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New to YouTube? You’re in the right place.

Find everything you need to get started as a creator, from setting up your channel to uploading your first video in YouTube Studio. You’ve got this—and we can’t wait to see what you create.

First, let’s get your channel up and running

Start your channel
Set up channel basics
Explore YouTube Studio

Start your channel

Start your channel
on YouTube

  • 1 Sign in to YouTube using a Google account.
  • 2 Click your profile picture and then Settings.
  • 3 Click Create a new channel.
  • 4 Choose a profile picture, name, and handle.
  • 5 Click Create channel.

Set up channel basics

Now, set up your
channel basics

  • 1 Click Customize channel in YouTube Studio.
  • 2 Click Upload to add your banner image. This shows at the top of your channel and can include graphics, short text, or even your upload schedule.
  • 3 Upload your profile picture, if you haven’t already.
  • 4 Enter a description to tell viewers what your channel is about and what they can expect.
  • 5 (Optional) Add links to your website or socials, and a contact email so people can easily reach you.
PRO TIP

Customize your branding

Your channel name, profile picture, banner, and trailer all work together to create your brand. They help viewers recognize you at a glance, understand your vibe, and feel more connected to your content. You can update any of these anytime in Studio.

ResourcesHelpful Resources

YouTube Creators channel

Banner & profile picture tips

Choosing a channel name

Resources-iconHelpful Resources

YouTube Creators channel

Banner & profile picture tips

Choosing a channel name

Explore YouTube Studio

Get to know
YouTube Studio

YouTube Studio is home base for creators. This is where you’ll post, add metadata, pull analytics, get messages from YouTube, and more. It’s also where you can track your progress toward eligibility in the YouTube Partner Program.

Explore YouTube Studio

Helpful resources

Learn more about YouTube Studio

Resources-icon Helpful resources

Learn more about YouTube Studio

Get the Studio app

Use the Studio mobile app to manage your channel on the go. It’s useful for things like checking your stats, responding to comments, and publishing and managing your videos from your phone.

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Apple Store Light Button

Start your channel

Start your channel
on YouTube

  • 1 Sign in to YouTube using a Google account.
  • 2Click your profile picture and then Settings.
  • 3Click Create a new channel.
  • 4Choose a profile picture, name, and handle.
  • 5Click Create channel.

Set up channel basics

Now, set up your
channel basics

  • 1 Click Customize channel in YouTube Studio.
  • 2 Click Upload to add your banner image. This shows at the top of your channel and can include graphics, short text, or even your upload schedule.
  • 3 Upload your profile picture, if you haven’t already.
  • 4 Enter a description to tell viewers what your channel is about and what they can expect.
  • 5 (Optional) Add links to your website or socials, and a contact email so people can easily reach you.
PRO TIPS

Customize your branding

Your channel name, profile picture, banner, and trailer all work together to create your brand. They help viewers recognize you at a glance, understand your vibe, and feel more connected to your content. You can update any of these anytime in Studio.

ResourcesHelpful Resources

YouTube Creators channel

Banner & profile picture tips

Choosing a channel name

Resources-iconHelpful Resources

YouTube Creators channel

Banner & profile picture tips

Choosing a channel name

Explore YouTube Studio

Get to know
YouTube Studio

YouTube Studio is home base for creators. This is where you’ll post, add metadata, pull analytics, get messages from YouTube, and more. It’s also where you can track your progress toward eligibility in the YouTube Partner Program.

Explore YouTube Studio

Helpful resources

Learn more about YouTube Studio

Resources-icon Helpful resources

Learn more about YouTube Studio

Get the Studio app

Use the Studio mobile app to manage your channel on the go. It’s useful for things like checking your stats, responding to comments, and publishing and managing your videos from your phone.

Google Play Button Dark
Apple Store Button Dark
Google Play Light Icon
Apple Store Light Button

Why YouTube is the best place to create

  • Tell more of your story

    Share your authentic voice with more formats than any other platform.

  • Connect with fans

    Build deeper connections on the world’s most engaged community.

  • Build a sustainable career

    Choose from monetization options to make money in a way that works for you.

Ready to share your story?
Let’s do this.

Start your channel

Creator success on YouTube

Erin breaks down how easy it is to start creating with YouTube Shorts and publish your first video, fast.
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@ErinonDemand
Ashley’s advice for beginners: be yourself, post Shorts, stay consistent... and just start.
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@urmomashley
Learn Joe’s simple tricks for new YouTube creators, from thumbnail framing to linking Shorts and longform videos.
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@rillotv
Sandra’s biggest tip for getting started on YouTube: don’t overthink it. Just post and have fun.
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@jeenie.weenie
Proof that dreams do come true. Nyadollie shares how she transformed her life from financial struggle to finding her voice and community.
Avatar for @Nyadollie
@Nyadollie
Gabrielle shows us that creating with Shorts is simple: film, upload, edit, and watch your channel grow. If she can do it, so can you.
Avatar for @gabschase
@gabschase
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Kelsey’s Shorts routine and learn how YouTube tools help her improve every video.
Avatar for @kelseydangerous
@kelseydangerous
Brandon shares how YouTube helped him rebuild his life, from homelessness to thriving. One video at a time.
Avatar for @ThisisTechToday
@ThisisTechToday
Christie reflects on her journey from her first YouTube makeup video to a million-strong community.
Avatar for @christxiee
@christxiee
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Already have a channel?

From Shorts to live streams, there are lots of ways to YouTube.
Explore formats and start creating.
Explore formats

Your creator guide to YouTube

Get started
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Get the Studio app

Get it on Google Play (opens in a new tab) Download on the App Store (opens in a new tab)

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