YouTube Channel Settings Overview

Introduction

• Common mistake: Creators upload videos without important settings.
• Purpose: Discuss 9 key settings to set up your YouTube channel properly.
• Benefits: Better features, enhanced security, and increased subscribers.

1. Feature Eligibility

• Access YouTube Studio > Settings > Channel > Feature Eligibility.
• Standard Features: Automatically enabled unless there's a community guideline strike.
• Intermediate Features:
  • Required for:
    • Uploading long videos (over 15 minutes).
    • Live streaming.
    • Custom thumbnails.
  • Verification needed:
    • Verify phone number (select country, enter phone, verify code).
• Advanced Features:
  • Required for monetization, clickable links, community posts, and pinned comments.
  • Verification methods:
    • Video verification (quickest).
    • Valid ID upload.
    • Build channel history (takes longer).

2. Country of Residence

• Located in Basic Info section.
• Self-explanatory: Select country of residence.
• Misconception: Does not determine view sources, only affects eligibility for YouTube Partner Program.
• Example: If in India, select India.

3. Channel Keywords

• Located under Basic Info section.
• Add relevant keywords:
  • Channel name and individual words.
  • Niche-related keywords.
  • Names of popular creators in the niche.

4. Audience Settings

• Find under Advanced Settings.
• Options: Made for kids or not.
• Important: Only select "made for kids" if content is exclusively for viewers under 13.

5. Upload Defaults

• Located in Channel Settings.
• Set default title, description, visibility, and tags.
• Include a brief channel introduction and relevant hashtags.

6. Automatic Chapters

• Advanced Settings option.
• Useful for videos covering multiple topics.
• Recommendation: Turn off automatic chapters; it can be inaccurate.

7. VidIQ Tool

• Aids in channel growth.
• Features:
  • Keyword search for better ranking.
  • AI-generated video ideas.
  • AI Coach for channel feedback.
• Free version available, with discounts for premium plans.

8. Contact Info

• Located in Channel Customization > Basic Info.
• Add an email for business inquiries.
• Security Tip: Use a different email from the one associated with the YouTube account to reduce hacking risks.

9. Channel Organization

• Organize channel page via customization.
• Channel Trailer: Video for first-time visitors.
• Featured Video for Subscribers: Video for returning subscribers.
• Enable/disable "For You" section based on viewer’s interest.

10. Branding

• Add video watermark in branding section.
• Serves as a call-to-action for subscriptions.
• Customize the display time of the watermark.

11. Two-Step Verification

• Important for account security.
• Turned off accounts risk quick hacking.
• Setup:
  • Click "Get Started" and choose a device for notifications.
  • Add a backup option and click "Turn On".

Conclusion

• Proper settings are crucial for channel success.
• Following these guidelines can significantly enhance chances of becoming a successful YouTuber.