Create a YouTube channel – Step by step explained

Do you want to start a YouTube channel but have no idea where to begin? Don’t worry, creating a YouTube channel is easier than it seems. With a Google Account in your pocket, you're already on your way. In this guide, I will clearly and structurally explain how to set up your own YouTube channel and take your first steps in YouTube Studio.

Main Insights

To open your YouTube channel, you need a Google Account. The creation process is both fast and straightforward. You will have to enter some basic information and finally customize your profile in YouTube Studio.

Step-by-Step Guide

First, you need to know that the first step does not start at YouTube, but at Google. To create a YouTube channel, you need a Google Account.

Go to google.com and look for the "Sign in" button in the upper right corner. If you don't have a Google account yet, click on "Create account". Here, you have the option to create your account for personal use, for your child, for work, or for your business. In your case, you will probably first select the option for personal use.

After selecting "for my personal use", you will be prompted to enter your first name and last name. Enter an example such as "Leon" for the first name and "Schautari" for the last name. Then click on "next" to proceed to the next step. Now you need to enter some basic information, such as your date of birth. Make sure to enter your real date of birth.

Next, you'll need to specify your gender and click "next" again. Now you have the option to create a new Gmail address or use an existing email address. Choose the option that suits you best and click "next" again. If you choose to create a new Gmail address, enjoy the creative process and choose something memorable like "leonchotari6@gmail.com".

Now the last step is in front of you: You need to create a password. Once this hurdle is overcome, you have successfully created your Google Account – a prerequisite to dive into the world of YouTube.

Next, you should head to YouTube. Click "Sign in" again in the upper right corner to log in with your new Google Account. Now that you are already logged in, the process will go smoothly and you now have access to your YouTube Account.

Here you will find information about your channel. But what do you need to do to set up your channel optimally? You will now have to add some things to create your channel's branding. Before that, I would like to show you an important feature. Click on your YouTube Account in the upper right corner and select "Switch accounts" to view all channels associated with your Google Account.

I am using a test account here, so don't worry, it's not a real channel. If you click on "View channel" on your end, you will find that your channel is probably still empty and you might see the message "An error occurred".

To get your channel out of this empty display space, go back to the upper right corner and click on "YouTube Studio". Now you are in YouTube Studio. Here, you will find the "Customize" button at the bottom. Click on it to get to the section where you can upload your profile picture, banner image, and channel picture.

Now we're getting to the good stuff. Here, you should first add your banner image that will be displayed behind your channel name. Also, add an image below that represents your channel picture. Once you have added all of this, your channel will look much more appealing.

You might now be wondering how to create such a banner? That's exactly what will be covered in one of the upcoming videos. I look forward to assisting you with the next steps so that you can upload your first video as well.

Summary – Guide: Creating a YouTube Channel – Step by Step to Your Own Presence

You have learned how to set up your own YouTube channel in just a few steps. From creating your Google Account to customizing your channel in YouTube Studio – you are now ready for the next stage: uploading your first videos!