To better serve creators, YouTube is introducing 'handles,' a new identification tool for YouTube channels similar to those seen on Twitter and Instagram. Starting now, each channel on YouTube will be attributed it own unique handle, which will be displayed on channel pages and on YouTube Shorts. Of course, the handles are meant to be used in conjunction with Youtube channel names.
"Handles will appear on channel pages and Shorts, so they’ll be instantly and consistently recognizable. It’ll soon be simpler and faster to mention each other in comments, community posts, video descriptions, and more," reads a blog post by the company.
Youtube plans to roll out the changes for all Youtube channels over the course of this month. In most instances, if a Youtube channel already has a specific URL (most do), then that URL title will automatically become the channel's handle.
Creator-Friendly YouTube Handles
YouTube Gives Twitter-Like Handles to All of Its Channels
Trend Themes
1. Creator Identification - The ability for creators to more easily identify themselves and be recognized creates the opportunity for them to better connect with their audiences and build their brand.
2. Platform Integration - Integrating handles in line with that of social media platforms lays the groundwork for diversifying the ways in which creatives can interact and create online.
3. Streamlined Communication - The introduction of handles on YouTube can serve as a catalyst to simplify and make communication between creators, viewers, and contributors more efficient.
Industry Implications
1. Social Media - Social media platforms could look to follow in the footsteps of YouTube and simplify identification methods for users on their respective platforms.
2. Video Content Creation - The introduction of handles on YouTube is a sign of the increasing importance of personal branding and can be used by companies in the video content creation industry to foster such development.
3. Marketing and Advertising - The ability for creators to better identify their brand presents an opportunity for companies in the marketing and advertising space to tap into targeted audiences in a more granular and specific way.