How to Add Featured Channels on YouTube

November 30, 2024 All About Music
how to add featured channels on youtube

If you’re a YouTuber, you’ve probably spent hours making great content, editing videos, and trying to grow your audience. But did you know there’s a simple way to make your YouTube channel look more professional and connect with your audience? It’s called adding featured channels on YouTube.

Adding featured channels is like giving your viewers a tour of other great creators or your own channels. It helps your audience explore similar content, builds partnerships with other creators, and even makes your channel homepage look better. Don’t worry if this sounds new to you—this blog will guide you step by step, and I promise it’s super easy to follow.

When someone visits your YouTube channel, the homepage is like your storefront. Featured channels are a special section on your homepage where you can showcase other YouTube channels. These could be your own channels, your favorite creators, or your collaborators.

Imagine this: you’re a music creator and have a second channel for behind-the-scenes clips. You can feature that second channel to help your viewers find it easily. Or, if you’re a gamer and love a friend’s gaming channel, you can feature them too. This is your chance to highlight content that matters to you and your audience.

Adding featured channels isn’t just a fancy feature. It has real benefits for you and your channel. Let’s break it down:

  1. Grow Your Network
    Featuring channels of your friends or collaborators can strengthen your bond with them. Who knows, they might even feature your channel in return!
  2. Keep Your Audience Engaged
    When viewers find interesting channels through you, they’re more likely to stick around. It’s like giving them bonus content they didn’t expect.
  3. Make Your Channel Look Professional
    A well-organized homepage with featured channels looks polished and shows that you care about your audience’s experience.
  4. Support Smaller Creators
    If you’re an established creator, you can feature smaller channels to help them grow. It’s a great way to give back to the community.

Now that you know the benefits, let’s learn how to add featured channels on YouTube. It’s a quick process, and you can do it in less than 10 minutes.

Step 1: Log in to Your YouTube Account

  1. Open YouTube on your browser or mobile app.
  2. Log in to your account if you haven’t already.

Step 2: Go to Your Channel

  1. Click on your profile picture at the top-right corner.
  2. Select “Your Channel” from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Access the Channel Customization Page

  1. Once you’re on your channel page, click the Customize Channel button.
  2. You’ll see three tabs: Layout, Branding, and Basic Info. Click on Layout.

Step 4: Add a New Section

  1. Scroll down to the Featured Sections area.
  2. Click the Add Section button.
  1. A menu will pop up with different options. Select Featured Channels.
  2. You’ll be asked to name this section. Choose a title that fits your channel’s vibe. For example:
    • “Channels I Love”
    • “My Other Channels”
    • “Friends and Partners”

Step 6: Select Channels to Feature

  1. In the search bar, type the name of the channel you want to feature.
  2. Click on the channel from the search results to add it.
  3. Repeat this process for all the channels you want to feature.

Step 7: Save Your Changes

  1. Once you’ve selected the channels, click Done.
  2. At the top-right corner of the page, click Publish to save your changes.

Step 8: Double-Check Your Homepage

Go back to your channel’s homepage and look at the new featured channels section. If it looks good, you’re all set!

Picking the right channels to feature is important. Here are some tips to help you:

  1. Stay Relevant
    Feature channels that match your content. If you’re a travel vlogger, don’t feature a gaming channel—it might confuse your audience.
  2. Support Your Friends
    Featuring your friends or collaborators is a nice gesture. It’s also a good way to build strong relationships in the YouTube community.
  3. Showcase Your Work
    If you have multiple channels, like a main channel and a vlog channel, make sure to feature them. This helps viewers explore all your content.
  4. Keep It Simple
    Don’t overwhelm your viewers by featuring too many channels. Stick to 3-5 for a clean and focused look.

You might be wondering, “Does adding featured channels really make a difference?” The answer is yes! Let me explain why:

  1. Boost Discoverability: If you feature your own secondary channel, it gets more views. If you feature friends, they might do the same for you, bringing you new viewers.
  2. Enhance Viewer Experience: When viewers find all the content they love in one place, they’re more likely to stay longer on your channel.
  3. Build Credibility: Featuring established creators or trusted channels makes your channel look more credible and professional.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes people make when adding featured channels, and how you can avoid them:

  1. Irrelevant Channels
    Make sure the channels you feature align with your content. Random channels can confuse your audience.
  2. Overloading the Section
    Featuring too many channels can clutter your homepage. Keep it minimal and meaningful.
  3. Neglecting Updates
    Update your featured channels every few months to keep the list fresh and relevant.

Adding featured channels is just the beginning. Here’s how to maximize their potential:

  1. Mention Them in Your Videos
    Tell your audience why you featured these channels. For example, say, “I love [Channel Name] because they make amazing tutorials!”
  2. Collaborate with Featured Channels
    Work with the creators you feature. You could do shoutouts, collaborations, or even create a series together.
  3. Promote the Section
    Use your video descriptions and community posts to remind viewers to check out your featured channels.

Building a Stronger YouTube Community

YouTube isn’t just about uploading videos—it’s about connecting with people. Adding featured channels is a small but meaningful way to show your audience what you care about and to support other creators.

Imagine this: You’re a budding artist, and you feature a channel that teaches painting techniques. Not only do your viewers learn something new, but the painting channel might also feature you in return, helping both of you grow.

Conclusion: Take Action Today

Adding featured channels on YouTube is one of the easiest ways to improve your channel and build connections. Whether you’re showcasing your own work, supporting friends, or introducing your viewers to new content, this feature can make your YouTube channel more engaging and professional.

So, what are you waiting for? Log in to YouTube and try it now. Your channel and your audience will thank you for it!

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For additional resources on music marketing and distribution, visit Deliver My Tune.