remember, forging a YouTube identity isn’t just about creating content; it starts with picking the right name. These strategies should give you a head-start in crafting a unique brand that resonates with your audience and makes you memorable in the vast world of YouTube.