Users will now be able to easily identify YouTube creators by their username, and include them in popular comments, community posts, video descriptions, and other sections of YouTube that enable user interaction. However, handles will be available across the platform, which will, according to Google, help develop a distinct appearance and brand on YouTube.
We want to ensure that artists can develop an identity as unique as their content, while giving viewers the confidence that they are engaging with their favourite creators. YouTube has announced the introduction of handles on its platform, which is intended to help reduce impersonator accounts that have become widespread on YouTube. It''s worth noting that usernames are already supported on TikTok and Instagram.
According to a blogpost, handles will be distributed gradually to YouTube users starting this week. It is launching a handles gradually, because they will be unique, and every channel on YouTube will have one.
According to YouTube, users will receive a notification when they will be eligible to choose a handle name for themselves. Eligibility for handles will be determined by factors including overall presence on the platform, subscriber count, and whether the channel is active.
Users who have already created a personalized URL for their YouTube channels will receive the URL extension as their handle name by default. According to the company, users may choose to modify this once it receives an eligibility notification to claim their desired handle name.