Search for a channel by the creator's name

The fastest way to find a YouTube channel is to use YouTube's search bar at the top of any page. Type the creator's name exactly as you know it — if you're looking for a cooking channel by someone named Sarah Chen, type "Sarah Chen" into the search box and press Enter.

YouTube will show you results in order of relevance. Channels appear with a small play-button icon next to the name, which distinguishes them from individual videos. Click on the channel name (not a video thumbnail) to go to that creator's full channel page, where you can see all their uploads, playlists, and subscriber count.

If the name is common, you may see multiple channels. Look for verification badges — a small checkmark next to the channel name means YouTube has confirmed the creator's identity. This matters most for well-known creators, because imposter channels with similar names do exist.

Key Takeaways

  • YouTube's search bar finds channels by creator name, and clicking the channel name (not a video) takes you to the full channel page.
  • A verification badge (checkmark) next to the channel name confirms YouTube has confirmed the creator's identity.
  • You can narrow search results by clicking the "Channels" filter on the left side of the results page.
  • Subscribing to a channel adds it to your library so you see new uploads without searching again.
  • If you watched a video from a creator before, you can find their channel by clicking their name above the video title.

Use the Channels filter to narrow your results

When you search for a creator and see a mix of videos and channels in the results, click "Channels" on the left side of the page. This shows only channel pages, not individual videos, so you can skip past unrelated content.

The Channels filter is especially useful when searching for a topic rather than a person — for example, if you search "woodworking tutorials," you'll see dozens of individual videos before you see the channels that made them. Clicking Channels first saves you time by showing only the creators themselves.

Find a channel from a video you already watched

If you watched a video and want to see more from that creator, look at the video page itself. Just above the video title, you'll see the creator's name in gray text. Click on that name, and YouTube takes you directly to their channel page.

This is the easiest route if you remember watching the video but not the creator's exact name. You can also hover over the creator's name to see a preview of their channel before clicking — this shows their subscriber count and a few recent uploads, so you can confirm it's the right person.

Subscribe to channels you want to watch regularly

Once you find a channel you like, click the "Subscribe" button on the channel page. This adds the channel to your library and sends you notifications when the creator uploads new videos (if you have notifications turned on).

Subscriptions are free and don't require a separate account or payment. When you're signed into your YouTube account, your subscriptions follow you across all your devices — phone, tablet, and computer. You can see all your subscriptions by clicking "Subscriptions" in the left menu on YouTube's home page.

Search by topic if you don't know the creator's name

If you're looking for channels about a specific subject but don't have a creator in mind, search for the topic itself — "guitar lessons," "true crime," "budget cooking," or whatever interests you. Use the Channels filter to see only creator pages, not individual videos.

YouTube will rank channels by how many subscribers they have and how recently they've uploaded. The channels at the top of the results usually have more viewers, but that doesn't always mean they're the best fit for you. Watch a video or two from a few different channels to see which teaching style or approach you prefer.

Check a creator's other accounts and websites

Many creators link to their other social media accounts, websites, or email from their YouTube channel. Look at the "About" section on the channel page — this usually contains links to Instagram, Twitter, a personal website, or a newsletter signup.

This matters if you want to follow a creator across multiple platforms or contact them directly. Some creators are more active on Instagram or TikTok than on YouTube, so checking their other accounts tells you where they post most often.

Use YouTube's recommendation system to discover related channels

When you're watching a video, YouTube shows related videos in a column on the right side of the screen (on a computer) or below the video (on a phone). These recommendations often come from channels similar to the one you're watching.

You can also scroll down on a channel's main page to see "Recommended channels" — these are creators YouTube thinks you might like based on the channel you're viewing. This is a good way to find new channels in the same category without searching.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can't find a channel I watched before?

Check your watch history: click your profile picture in the top right, then "History." This shows every video you've watched, and you can click the creator's name from any video to reach their channel. If the channel was deleted, it won't appear in search results anymore.

Can I find a channel if I only remember one video from it?

Yes. Search for a specific phrase or detail you remember from the video — the topic, a word from the title, or something the creator said. When you find the video, click the creator's name above the title to go to their channel.

Why do some channels have a checkmark next to the name?

The checkmark means YouTube has confirmed the creator's identity. This protects you from imposter channels with similar names. Well-known creators, public figures, and some established channels have verification badges.

Do I have to subscribe to watch a channel's videos?

No. You can watch any public channel's videos without subscribing. Subscribing just adds the channel to your library and notifies you when new videos upload. It's optional and free.

Can I search for channels by topic on YouTube?

Yes. Type the topic into the search bar, then click "Channels" on the left side to see only creator pages. YouTube ranks them by subscriber count and upload frequency, though the most popular channel isn't always the best match for what you're looking for.