How To Change YouTube Channel Owner – Step by Step
How to Change YouTube Channel Owner: A Step-by-Step Guide
Transferring the ownership of a YouTube channel can be a complex process, but it is a necessary step for various reasons, such as handing over control to a new team member, selling the channel, or reorganizing business operations. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to change the owner of a YouTube channel.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure that your YouTube channel is linked to a Brand Account. If your channel is not connected to a Brand Account, you will need to convert it to one, as only Brand Accounts allow for the transfer of ownership.
Step 1: Access Your YouTube Studio or Brand Account
Log in to your YouTube account and navigate to the YouTube Studio. You can access this by clicking on your profile image and selecting "YouTube Studio" from the dropdown menu. Alternatively, if your permissions are managed through the Brand Account, you will need to go to the 'Settings' and then to the 'Account' tab to manage your Brand Account.
Step 2: Manage Permissions
In the YouTube Studio, click on the 'Settings' icon at the bottom left corner of the screen. From the menu, select 'Permissions' or 'Manage permissions' if you are managing through the Brand Account. This will take you to a page where you can see a list of people who can manage the account.
Step 3: Add a New Owner
To add a new owner, click on the 'Invite new users' or 'Add user' icon in the top right corner of the permissions page. Enter the email address of the person you want to add as the new owner and choose the 'Owner' role from the dropdown menu. It is crucial to double-check the email address to avoid any mistakes.
Step 4: Wait for the Invitation to be Accepted
The new owner must accept the invitation sent to their email. This step is essential as it ensures that the new owner has acknowledged and accepted the role. The invitation must be accepted within a specified timeframe, typically seven days.
Step 5: Assign Primary Owner Role
After the new owner has accepted the invitation and the seven-day waiting period has passed, you can assign the primary owner role. Go back to the 'Manage permissions' page, find the new owner's name, and click on the dropdown menu next to their name. Select 'Primary owner' and then click 'Transfer' to confirm the change. Note that there can only be one primary owner at any given time.
Step 6: Remove Yourself as Owner (Optional)
If you are transferring ownership completely, you will need to remove yourself as an owner. On the 'Manage permissions' page, find your name and click the 'X' next to it. You will be prompted with a confirmation dialog; if you are sure, click 'Remove' to confirm. This step is final and irreversible, so ensure you have completed all necessary steps before proceeding.
Additional Considerations
- Roles and Permissions: Understand the different roles available: Owners have full control and can delete the channel, Managers can edit and upload videos but cannot invite new users or make purchases, and Communications Managers have similar permissions to Managers but cannot use YouTube.
- Security: Regularly check the permissions of your Brand Account to maintain security. Avoid unsafe practices like password sharing by using channel permissions instead.
By following these steps carefully, you can ensure a smooth transfer of ownership for your YouTube channel, whether you are handing it over to a new team, selling it, or reorganizing your business operations.