Users can now find and interact with content creators directly on YouTube by tagging their handles. It allows channels to use unique identifiers with the @username format, as announced on the video-sharing platform’s News and Events page. These handles will appear, among other places, in comments, video descriptions, and channel pages, allowing users to quickly tag others.
“It’ll soon be easier and faster to mention each other in comments, community posts, video descriptions, and more,” YouTube announced. “For example, creators can be shouted out in a comment or tagged in the title of a recent collab, which can help them increase visibility and reach new audiences.”
Handles will be released over the next month, and creators will be notified when they will be able to select their handle. If a channel already has a personalized URL, that will be the default handle, though this can be changed for a short period of time after the notification is received.
“The timing of when a creator will have access to the handles selection process is determined by a number of factors, including overall YouTube presence, subscriber count, and whether the channel is active or inactive,” YouTube stated in the announcement.
Handles are used in conjunction with channel names to create a unique identifier
YouTube began allowing content creators to change both the name and URL of their channels in early 2022. These provided branding opportunities to assist channels in identifying and distinguishing themselves.
Unlike channel names, however, each handle will be distinct, allowing creators to further distinguish their distinct brand. This is similar to the handles and usernames that are commonly used on other social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Prior to this update, YouTube only provided limited support for the format’s use. Users could use it to mention others in YouTube Live chats, or creators could use it to mention channels and video titles, but could only tag another user by replying to their comments.
The @Username format aims to compete with TikTok
TikTok, a short-form video platform with over one billion users worldwide, has emerged as a major player in the world of social media. As a result, other social media platforms have sought ways to compete with it. Facebook introduced Reels, and YouTube expanded into Shorts.
TikTok provides users with the ability to engage in conversations through posts and the resulting discussions and results. YouTube hopes to generate similar usage by adding @username handles to both channel pages and Shorts.
