How to Manage Multiple YouTube Channels
At some point in your career as a content creator, you might find yourself asking: Is it possible to have more than one YouTube channel? And, if yes, how do you manage multiple YouTube channels?
Maybe you want to expand your range as a YouTuber by breaking into a new niche with a brand-new channel. Or perhaps you’re starting a side channel for your wildly successful main one. Or maybe you want to target a different audience in the same niche you’re in.
In either case, you’ll need answers to the questions above. We’ve done the digging for you – here’s the scoop.
How can you create multiple YouTube channels?
First off: Yes, it is possible to have multiple YouTube channels.
There are different ways of achieving this.
The most basic one is to simply create a new Gmail account and use it to log into YouTube. Then, you’ll simply be able to switch channels by switching between accounts.
The more direct way is to just create a new channel from your main YouTube account.
To do this, first click on Settings and go to Account.
Then, click on “Create a new channel.”
Here, you’ll be able to pick a name for your channel.
Then, a new Google account is created for your channel – and you’ll be able to manage it from the same page as your main channel. This is especially great for side-channels and spin-offs. If you run a family channel, for example, you can easily add a side channel with gaming-related shenanigans.
How to add users and managers to your YouTube channels
Running a single YouTube channel is a massive amount of work. Running multiple ones can easily get overwhelming.
That’s why you’ll probably want to add one more user to your different YouTube channels to help you out.
Many YouTubers even hire dedicated channel managers who are responsible for the process of uploading videos, various aspects of YouTube SEO, and tracking videos’ performance.
Adding a user to a YouTube channel is relatively straightforward.
First, go to YouTube Studio, then click on Settings and go to Permissions.
Here, you’ll be able to invite users and set their level of access – from a viewer with limited access to a manager with blanket permission to make changes to your content.
Similarly, you can change permissions for everyone on your content creation team and remove people who you no longer want to have access to your channel.
Overall, permissions are a much easier and safer way of managing access to your account than simply sharing your password. Plus, it gives you more say on who gets to edit what and has access to which kind of information.
Create a distinct visual identity for each channel
One of the most crucial steps in managing multiple YouTube channels is to create distinct identities for both of them. You don’t want to confuse your audiences by having them end up on one channel when the content they’re really looking for is on the other.
The easiest way to do this is to develop a separate branding for your new channel. This includes everything from the color palette and fonts you use to the tone of your messaging.
If your new channel is a side channel of a popular existing one, you can keep connecting style elements. You can also pick a similar channel handle. However, make sure that a user can see at first glance which channel they’re looking at.
One way to do this is to link to your main channel straight away, and include links to your secondary channel in your main one.
The best tools for managing multiple YouTube channels
Finally, there are also several tools making it easier to manage multiple YouTube channels – especially if you’re also maintaining corresponding accounts on Instagram and other social media platforms.
For instance, Hootsuite is a social media management tool that allows you to schedule video publications across multiple channels and platforms. In a pinch, it also handles transcoding if you post your videos on Twitter or Facebook. Generally, though, it’s better if your video editor prepares specific versions for them.
You can keep up with the performance of your videos and manage posts and communities from one central analytics dashboard.
Similarly, TubeBuddy allows you to schedule content and track keywords and rankings. Plus, you can A/B-test different titles, thumbnails, and keywords to see which ones actually resonate most with your audience.
Another good option is Loomly, and not just because of the large range of platforms it supports. It also automatically pulls in post ideas from what’s trending in your niche, and so might take even more time off your hands.
Conclusion
Creating and managing multiple YouTube channels is a boatload of work – but it can be worth it for your brand. You can either harness the popularity of your main YouTube channel to expand your scope, or you can deep-dive into a brand-new niche.
With the guide above, you’ll be able to create several channels, add users and managers, create an awesome brand for each channel, and find the right tools to maximize your efficiency. Happy creating!