Starting a YouTube channel can be an exciting way to share your passion, grow a business, or even build a full-time career. Whether you’re new to the platform or looking to optimise your setup, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about creating and setting up your YouTube channel for success.

Step 1: Create a Google Account

To start using YouTube, you’ll need a Google account. If you don’t already have one, follow these steps:

1. Go to YouTube and click Sign In at the top right corner.
2. Click Create Account and select For Work or My Business.
3. Enter your name, birthday, and gender, then click Next.
4. Choose Get a Gmail Address, type in your preferred email, and check availability.
5. Set a password and enter a recovery email for added security.
6. Click Next until you reach the Privacy and Terms page, review, and agree.

Once your Google account is set up, you can now create your YouTube channel.

Step 2: Create Your YouTube Channel

After signing in, follow these steps to create your channel:

1. Click your profile icon in the top right corner.
2. Select Create a Channel.
3. Enter your Channel Name and Handle:
   • Channel Name: This is the name that appears under your videos and on your channel page.
   • Handle: A unique identifier used in your YouTube URL (e.g., youtube.com/@yourhandle).
4. Ensure your handle is short and memorable.
5. Click Create Channel.

Both your name and handle can be changed later if needed.

Step 3: Add a Profile Picture

Your profile picture helps establish brand recognition. Here’s how to add one:

1. Click the profile picture area.
2. Upload an image from your device.
3. Adjust and centre the image.
4. Click Save.

A clear headshot or a logo works best for branding purposes.

Step 4: Essential YouTube Channel Settings

Configuring your channel settings properly will help with optimisation and security.

Verify Your Channel

1. Go to YouTube Studio.
2. Click Settings → Channel → Feature Eligibility.
3. Click Verify Your Phone Number.
4. Enter your number, receive a verification code, and submit it.

This step enables features like longer video uploads and custom thumbnails.

Set Upload Defaults

1. In YouTube Studio, go to Settings → Upload Defaults.
2. Change the visibility from Public to Unlisted (recommended to allow post-processing time).
3. Add default tags, if applicable.
4. Under Advanced Settings, select your default language.

Enable Comment Moderation

• Choose Basic Filtering to automatically block offensive comments.
• If necessary, select Strict Filtering for more control.

Specify Your Audience

• Under Advanced Settings, indicate whether your channel is made for kids or not.
• Setting this upfront saves time for future uploads.

Step 5: Customise Your Channel Branding

Your channel’s design plays a huge role in attracting and retaining subscribers.

Add a YouTube Banner

1. Go to YouTube Studio → Customisation.
2. Click Upload Banner.
3. Use a high-resolution image that looks good on all devices.
4. Position key elements (like text) in the centre.

Tip: Canva offers great YouTube banner templates for beginners.

Update Your Channel Description

1. Keep it short and engaging.
2. Focus on what value your channel offers viewers.
3. Avoid excessive self-promotion.

Add Social Media & Contact Information

1. Include links to your website or social profiles.
2. Use a business email instead of a personal one.
3. Add a watermark that doubles as a subscribe button.

Click Publish to save changes.

Step 6: Set Up Monetisation & Growth Tracking

To track your progress towards monetisation:

1. Go to YouTube Studio → Earn.
2. Requirements for monetisation:
   • 1,000 subscribers.
   • 4,000 watch hours in the past year OR 10 million Shorts views in the last 90 days.
3. Enable Two-Step Verification for security.

You can request an email notification once you qualify for monetisation.

Step 7: Upload Your First Video

Now that your channel is set up, it’s time to upload your first video!

Tips for a Successful First Video:

• Use a clear, engaging title.
• Write an optimised description with relevant keywords.
• Create an eye-catching thumbnail.
• Add hashtags related to your content.
• Share your video on social media for wider reach.

Need content ideas? Download my free 100 Viral Video Ideas eBook to get started with high-performing templates.

Final Thoughts

Setting up your YouTube channel correctly is crucial for long-term success. By following these steps, you’re well on your way to growing an audience and even monetising your content.

If you're serious about making money on YouTube, check out my Top 10 Ways to Make Money on YouTube guide. In it, I share proven strategies that helped me build a seven-figure YouTube business.

👉 How I Built a Profitable YouTube Channel: Top 3 Monetization Strategies for Success

Now it’s your turn—go ahead and create your first video!