Where to find your channel ID in YouTube settings

Your YouTube channel ID is a unique string of numbers and letters that identifies your channel across the platform. You can find it in two places: your channel settings or your channel URL. The quickest route is through settings, which takes about 30 seconds.

Sign in to YouTube and click your profile picture in the top right corner. Select Create a channel if you haven't made one yet, or Settings if you have. On the left menu, click Basic info. Your channel ID appears on this page under your channel name — it looks like a long string starting with "UC" followed by random characters.

If you don't see a settings option, you may be signed into a Google Account that doesn't have a YouTube channel attached. Create a channel first by clicking your profile picture and selecting Create a channel, then follow the steps above.

Finding your channel ID from your channel URL

Your channel ID is also embedded in your channel's web address. Go to your channel by clicking your profile picture and selecting View your channel. Look at the address bar at the top of your browser.

If the URL reads something like youtube.com/c/YourChannelName or youtube.com/@YourChannelName, you have a custom URL. Your channel ID is not visible in this address. You'll need to use the settings method above instead.

If the URL reads youtube.com/channel/UC... followed by a long string of characters, that entire string after "channel/" is your channel ID. Copy it directly from the address bar.

Key Takeaways

  • Your channel ID is a unique identifier starting with "UC" that you can find in YouTube Settings under Basic Info.
  • If your channel has a custom URL (like youtube.com/@YourName), your channel ID won't appear in the address bar and you must check settings instead.
  • The channel ID is different from your channel name or custom URL and is used by third-party tools and YouTube's own features.
  • Once you copy your channel ID, you can paste it into any tool or form that requests it without needing to return to YouTube.

Why you need your channel ID

Third-party tools often ask for your channel ID to connect to your YouTube account. These tools might help you schedule posts, track viewer statistics, or manage comments across multiple channels. Giving a tool your channel ID is safer than giving it your password, because you can revoke the connection anytime without changing your login.

YouTube's own features sometimes require your channel ID too. If you're embedding a video player on a website, setting up YouTube notifications, or using YouTube's API for a project, you'll need this ID. It's the permanent way to reference your channel, even if you change your channel name or custom URL later.

Keeping your channel ID private or public

Your channel ID is not sensitive information in the way a password is. It's visible to anyone who visits your channel and looks at the URL. You can safely share it with tools you trust or with people who need to reference your channel.

However, only share your channel ID with services you recognize and trust. If a website asks for your channel ID and also asks for your password, that's a warning sign — legitimate tools never need your password. Stick to official YouTube settings and well-known third-party services with good reviews.

What to do if you can't find your channel ID

If you've followed the settings steps and still don't see a channel ID, you may not have a YouTube channel yet. A Google Account and a YouTube channel are separate things. You can have a Google Account without a YouTube channel.

To create a channel, sign into YouTube, click your profile picture, and select Create a channel. Choose a channel name and click Create. Once the channel is created, the channel ID will appear in Settings under Basic Info within a few minutes.

If you have multiple Google Accounts, make sure you're signed into the right one. Click your profile picture and check which email address is shown. If it's not the account you want, click the email and switch to the correct account, then repeat the settings steps.

Using your channel ID with other platforms

Many social media management tools ask for your channel ID to connect your YouTube channel. When you paste your channel ID into one of these tools, you're usually asked to approve the connection — this is normal and safe. The tool can then read information about your channel without needing your password.

Some website builders also ask for your channel ID if you want to embed a YouTube feed on your site. Paste your channel ID into the tool's settings, and it will pull your latest videos or channel information directly from YouTube. This keeps your site updated automatically without you having to manually change anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my channel ID the same as my channel name?

No. Your channel name is what people see and can change anytime. Your channel ID is a permanent string of characters that never changes, even if you rename your channel. Tools use the channel ID because it stays the same, while the name might not.

Can I change my channel ID?

No, your channel ID is permanent and cannot be changed. It's assigned when you create your channel and stays with it forever. If you need a different ID, you would have to create a new channel, which is not practical for most people.

What's the difference between a channel ID and a custom URL?

A custom URL is a short, readable web address you can set up (like youtube.com/@YourName), while a channel ID is a permanent technical identifier. You can change your custom URL, but your channel ID never changes. Not all channels have custom URLs, but all channels have channel IDs.

Is it safe to give my channel ID to a third-party tool?

Yes, as long as the tool is from a company you recognize. Your channel ID is not secret — it's visible in your channel URL. Never give a tool your password, but sharing your channel ID is safe. You can always disconnect the tool from your YouTube account later in your Settings.

Why does the settings page show different information than my URL?

If you set up a custom URL, YouTube displays that instead of your channel ID in the address bar. The channel ID still exists and is shown in Settings — it's just hidden from the URL for readability. Both refer to the same channel.