Streamlining the Production Process of Your Short Videos

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YouTube streaming service has kept online users glued to their screens. You can access and share videos and music from any part of the world. Users resolve to YouTube for personal and business affairs. You can use it for a tutorial, promotional event, or just share the fun with other users. Several avenues are available for users to post and share their minds worldwide. So far, it has rolled out a short-form video service, Shorts, which was initially inspired by TikTok.

With Shorts, you can shoot videos, edit, and upload them for your audience. However, YouTube shorts not showing is a common issue for those wishing to share their videos in regular channel feed. You might be wondering how to solve such issues when pushed to the wall. Check out possible solutions in the next section. But first, let’s find out what really are YouTube Shorts.

In this article

01 What is YouTube Shorts?

02 Where can I find YouTube Shorts?

03 Here are the solutions for YouTube Common Issues

What is YouTube Shorts?

YouTube Shorts is an app that you can use to shoot and share short-form videos using your mobile phone. Furthermore, you can record and edit your videos as well as music overlays and video segmenting abilities. Viewers will access the videos for 60 seconds or less but will remain on your channel, unlike Stories that disappear after a short while. It was first released in September 2020, having started in the US and India. It has so far encroached many countries and is currently accessed by 6 billion users in over 100 countries.

Where can I find YouTube Shorts?

Many users are curious about how to make full use of YouTube Shorts. You can get the Short at the bottom of the YouTube app on either the homepage or on their channel page.

Is YouTube Shorts available on Google Play or App Store?

No. Unlike other streaming apps, you can’t find YouTube app on Google Play or App Store as it is not a standalone service. YouTube Shorts are found within the service’s main mobile app. It is, therefore, accessible from the YouTube app on your computer or phone at the bottom of the screen.

How to access YouTube Shorts on YouTube app

1. First, go to the YouTube app at the bottom of the screen to find the “Shorts” button.
2. You’ll then see a selection of thumbnails that harbors popular Shorts.
3. Choose any video then click on it to bring you into the vertical video player.
4. You can then watch the clip and like or dislike the video as it plays. Just use the “thumbs up” or “down” icon. Likewise, you can share and subscribe to the “Short creator’s” channel.

How to create YouTube Shorts

Do you wish to create YouTube Shorts but you don’t know how to? Here’s the kicker!

Step 1. You first need to install the YouTube app on your device then sign in to your account.

Step 2. Now, tap on the “Create” button. The icon is a “+” symbol in the bottom center of the screen.

Step 3. A pop-up window will open. Tap the “Create a Short” tab. If prompted, allow YouTube to use your phone’s camera and microphone.

Step 4. You’ll then land on the “YouTube Shorts” recording page.

Step 5. Set the length to 60 seconds and bellow. You have the option to slow down or speed up the recording by tapping the “Speed” icon on the right.

Step 6. Likewise, set a time for the camera to start recording automatically. Check below the “Speed” for the “Timer” for setting.

Step 7. Go ahead to edit your Short before posting. You can use “Filters” to apply visual effects.

Step 8. When your camera is set, hit the “Record” button. You can stop the recording by tapping on the Record button, then resume as you wish.

Step 9. Tap on the “Checkmark” when you are done recording. You can add some music and text as well. Then tap on the “Next” button to finish the recording.

Step 10. Then add a title and adjust “Sharing” settings. Also, add the “#shorts” to the title to make it promotional together with other Shorts videos.

Step 11. Finally, tap the “Upload” tab to add your “Shorts” to YouTube.

Here are the solutions for YouTube Common Issues

Since YouTube Shorts is still in the “Beta” mode, users are likely to experience issues while using it. Below are some fixes for YouTube shorts common issues like YouTube Shorts not showing up, unable to post video to YouTube Shorts and etc.

Solution 1. Update YouTube app

Remember apps are ever on the upgrade mode. You are likely to face some connection issues if you are operating on an older version. Here’s is how to update the YouTube app on your Android or iPhone device.

On Android device

1. Launch Google Play Store.
2. Next, tap on the “three diagonal lines” at the top section of your screen.
3. Then select the “My Apps & Games” option.
4. Search for YouTube app and tap on the “Update” button.

On iOS device

1. Open the “App Store”
2. Tap on your “Profile” icon.
3. Then tap on the “Update” tab to fix the issue.

On your computer

1. Search for YouTube streaming app from the Google Play Store.
2. Here, you’ll see an update button in case your app needs an update.
3. Next, click on the “Update” button and wait for the update to complete.
4. Launch YouTube once more and see whether the YouTube Shorts not showing issue is resolved.

Solution 2. Clear Cache

A corrupt system may also cause issues with the normal operation of your application.

1. Go to the “Settings” button on your phone.
2. Then go to the “Apps” section and tap on “All Apps”
3. Select the “YouTube” app from the list.
4. Next, go to the “App Settings” and click on the “Storage” section.
5. Tap on the “Clear cache and data” option.
6. Finally, relaunch the YouTube app and check whether the issue is resolved.

Solution 3. Check if Shorts is available in your country

Remember that “Shorts” isn’t available in all the countries yet. So, you can confirm whether it is already in your country. If not, you can bypass GEO restrictions by using free VPNs.

1. First, download and install a VPN app.
2. Next, select the USA or India server location to fake a GPS location.
3. Then clear the cache from the YouTube app and click it open.
4. You should now find the option to view and even upload Shorts from your device.

Solution 4. Ensure your video is set as YouTube Shorts

Your video should be set as YouTube Shorts before posting.

1. Identify the video that you wish to post.
2. Add the “#shorts” in your title and description.
3. See that each video is up to 60 seconds only.
4. Post the video and see whether the issue isn’t reoccurring.

Conclusion

It’s a nice feeling to learn how to upload YouTube Shorts and share the fun with others worldwide. However, you may experience YouTube Shorts not showing due to restrictions in your country or other issues. We have tackled adequate solutions to solve such scenarios and make your Shorts go online. Nonetheless, check out the steps to access and create YouTube Shorts in just a few steps.

Try It Free Try It Free

YouTube streaming service has kept online users glued to their screens. You can access and share videos and music from any part of the world. Users resolve to YouTube for personal and business affairs. You can use it for a tutorial, promotional event, or just share the fun with other users. Several avenues are available for users to post and share their minds worldwide. So far, it has rolled out a short-form video service, Shorts, which was initially inspired by TikTok.

With Shorts, you can shoot videos, edit, and upload them for your audience. However, YouTube shorts not showing is a common issue for those wishing to share their videos in regular channel feed. You might be wondering how to solve such issues when pushed to the wall. Check out possible solutions in the next section. But first, let’s find out what really are YouTube Shorts.

In this article

01 What is YouTube Shorts?

02 Where can I find YouTube Shorts?

03 Here are the solutions for YouTube Common Issues

What is YouTube Shorts?

YouTube Shorts is an app that you can use to shoot and share short-form videos using your mobile phone. Furthermore, you can record and edit your videos as well as music overlays and video segmenting abilities. Viewers will access the videos for 60 seconds or less but will remain on your channel, unlike Stories that disappear after a short while. It was first released in September 2020, having started in the US and India. It has so far encroached many countries and is currently accessed by 6 billion users in over 100 countries.

Where can I find YouTube Shorts?

Many users are curious about how to make full use of YouTube Shorts. You can get the Short at the bottom of the YouTube app on either the homepage or on their channel page.

Is YouTube Shorts available on Google Play or App Store?

No. Unlike other streaming apps, you can’t find YouTube app on Google Play or App Store as it is not a standalone service. YouTube Shorts are found within the service’s main mobile app. It is, therefore, accessible from the YouTube app on your computer or phone at the bottom of the screen.

How to access YouTube Shorts on YouTube app

1. First, go to the YouTube app at the bottom of the screen to find the “Shorts” button.
2. You’ll then see a selection of thumbnails that harbors popular Shorts.
3. Choose any video then click on it to bring you into the vertical video player.
4. You can then watch the clip and like or dislike the video as it plays. Just use the “thumbs up” or “down” icon. Likewise, you can share and subscribe to the “Short creator’s” channel.

How to create YouTube Shorts

Do you wish to create YouTube Shorts but you don’t know how to? Here’s the kicker!

Step 1. You first need to install the YouTube app on your device then sign in to your account.

Step 2. Now, tap on the “Create” button. The icon is a “+” symbol in the bottom center of the screen.

Step 3. A pop-up window will open. Tap the “Create a Short” tab. If prompted, allow YouTube to use your phone’s camera and microphone.

Step 4. You’ll then land on the “YouTube Shorts” recording page.

Step 5. Set the length to 60 seconds and bellow. You have the option to slow down or speed up the recording by tapping the “Speed” icon on the right.

Step 6. Likewise, set a time for the camera to start recording automatically. Check below the “Speed” for the “Timer” for setting.

Step 7. Go ahead to edit your Short before posting. You can use “Filters” to apply visual effects.

Step 8. When your camera is set, hit the “Record” button. You can stop the recording by tapping on the Record button, then resume as you wish.

Step 9. Tap on the “Checkmark” when you are done recording. You can add some music and text as well. Then tap on the “Next” button to finish the recording.

Step 10. Then add a title and adjust “Sharing” settings. Also, add the “#shorts” to the title to make it promotional together with other Shorts videos.

Step 11. Finally, tap the “Upload” tab to add your “Shorts” to YouTube.

Here are the solutions for YouTube Common Issues

Since YouTube Shorts is still in the “Beta” mode, users are likely to experience issues while using it. Below are some fixes for YouTube shorts common issues like YouTube Shorts not showing up, unable to post video to YouTube Shorts and etc.

Solution 1. Update YouTube app

Remember apps are ever on the upgrade mode. You are likely to face some connection issues if you are operating on an older version. Here’s is how to update the YouTube app on your Android or iPhone device.

On Android device

1. Launch Google Play Store.
2. Next, tap on the “three diagonal lines” at the top section of your screen.
3. Then select the “My Apps & Games” option.
4. Search for YouTube app and tap on the “Update” button.

On iOS device

1. Open the “App Store”
2. Tap on your “Profile” icon.
3. Then tap on the “Update” tab to fix the issue.

On your computer

1. Search for YouTube streaming app from the Google Play Store.
2. Here, you’ll see an update button in case your app needs an update.
3. Next, click on the “Update” button and wait for the update to complete.
4. Launch YouTube once more and see whether the YouTube Shorts not showing issue is resolved.

Solution 2. Clear Cache

A corrupt system may also cause issues with the normal operation of your application.

1. Go to the “Settings” button on your phone.
2. Then go to the “Apps” section and tap on “All Apps”
3. Select the “YouTube” app from the list.
4. Next, go to the “App Settings” and click on the “Storage” section.
5. Tap on the “Clear cache and data” option.
6. Finally, relaunch the YouTube app and check whether the issue is resolved.

Solution 3. Check if Shorts is available in your country

Remember that “Shorts” isn’t available in all the countries yet. So, you can confirm whether it is already in your country. If not, you can bypass GEO restrictions by using free VPNs.

1. First, download and install a VPN app.
2. Next, select the USA or India server location to fake a GPS location.
3. Then clear the cache from the YouTube app and click it open.
4. You should now find the option to view and even upload Shorts from your device.

Solution 4. Ensure your video is set as YouTube Shorts

Your video should be set as YouTube Shorts before posting.

1. Identify the video that you wish to post.
2. Add the “#shorts” in your title and description.
3. See that each video is up to 60 seconds only.
4. Post the video and see whether the issue isn’t reoccurring.

Conclusion

It’s a nice feeling to learn how to upload YouTube Shorts and share the fun with others worldwide. However, you may experience YouTube Shorts not showing due to restrictions in your country or other issues. We have tackled adequate solutions to solve such scenarios and make your Shorts go online. Nonetheless, check out the steps to access and create YouTube Shorts in just a few steps.

Try It Free Try It Free

YouTube streaming service has kept online users glued to their screens. You can access and share videos and music from any part of the world. Users resolve to YouTube for personal and business affairs. You can use it for a tutorial, promotional event, or just share the fun with other users. Several avenues are available for users to post and share their minds worldwide. So far, it has rolled out a short-form video service, Shorts, which was initially inspired by TikTok.

With Shorts, you can shoot videos, edit, and upload them for your audience. However, YouTube shorts not showing is a common issue for those wishing to share their videos in regular channel feed. You might be wondering how to solve such issues when pushed to the wall. Check out possible solutions in the next section. But first, let’s find out what really are YouTube Shorts.

In this article

01 What is YouTube Shorts?

02 Where can I find YouTube Shorts?

03 Here are the solutions for YouTube Common Issues

What is YouTube Shorts?

YouTube Shorts is an app that you can use to shoot and share short-form videos using your mobile phone. Furthermore, you can record and edit your videos as well as music overlays and video segmenting abilities. Viewers will access the videos for 60 seconds or less but will remain on your channel, unlike Stories that disappear after a short while. It was first released in September 2020, having started in the US and India. It has so far encroached many countries and is currently accessed by 6 billion users in over 100 countries.

Where can I find YouTube Shorts?

Many users are curious about how to make full use of YouTube Shorts. You can get the Short at the bottom of the YouTube app on either the homepage or on their channel page.

Is YouTube Shorts available on Google Play or App Store?

No. Unlike other streaming apps, you can’t find YouTube app on Google Play or App Store as it is not a standalone service. YouTube Shorts are found within the service’s main mobile app. It is, therefore, accessible from the YouTube app on your computer or phone at the bottom of the screen.

How to access YouTube Shorts on YouTube app

1. First, go to the YouTube app at the bottom of the screen to find the “Shorts” button.
2. You’ll then see a selection of thumbnails that harbors popular Shorts.
3. Choose any video then click on it to bring you into the vertical video player.
4. You can then watch the clip and like or dislike the video as it plays. Just use the “thumbs up” or “down” icon. Likewise, you can share and subscribe to the “Short creator’s” channel.

How to create YouTube Shorts

Do you wish to create YouTube Shorts but you don’t know how to? Here’s the kicker!

Step 1. You first need to install the YouTube app on your device then sign in to your account.

Step 2. Now, tap on the “Create” button. The icon is a “+” symbol in the bottom center of the screen.

Step 3. A pop-up window will open. Tap the “Create a Short” tab. If prompted, allow YouTube to use your phone’s camera and microphone.

Step 4. You’ll then land on the “YouTube Shorts” recording page.

Step 5. Set the length to 60 seconds and bellow. You have the option to slow down or speed up the recording by tapping the “Speed” icon on the right.

Step 6. Likewise, set a time for the camera to start recording automatically. Check below the “Speed” for the “Timer” for setting.

Step 7. Go ahead to edit your Short before posting. You can use “Filters” to apply visual effects.

Step 8. When your camera is set, hit the “Record” button. You can stop the recording by tapping on the Record button, then resume as you wish.

Step 9. Tap on the “Checkmark” when you are done recording. You can add some music and text as well. Then tap on the “Next” button to finish the recording.

Step 10. Then add a title and adjust “Sharing” settings. Also, add the “#shorts” to the title to make it promotional together with other Shorts videos.

Step 11. Finally, tap the “Upload” tab to add your “Shorts” to YouTube.

Here are the solutions for YouTube Common Issues

Since YouTube Shorts is still in the “Beta” mode, users are likely to experience issues while using it. Below are some fixes for YouTube shorts common issues like YouTube Shorts not showing up, unable to post video to YouTube Shorts and etc.

Solution 1. Update YouTube app

Remember apps are ever on the upgrade mode. You are likely to face some connection issues if you are operating on an older version. Here’s is how to update the YouTube app on your Android or iPhone device.

On Android device

1. Launch Google Play Store.
2. Next, tap on the “three diagonal lines” at the top section of your screen.
3. Then select the “My Apps & Games” option.
4. Search for YouTube app and tap on the “Update” button.

On iOS device

1. Open the “App Store”
2. Tap on your “Profile” icon.
3. Then tap on the “Update” tab to fix the issue.

On your computer

1. Search for YouTube streaming app from the Google Play Store.
2. Here, you’ll see an update button in case your app needs an update.
3. Next, click on the “Update” button and wait for the update to complete.
4. Launch YouTube once more and see whether the YouTube Shorts not showing issue is resolved.

Solution 2. Clear Cache

A corrupt system may also cause issues with the normal operation of your application.

1. Go to the “Settings” button on your phone.
2. Then go to the “Apps” section and tap on “All Apps”
3. Select the “YouTube” app from the list.
4. Next, go to the “App Settings” and click on the “Storage” section.
5. Tap on the “Clear cache and data” option.
6. Finally, relaunch the YouTube app and check whether the issue is resolved.

Solution 3. Check if Shorts is available in your country

Remember that “Shorts” isn’t available in all the countries yet. So, you can confirm whether it is already in your country. If not, you can bypass GEO restrictions by using free VPNs.

1. First, download and install a VPN app.
2. Next, select the USA or India server location to fake a GPS location.
3. Then clear the cache from the YouTube app and click it open.
4. You should now find the option to view and even upload Shorts from your device.

Solution 4. Ensure your video is set as YouTube Shorts

Your video should be set as YouTube Shorts before posting.

1. Identify the video that you wish to post.
2. Add the “#shorts” in your title and description.
3. See that each video is up to 60 seconds only.
4. Post the video and see whether the issue isn’t reoccurring.

Conclusion

It’s a nice feeling to learn how to upload YouTube Shorts and share the fun with others worldwide. However, you may experience YouTube Shorts not showing due to restrictions in your country or other issues. We have tackled adequate solutions to solve such scenarios and make your Shorts go online. Nonetheless, check out the steps to access and create YouTube Shorts in just a few steps.

Try It Free Try It Free

YouTube streaming service has kept online users glued to their screens. You can access and share videos and music from any part of the world. Users resolve to YouTube for personal and business affairs. You can use it for a tutorial, promotional event, or just share the fun with other users. Several avenues are available for users to post and share their minds worldwide. So far, it has rolled out a short-form video service, Shorts, which was initially inspired by TikTok.

With Shorts, you can shoot videos, edit, and upload them for your audience. However, YouTube shorts not showing is a common issue for those wishing to share their videos in regular channel feed. You might be wondering how to solve such issues when pushed to the wall. Check out possible solutions in the next section. But first, let’s find out what really are YouTube Shorts.

In this article

01 What is YouTube Shorts?

02 Where can I find YouTube Shorts?

03 Here are the solutions for YouTube Common Issues

What is YouTube Shorts?

YouTube Shorts is an app that you can use to shoot and share short-form videos using your mobile phone. Furthermore, you can record and edit your videos as well as music overlays and video segmenting abilities. Viewers will access the videos for 60 seconds or less but will remain on your channel, unlike Stories that disappear after a short while. It was first released in September 2020, having started in the US and India. It has so far encroached many countries and is currently accessed by 6 billion users in over 100 countries.

Where can I find YouTube Shorts?

Many users are curious about how to make full use of YouTube Shorts. You can get the Short at the bottom of the YouTube app on either the homepage or on their channel page.

Is YouTube Shorts available on Google Play or App Store?

No. Unlike other streaming apps, you can’t find YouTube app on Google Play or App Store as it is not a standalone service. YouTube Shorts are found within the service’s main mobile app. It is, therefore, accessible from the YouTube app on your computer or phone at the bottom of the screen.

How to access YouTube Shorts on YouTube app

1. First, go to the YouTube app at the bottom of the screen to find the “Shorts” button.
2. You’ll then see a selection of thumbnails that harbors popular Shorts.
3. Choose any video then click on it to bring you into the vertical video player.
4. You can then watch the clip and like or dislike the video as it plays. Just use the “thumbs up” or “down” icon. Likewise, you can share and subscribe to the “Short creator’s” channel.

How to create YouTube Shorts

Do you wish to create YouTube Shorts but you don’t know how to? Here’s the kicker!

Step 1. You first need to install the YouTube app on your device then sign in to your account.

Step 2. Now, tap on the “Create” button. The icon is a “+” symbol in the bottom center of the screen.

Step 3. A pop-up window will open. Tap the “Create a Short” tab. If prompted, allow YouTube to use your phone’s camera and microphone.

Step 4. You’ll then land on the “YouTube Shorts” recording page.

Step 5. Set the length to 60 seconds and bellow. You have the option to slow down or speed up the recording by tapping the “Speed” icon on the right.

Step 6. Likewise, set a time for the camera to start recording automatically. Check below the “Speed” for the “Timer” for setting.

Step 7. Go ahead to edit your Short before posting. You can use “Filters” to apply visual effects.

Step 8. When your camera is set, hit the “Record” button. You can stop the recording by tapping on the Record button, then resume as you wish.

Step 9. Tap on the “Checkmark” when you are done recording. You can add some music and text as well. Then tap on the “Next” button to finish the recording.

Step 10. Then add a title and adjust “Sharing” settings. Also, add the “#shorts” to the title to make it promotional together with other Shorts videos.

Step 11. Finally, tap the “Upload” tab to add your “Shorts” to YouTube.

Here are the solutions for YouTube Common Issues

Since YouTube Shorts is still in the “Beta” mode, users are likely to experience issues while using it. Below are some fixes for YouTube shorts common issues like YouTube Shorts not showing up, unable to post video to YouTube Shorts and etc.

Solution 1. Update YouTube app

Remember apps are ever on the upgrade mode. You are likely to face some connection issues if you are operating on an older version. Here’s is how to update the YouTube app on your Android or iPhone device.

On Android device

1. Launch Google Play Store.
2. Next, tap on the “three diagonal lines” at the top section of your screen.
3. Then select the “My Apps & Games” option.
4. Search for YouTube app and tap on the “Update” button.

On iOS device

1. Open the “App Store”
2. Tap on your “Profile” icon.
3. Then tap on the “Update” tab to fix the issue.

On your computer

1. Search for YouTube streaming app from the Google Play Store.
2. Here, you’ll see an update button in case your app needs an update.
3. Next, click on the “Update” button and wait for the update to complete.
4. Launch YouTube once more and see whether the YouTube Shorts not showing issue is resolved.

Solution 2. Clear Cache

A corrupt system may also cause issues with the normal operation of your application.

1. Go to the “Settings” button on your phone.
2. Then go to the “Apps” section and tap on “All Apps”
3. Select the “YouTube” app from the list.
4. Next, go to the “App Settings” and click on the “Storage” section.
5. Tap on the “Clear cache and data” option.
6. Finally, relaunch the YouTube app and check whether the issue is resolved.

Solution 3. Check if Shorts is available in your country

Remember that “Shorts” isn’t available in all the countries yet. So, you can confirm whether it is already in your country. If not, you can bypass GEO restrictions by using free VPNs.

1. First, download and install a VPN app.
2. Next, select the USA or India server location to fake a GPS location.
3. Then clear the cache from the YouTube app and click it open.
4. You should now find the option to view and even upload Shorts from your device.

Solution 4. Ensure your video is set as YouTube Shorts

Your video should be set as YouTube Shorts before posting.

1. Identify the video that you wish to post.
2. Add the “#shorts” in your title and description.
3. See that each video is up to 60 seconds only.
4. Post the video and see whether the issue isn’t reoccurring.

Conclusion

It’s a nice feeling to learn how to upload YouTube Shorts and share the fun with others worldwide. However, you may experience YouTube Shorts not showing due to restrictions in your country or other issues. We have tackled adequate solutions to solve such scenarios and make your Shorts go online. Nonetheless, check out the steps to access and create YouTube Shorts in just a few steps.

Strategic Branding Techniques for Higher YouTube Followings

How to Brand Your YouTube Channel to Get More Subscribers

Shanoon Cox

Nov 01, 2022• Proven solutions

0

Epic Meal Time. Michelle Phan. Peter McKinnon. When you think of each of these YouTube creators, what comes to mind? The feelings and thoughts you have are vastly different because each one of these channels has its own unique branding.

Epic Meal Time’s YouTube brand is in-your-face and intense. It pumps you full of adrenaline and increases your heart rate.

Michelle Phan’s YouTube brand is calm, whimsical, and aspirational.

The color palette she chose is pleasing to the eyes and doesn’t evoke any of the stress we get from Epic Meal Time.

They have different branding because they want to reflect different feelings for different audiences.

Bad Branding Causes Mistrust

When a branding element does not align with the message or the tone does not match with the material, then the audience is not going to trust what you offer. Without trust, you won’t be able to get the advocacy that is essential for a YouTube channel to grow.

Imagine Michelle Phan using the aggressive colors of Epic Meal Time or vice versa. Pretty weird, huh?

What is YouTube Branding?

You might think that branding simply comes together while making videos, but that’s not true. Branding takes a bit of preparation and foresight.

YouTube branding is the idea your viewers have in mind and the emotion they get when they think about your channel.

Here are notable elements of your channel’s branding:

- Channel name

- Channel art

- Video thumbnail

- Video title

- Icon

- Watermark

- Catchphrase

- Style of video

How to Start Branding Your YouTube Channel?

Before you start designing thumbnails and coming up with a catchphrase, the first step in branding is understanding the purpose of your channel. Once you have a purpose, you will know how you want your viewers to feel.

Here is a quick exercise to find your channel’s purpose:

Draw a 3 circle Venn diagram.

In circle 1, write down everything you consider yourself an expert in.

- What do your friends know you for?

- What can you give advice on?

- What did you go to school to learn?

In circle 2, write down all the topics you are passionate about.

- What can you talk effortlessly about for hours?

- At a party, where do you lead conversations towards?

In circle 3, write down everything that people will pay for that you can supply. Here is where you find the demand of the audience.

- Can you give me travel advice?

- Can you make people forget about their stressful day?

- Do you have experience in a specialized field?

Understanding what people will pay money for will help guide you in creating content that has true value.

In the center, come up with all the ideas that can be associated with all three circles. This will be the ideal purpose for your YouTube channel as it harnesses your expertise, your passion, and the demand of a viewership.

Examples:

Epic Meal Time

Expertise = Eating

Passion = Fast Food Culture

Demand = Unique Meals

PURPOSE: Showcase a unique combination of fast food people won’t make at home.

Michelle Phan

Expertise = Beauty Products

Passion = Makeup and Fashion

Demand = Beauty School

PURPOSE: Give people more confidence in beauty products.

How Is Your Channel Different From the Others?

Now that you have your purpose, it’s time to separate you from others with similar purposes. YouTube is a crowded space for content creators. If your channel is mimicking another more successful channel, you will be in the shadows.

Good branding allows you to differentiate from others .

Pick a Unique and Memorable Name

If your name is Michelle Phan, and you are not the Michelle Phan, I’m sorry, but you will need to pick another name for your YouTube channel:

If you do have to pick another name or if your channel is an ensemble with multiple members, make sure the name you choose is original, memorable, and short (4 words max).

Picking an Icon

Not every YouTuber needs to design an original logo for their brand. In fact, if the channel is about you — the YouTuber — you are the brand, so using a high-quality picture of yourself as the icon is okay.

However, if your channel has a specific theme or topic and you want your branding to convey it so it sticks in the viewers’ heads, especially if it’s their first time viewing your channel. A clear logo will help in amplifying your message:

Create Video Thumbnails That Stand Out

The power of good branding is that your viewers will be able to spot your brand in a crowded space. On YouTube, the crowded space is the suggested video section.

Epic Meal Time thumbnails standing out amongst other loud thumbnails.

Once you have the feeling you want to evoke, test out different thumbnails. Go incognito, search up your videos, and see how the visuals appear beside your competitions. Do they all have the same style or is your far more impressive?

Good branding doesn’t happen in the first try so keep experimenting.

Designing Your Icon, Thumbnail, and Channel Art

There is a lot to consider when designing all the visual elements for your channel. I won’t get into all of it, but here are some tips that you should always keep in mind.

- Less is more: Don’t clutter your icons, thumbnails, or banner.

- Have a single focus: A channel and a video can have a lot of different topics, but the image can’t show everything a video can. Pick one important area and highlight that in the image.

- Quality matters: Your audience is savvier than ever. If they see a pixelated image, they will judge your channel poorly. That’s bad branding. Always use high-quality pictures.

- Make sure the color pops and the text is visible: Use eye-catching colors and visible text. This is a billboard, you have milliseconds to get people’s attention as they scroll past.

Want more resources for creating your channel’s visual elements? Yes? Well, we made this for you:

- How to Make YouTube Video Thumbnail

- How to Make YouTube Icons

- Free Youtube Banners

How to Make Your Visuals Consistent?

When a viewer finds your video and considers it pretty interesting, they will then go into your channel page to learn more. Here is where they make their decision: subscribe or not subscribe?

Consistent branding affirms the viewer that they are in the right place. Peter McKinnon’s brand is built upon his amazing photography, it only makes sense that his visual elements are awesome.

Peter McKinnon is best known for his photography and cinematography, and his branding amplifies that.

But Branding Is Not Designing, It’s A Feeling

Don’t get too caught up with a design.

Look at PewDiePie’s branding. You can argue that it is inconsistent and the design is not professional, but actually, his branding is spot on, because he is making you feel a certain way.

PewDiePie’s brand highlights its upbeat and unpredictable personality.

PewDiePie wants you to laugh. He is not branding his expertise like Peter McKinnon is, he’s branding his personality.

Consistent branding is about making the elements of your channel: channel art, logo, thumbnails, titles, etc. all harmonize together to evoke a sensation.

The humor in PewDiePie’s brand is consistent, even though his thumbnails don’t look like Philip DeFranco’s. It is up to you how you define consistency, and that will happen over time.

Philip DeFranco supplies commentary on current events with a satirical flair. Like a news broadcast, his branding and video format are consistent, while the daily news is different.

Inserting A Watermark

The main point of a watermark is to let the viewers know when they are watching your video that it is in fact your video.

Let’s be honest, YouTube content can all look the same, especially if you are making content that is quite general (like beauty or tech), so a watermark helps differentiate, so when viewers are ready to subscribe, they have an extra branding element connecting them to your channel.

Improvement Pill is a YouTube channel focused on inspiring and motivating its viewer to live a better life.

Above we see an example of a watermark from the YouTube channel Improvement Pill. You can see the watermark in the lower right-hand corner.

Improvement Pill is not the only channel that uses whiteboard animation to illustrate their story, and because of that, they need to set themselves apart. A watermark helps do that.

When a viewer lands on their video, the watermark gives the viewer another way to get more familiar with the channel, and if they are to scroll over the watermark a subscription button pops up.

Want to set up your subscription watermark? Here is a quick tutorial:

Coming Up With A Catchphrase

A catchphrase can be your greeting or sign off, but it doesn’t have to be an original line, it can simply be the way you say “hello.”

Check out some of the popular YouTuber’s catchphrases:

When coming up with a catchphrase that is connected to your channel’s branding remember how you want the viewer to feel. Do you want to leave them with a smile? Or do you want them to take action?

Final Thoughts On YouTube Branding

As you build and grow your YouTube channel, you can expand your purpose while still sticking within the overall theme. You might have started a channel that focused on the topic of nutrition, but as you grow, you will discover that your audience may also be interested in fitness tips or workout accessories as well. Take it slowly and grow with purpose.

Your branding doesn’t dictate the content you create, but it does affect how you go about making it.

Got more questions about branding your YouTube channel? Let us know in the comments below.

Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox

Nov 01, 2022• Proven solutions

0

Epic Meal Time. Michelle Phan. Peter McKinnon. When you think of each of these YouTube creators, what comes to mind? The feelings and thoughts you have are vastly different because each one of these channels has its own unique branding.

Epic Meal Time’s YouTube brand is in-your-face and intense. It pumps you full of adrenaline and increases your heart rate.

Michelle Phan’s YouTube brand is calm, whimsical, and aspirational.

The color palette she chose is pleasing to the eyes and doesn’t evoke any of the stress we get from Epic Meal Time.

They have different branding because they want to reflect different feelings for different audiences.

Bad Branding Causes Mistrust

When a branding element does not align with the message or the tone does not match with the material, then the audience is not going to trust what you offer. Without trust, you won’t be able to get the advocacy that is essential for a YouTube channel to grow.

Imagine Michelle Phan using the aggressive colors of Epic Meal Time or vice versa. Pretty weird, huh?

What is YouTube Branding?

You might think that branding simply comes together while making videos, but that’s not true. Branding takes a bit of preparation and foresight.

YouTube branding is the idea your viewers have in mind and the emotion they get when they think about your channel.

Here are notable elements of your channel’s branding:

- Channel name

- Channel art

- Video thumbnail

- Video title

- Icon

- Watermark

- Catchphrase

- Style of video

How to Start Branding Your YouTube Channel?

Before you start designing thumbnails and coming up with a catchphrase, the first step in branding is understanding the purpose of your channel. Once you have a purpose, you will know how you want your viewers to feel.

Here is a quick exercise to find your channel’s purpose:

Draw a 3 circle Venn diagram.

In circle 1, write down everything you consider yourself an expert in.

- What do your friends know you for?

- What can you give advice on?

- What did you go to school to learn?

In circle 2, write down all the topics you are passionate about.

- What can you talk effortlessly about for hours?

- At a party, where do you lead conversations towards?

In circle 3, write down everything that people will pay for that you can supply. Here is where you find the demand of the audience.

- Can you give me travel advice?

- Can you make people forget about their stressful day?

- Do you have experience in a specialized field?

Understanding what people will pay money for will help guide you in creating content that has true value.

In the center, come up with all the ideas that can be associated with all three circles. This will be the ideal purpose for your YouTube channel as it harnesses your expertise, your passion, and the demand of a viewership.

Examples:

Epic Meal Time

Expertise = Eating

Passion = Fast Food Culture

Demand = Unique Meals

PURPOSE: Showcase a unique combination of fast food people won’t make at home.

Michelle Phan

Expertise = Beauty Products

Passion = Makeup and Fashion

Demand = Beauty School

PURPOSE: Give people more confidence in beauty products.

How Is Your Channel Different From the Others?

Now that you have your purpose, it’s time to separate you from others with similar purposes. YouTube is a crowded space for content creators. If your channel is mimicking another more successful channel, you will be in the shadows.

Good branding allows you to differentiate from others .

Pick a Unique and Memorable Name

If your name is Michelle Phan, and you are not the Michelle Phan, I’m sorry, but you will need to pick another name for your YouTube channel:

If you do have to pick another name or if your channel is an ensemble with multiple members, make sure the name you choose is original, memorable, and short (4 words max).

Picking an Icon

Not every YouTuber needs to design an original logo for their brand. In fact, if the channel is about you — the YouTuber — you are the brand, so using a high-quality picture of yourself as the icon is okay.

However, if your channel has a specific theme or topic and you want your branding to convey it so it sticks in the viewers’ heads, especially if it’s their first time viewing your channel. A clear logo will help in amplifying your message:

Create Video Thumbnails That Stand Out

The power of good branding is that your viewers will be able to spot your brand in a crowded space. On YouTube, the crowded space is the suggested video section.

Epic Meal Time thumbnails standing out amongst other loud thumbnails.

Once you have the feeling you want to evoke, test out different thumbnails. Go incognito, search up your videos, and see how the visuals appear beside your competitions. Do they all have the same style or is your far more impressive?

Good branding doesn’t happen in the first try so keep experimenting.

Designing Your Icon, Thumbnail, and Channel Art

There is a lot to consider when designing all the visual elements for your channel. I won’t get into all of it, but here are some tips that you should always keep in mind.

- Less is more: Don’t clutter your icons, thumbnails, or banner.

- Have a single focus: A channel and a video can have a lot of different topics, but the image can’t show everything a video can. Pick one important area and highlight that in the image.

- Quality matters: Your audience is savvier than ever. If they see a pixelated image, they will judge your channel poorly. That’s bad branding. Always use high-quality pictures.

- Make sure the color pops and the text is visible: Use eye-catching colors and visible text. This is a billboard, you have milliseconds to get people’s attention as they scroll past.

Want more resources for creating your channel’s visual elements? Yes? Well, we made this for you:

- How to Make YouTube Video Thumbnail

- How to Make YouTube Icons

- Free Youtube Banners

How to Make Your Visuals Consistent?

When a viewer finds your video and considers it pretty interesting, they will then go into your channel page to learn more. Here is where they make their decision: subscribe or not subscribe?

Consistent branding affirms the viewer that they are in the right place. Peter McKinnon’s brand is built upon his amazing photography, it only makes sense that his visual elements are awesome.

Peter McKinnon is best known for his photography and cinematography, and his branding amplifies that.

But Branding Is Not Designing, It’s A Feeling

Don’t get too caught up with a design.

Look at PewDiePie’s branding. You can argue that it is inconsistent and the design is not professional, but actually, his branding is spot on, because he is making you feel a certain way.

PewDiePie’s brand highlights its upbeat and unpredictable personality.

PewDiePie wants you to laugh. He is not branding his expertise like Peter McKinnon is, he’s branding his personality.

Consistent branding is about making the elements of your channel: channel art, logo, thumbnails, titles, etc. all harmonize together to evoke a sensation.

The humor in PewDiePie’s brand is consistent, even though his thumbnails don’t look like Philip DeFranco’s. It is up to you how you define consistency, and that will happen over time.

Philip DeFranco supplies commentary on current events with a satirical flair. Like a news broadcast, his branding and video format are consistent, while the daily news is different.

Inserting A Watermark

The main point of a watermark is to let the viewers know when they are watching your video that it is in fact your video.

Let’s be honest, YouTube content can all look the same, especially if you are making content that is quite general (like beauty or tech), so a watermark helps differentiate, so when viewers are ready to subscribe, they have an extra branding element connecting them to your channel.

Improvement Pill is a YouTube channel focused on inspiring and motivating its viewer to live a better life.

Above we see an example of a watermark from the YouTube channel Improvement Pill. You can see the watermark in the lower right-hand corner.

Improvement Pill is not the only channel that uses whiteboard animation to illustrate their story, and because of that, they need to set themselves apart. A watermark helps do that.

When a viewer lands on their video, the watermark gives the viewer another way to get more familiar with the channel, and if they are to scroll over the watermark a subscription button pops up.

Want to set up your subscription watermark? Here is a quick tutorial:

Coming Up With A Catchphrase

A catchphrase can be your greeting or sign off, but it doesn’t have to be an original line, it can simply be the way you say “hello.”

Check out some of the popular YouTuber’s catchphrases:

When coming up with a catchphrase that is connected to your channel’s branding remember how you want the viewer to feel. Do you want to leave them with a smile? Or do you want them to take action?

Final Thoughts On YouTube Branding

As you build and grow your YouTube channel, you can expand your purpose while still sticking within the overall theme. You might have started a channel that focused on the topic of nutrition, but as you grow, you will discover that your audience may also be interested in fitness tips or workout accessories as well. Take it slowly and grow with purpose.

Your branding doesn’t dictate the content you create, but it does affect how you go about making it.

Got more questions about branding your YouTube channel? Let us know in the comments below.

Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox

Nov 01, 2022• Proven solutions

0

Epic Meal Time. Michelle Phan. Peter McKinnon. When you think of each of these YouTube creators, what comes to mind? The feelings and thoughts you have are vastly different because each one of these channels has its own unique branding.

Epic Meal Time’s YouTube brand is in-your-face and intense. It pumps you full of adrenaline and increases your heart rate.

Michelle Phan’s YouTube brand is calm, whimsical, and aspirational.

The color palette she chose is pleasing to the eyes and doesn’t evoke any of the stress we get from Epic Meal Time.

They have different branding because they want to reflect different feelings for different audiences.

Bad Branding Causes Mistrust

When a branding element does not align with the message or the tone does not match with the material, then the audience is not going to trust what you offer. Without trust, you won’t be able to get the advocacy that is essential for a YouTube channel to grow.

Imagine Michelle Phan using the aggressive colors of Epic Meal Time or vice versa. Pretty weird, huh?

What is YouTube Branding?

You might think that branding simply comes together while making videos, but that’s not true. Branding takes a bit of preparation and foresight.

YouTube branding is the idea your viewers have in mind and the emotion they get when they think about your channel.

Here are notable elements of your channel’s branding:

- Channel name

- Channel art

- Video thumbnail

- Video title

- Icon

- Watermark

- Catchphrase

- Style of video

How to Start Branding Your YouTube Channel?

Before you start designing thumbnails and coming up with a catchphrase, the first step in branding is understanding the purpose of your channel. Once you have a purpose, you will know how you want your viewers to feel.

Here is a quick exercise to find your channel’s purpose:

Draw a 3 circle Venn diagram.

In circle 1, write down everything you consider yourself an expert in.

- What do your friends know you for?

- What can you give advice on?

- What did you go to school to learn?

In circle 2, write down all the topics you are passionate about.

- What can you talk effortlessly about for hours?

- At a party, where do you lead conversations towards?

In circle 3, write down everything that people will pay for that you can supply. Here is where you find the demand of the audience.

- Can you give me travel advice?

- Can you make people forget about their stressful day?

- Do you have experience in a specialized field?

Understanding what people will pay money for will help guide you in creating content that has true value.

In the center, come up with all the ideas that can be associated with all three circles. This will be the ideal purpose for your YouTube channel as it harnesses your expertise, your passion, and the demand of a viewership.

Examples:

Epic Meal Time

Expertise = Eating

Passion = Fast Food Culture

Demand = Unique Meals

PURPOSE: Showcase a unique combination of fast food people won’t make at home.

Michelle Phan

Expertise = Beauty Products

Passion = Makeup and Fashion

Demand = Beauty School

PURPOSE: Give people more confidence in beauty products.

How Is Your Channel Different From the Others?

Now that you have your purpose, it’s time to separate you from others with similar purposes. YouTube is a crowded space for content creators. If your channel is mimicking another more successful channel, you will be in the shadows.

Good branding allows you to differentiate from others .

Pick a Unique and Memorable Name

If your name is Michelle Phan, and you are not the Michelle Phan, I’m sorry, but you will need to pick another name for your YouTube channel:

If you do have to pick another name or if your channel is an ensemble with multiple members, make sure the name you choose is original, memorable, and short (4 words max).

Picking an Icon

Not every YouTuber needs to design an original logo for their brand. In fact, if the channel is about you — the YouTuber — you are the brand, so using a high-quality picture of yourself as the icon is okay.

However, if your channel has a specific theme or topic and you want your branding to convey it so it sticks in the viewers’ heads, especially if it’s their first time viewing your channel. A clear logo will help in amplifying your message:

Create Video Thumbnails That Stand Out

The power of good branding is that your viewers will be able to spot your brand in a crowded space. On YouTube, the crowded space is the suggested video section.

Epic Meal Time thumbnails standing out amongst other loud thumbnails.

Once you have the feeling you want to evoke, test out different thumbnails. Go incognito, search up your videos, and see how the visuals appear beside your competitions. Do they all have the same style or is your far more impressive?

Good branding doesn’t happen in the first try so keep experimenting.

Designing Your Icon, Thumbnail, and Channel Art

There is a lot to consider when designing all the visual elements for your channel. I won’t get into all of it, but here are some tips that you should always keep in mind.

- Less is more: Don’t clutter your icons, thumbnails, or banner.

- Have a single focus: A channel and a video can have a lot of different topics, but the image can’t show everything a video can. Pick one important area and highlight that in the image.

- Quality matters: Your audience is savvier than ever. If they see a pixelated image, they will judge your channel poorly. That’s bad branding. Always use high-quality pictures.

- Make sure the color pops and the text is visible: Use eye-catching colors and visible text. This is a billboard, you have milliseconds to get people’s attention as they scroll past.

Want more resources for creating your channel’s visual elements? Yes? Well, we made this for you:

- How to Make YouTube Video Thumbnail

- How to Make YouTube Icons

- Free Youtube Banners

How to Make Your Visuals Consistent?

When a viewer finds your video and considers it pretty interesting, they will then go into your channel page to learn more. Here is where they make their decision: subscribe or not subscribe?

Consistent branding affirms the viewer that they are in the right place. Peter McKinnon’s brand is built upon his amazing photography, it only makes sense that his visual elements are awesome.

Peter McKinnon is best known for his photography and cinematography, and his branding amplifies that.

But Branding Is Not Designing, It’s A Feeling

Don’t get too caught up with a design.

Look at PewDiePie’s branding. You can argue that it is inconsistent and the design is not professional, but actually, his branding is spot on, because he is making you feel a certain way.

PewDiePie’s brand highlights its upbeat and unpredictable personality.

PewDiePie wants you to laugh. He is not branding his expertise like Peter McKinnon is, he’s branding his personality.

Consistent branding is about making the elements of your channel: channel art, logo, thumbnails, titles, etc. all harmonize together to evoke a sensation.

The humor in PewDiePie’s brand is consistent, even though his thumbnails don’t look like Philip DeFranco’s. It is up to you how you define consistency, and that will happen over time.

Philip DeFranco supplies commentary on current events with a satirical flair. Like a news broadcast, his branding and video format are consistent, while the daily news is different.

Inserting A Watermark

The main point of a watermark is to let the viewers know when they are watching your video that it is in fact your video.

Let’s be honest, YouTube content can all look the same, especially if you are making content that is quite general (like beauty or tech), so a watermark helps differentiate, so when viewers are ready to subscribe, they have an extra branding element connecting them to your channel.

Improvement Pill is a YouTube channel focused on inspiring and motivating its viewer to live a better life.

Above we see an example of a watermark from the YouTube channel Improvement Pill. You can see the watermark in the lower right-hand corner.

Improvement Pill is not the only channel that uses whiteboard animation to illustrate their story, and because of that, they need to set themselves apart. A watermark helps do that.

When a viewer lands on their video, the watermark gives the viewer another way to get more familiar with the channel, and if they are to scroll over the watermark a subscription button pops up.

Want to set up your subscription watermark? Here is a quick tutorial:

Coming Up With A Catchphrase

A catchphrase can be your greeting or sign off, but it doesn’t have to be an original line, it can simply be the way you say “hello.”

Check out some of the popular YouTuber’s catchphrases:

When coming up with a catchphrase that is connected to your channel’s branding remember how you want the viewer to feel. Do you want to leave them with a smile? Or do you want them to take action?

Final Thoughts On YouTube Branding

As you build and grow your YouTube channel, you can expand your purpose while still sticking within the overall theme. You might have started a channel that focused on the topic of nutrition, but as you grow, you will discover that your audience may also be interested in fitness tips or workout accessories as well. Take it slowly and grow with purpose.

Your branding doesn’t dictate the content you create, but it does affect how you go about making it.

Got more questions about branding your YouTube channel? Let us know in the comments below.

Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox

Nov 01, 2022• Proven solutions

0

Epic Meal Time. Michelle Phan. Peter McKinnon. When you think of each of these YouTube creators, what comes to mind? The feelings and thoughts you have are vastly different because each one of these channels has its own unique branding.

Epic Meal Time’s YouTube brand is in-your-face and intense. It pumps you full of adrenaline and increases your heart rate.

Michelle Phan’s YouTube brand is calm, whimsical, and aspirational.

The color palette she chose is pleasing to the eyes and doesn’t evoke any of the stress we get from Epic Meal Time.

They have different branding because they want to reflect different feelings for different audiences.

Bad Branding Causes Mistrust

When a branding element does not align with the message or the tone does not match with the material, then the audience is not going to trust what you offer. Without trust, you won’t be able to get the advocacy that is essential for a YouTube channel to grow.

Imagine Michelle Phan using the aggressive colors of Epic Meal Time or vice versa. Pretty weird, huh?

What is YouTube Branding?

You might think that branding simply comes together while making videos, but that’s not true. Branding takes a bit of preparation and foresight.

YouTube branding is the idea your viewers have in mind and the emotion they get when they think about your channel.

Here are notable elements of your channel’s branding:

- Channel name

- Channel art

- Video thumbnail

- Video title

- Icon

- Watermark

- Catchphrase

- Style of video

How to Start Branding Your YouTube Channel?

Before you start designing thumbnails and coming up with a catchphrase, the first step in branding is understanding the purpose of your channel. Once you have a purpose, you will know how you want your viewers to feel.

Here is a quick exercise to find your channel’s purpose:

Draw a 3 circle Venn diagram.

In circle 1, write down everything you consider yourself an expert in.

- What do your friends know you for?

- What can you give advice on?

- What did you go to school to learn?

In circle 2, write down all the topics you are passionate about.

- What can you talk effortlessly about for hours?

- At a party, where do you lead conversations towards?

In circle 3, write down everything that people will pay for that you can supply. Here is where you find the demand of the audience.

- Can you give me travel advice?

- Can you make people forget about their stressful day?

- Do you have experience in a specialized field?

Understanding what people will pay money for will help guide you in creating content that has true value.

In the center, come up with all the ideas that can be associated with all three circles. This will be the ideal purpose for your YouTube channel as it harnesses your expertise, your passion, and the demand of a viewership.

Examples:

Epic Meal Time

Expertise = Eating

Passion = Fast Food Culture

Demand = Unique Meals

PURPOSE: Showcase a unique combination of fast food people won’t make at home.

Michelle Phan

Expertise = Beauty Products

Passion = Makeup and Fashion

Demand = Beauty School

PURPOSE: Give people more confidence in beauty products.

How Is Your Channel Different From the Others?

Now that you have your purpose, it’s time to separate you from others with similar purposes. YouTube is a crowded space for content creators. If your channel is mimicking another more successful channel, you will be in the shadows.

Good branding allows you to differentiate from others .

Pick a Unique and Memorable Name

If your name is Michelle Phan, and you are not the Michelle Phan, I’m sorry, but you will need to pick another name for your YouTube channel:

If you do have to pick another name or if your channel is an ensemble with multiple members, make sure the name you choose is original, memorable, and short (4 words max).

Picking an Icon

Not every YouTuber needs to design an original logo for their brand. In fact, if the channel is about you — the YouTuber — you are the brand, so using a high-quality picture of yourself as the icon is okay.

However, if your channel has a specific theme or topic and you want your branding to convey it so it sticks in the viewers’ heads, especially if it’s their first time viewing your channel. A clear logo will help in amplifying your message:

Create Video Thumbnails That Stand Out

The power of good branding is that your viewers will be able to spot your brand in a crowded space. On YouTube, the crowded space is the suggested video section.

Epic Meal Time thumbnails standing out amongst other loud thumbnails.

Once you have the feeling you want to evoke, test out different thumbnails. Go incognito, search up your videos, and see how the visuals appear beside your competitions. Do they all have the same style or is your far more impressive?

Good branding doesn’t happen in the first try so keep experimenting.

Designing Your Icon, Thumbnail, and Channel Art

There is a lot to consider when designing all the visual elements for your channel. I won’t get into all of it, but here are some tips that you should always keep in mind.

- Less is more: Don’t clutter your icons, thumbnails, or banner.

- Have a single focus: A channel and a video can have a lot of different topics, but the image can’t show everything a video can. Pick one important area and highlight that in the image.

- Quality matters: Your audience is savvier than ever. If they see a pixelated image, they will judge your channel poorly. That’s bad branding. Always use high-quality pictures.

- Make sure the color pops and the text is visible: Use eye-catching colors and visible text. This is a billboard, you have milliseconds to get people’s attention as they scroll past.

Want more resources for creating your channel’s visual elements? Yes? Well, we made this for you:

- How to Make YouTube Video Thumbnail

- How to Make YouTube Icons

- Free Youtube Banners

How to Make Your Visuals Consistent?

When a viewer finds your video and considers it pretty interesting, they will then go into your channel page to learn more. Here is where they make their decision: subscribe or not subscribe?

Consistent branding affirms the viewer that they are in the right place. Peter McKinnon’s brand is built upon his amazing photography, it only makes sense that his visual elements are awesome.

Peter McKinnon is best known for his photography and cinematography, and his branding amplifies that.

But Branding Is Not Designing, It’s A Feeling

Don’t get too caught up with a design.

Look at PewDiePie’s branding. You can argue that it is inconsistent and the design is not professional, but actually, his branding is spot on, because he is making you feel a certain way.

PewDiePie’s brand highlights its upbeat and unpredictable personality.

PewDiePie wants you to laugh. He is not branding his expertise like Peter McKinnon is, he’s branding his personality.

Consistent branding is about making the elements of your channel: channel art, logo, thumbnails, titles, etc. all harmonize together to evoke a sensation.

The humor in PewDiePie’s brand is consistent, even though his thumbnails don’t look like Philip DeFranco’s. It is up to you how you define consistency, and that will happen over time.

Philip DeFranco supplies commentary on current events with a satirical flair. Like a news broadcast, his branding and video format are consistent, while the daily news is different.

Inserting A Watermark

The main point of a watermark is to let the viewers know when they are watching your video that it is in fact your video.

Let’s be honest, YouTube content can all look the same, especially if you are making content that is quite general (like beauty or tech), so a watermark helps differentiate, so when viewers are ready to subscribe, they have an extra branding element connecting them to your channel.

Improvement Pill is a YouTube channel focused on inspiring and motivating its viewer to live a better life.

Above we see an example of a watermark from the YouTube channel Improvement Pill. You can see the watermark in the lower right-hand corner.

Improvement Pill is not the only channel that uses whiteboard animation to illustrate their story, and because of that, they need to set themselves apart. A watermark helps do that.

When a viewer lands on their video, the watermark gives the viewer another way to get more familiar with the channel, and if they are to scroll over the watermark a subscription button pops up.

Want to set up your subscription watermark? Here is a quick tutorial:

Coming Up With A Catchphrase

A catchphrase can be your greeting or sign off, but it doesn’t have to be an original line, it can simply be the way you say “hello.”

Check out some of the popular YouTuber’s catchphrases:

When coming up with a catchphrase that is connected to your channel’s branding remember how you want the viewer to feel. Do you want to leave them with a smile? Or do you want them to take action?

Final Thoughts On YouTube Branding

As you build and grow your YouTube channel, you can expand your purpose while still sticking within the overall theme. You might have started a channel that focused on the topic of nutrition, but as you grow, you will discover that your audience may also be interested in fitness tips or workout accessories as well. Take it slowly and grow with purpose.

Your branding doesn’t dictate the content you create, but it does affect how you go about making it.

Got more questions about branding your YouTube channel? Let us know in the comments below.

Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Shanoon Cox

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