Creating a YouTube channel for a client or business

Creating a YouTube channel is a very personal affair in that every YouTube channel which is created is created by/for an individual and is inextricably linked to that person and (their) Google account.

Because of that fact it is important to start the process of YouTube channel creation with that in mind- who IS the responsible person who will ensure that access is maintained for the lifetime of the YouTube channel?  Is it the creator or, as in my case (as someone making channels for clients), someone else?

Here is how to avoid problems in the future when starting from scratch (ie creating a Google account):

1.  Determine who is ultimately going to "own" the YouTube channel and know this- every YouTube channel is a mere product of its Google account.  So-  who is going to "own" the Google account?

2a.  Gather their data for the creation of the Google account- name, date of birth (note:  a date of birth is not the same as a company's founding year- it refers very literally to the person's "birth"), and mobile/cell phone number.  Get them to prepare a company (domain) email for their YouTube channel's Google account.  Also a recovery email which should be one which is permanent and never likely to be deleted/lost.

2b.  Ask for a name choice for the Google+ Page you will be creating for the YouTube channel.  Also what custom URL the channel should use, with a few options in case of the first choice not being available (good custom URLs are hard to come by so be prepared to compromise and be creative when deciding this with the company/client).

3.  Create the Google account in the responsible individual's name, with their details and use a password they should change once you hand over control.  Have the verification code sent to them and ask them to pass it on to you as soon as possible (it helps to be in contact with them by mobile/cellphone at very least).

4.  Create the YouTube channel on this Google account using "business or other name" which will generate the Google+ Page which is now a mandatory requirement for all new YouTube channels.  The Google+ Page can have the full and correct name of the company/client/brand.  Follow through with the choosing of the Google+ category for the +Page being created and agree to the ToS on behalf of the company/client.

5.  Give the YouTube channel a custom URL as discussed with the company/client in 2b. above.

6.  IF desired by the company/client- make yourself a manager of the Google+ Page you have just created with the YouTube channel.  That way you can hand over control of the master Google account created in the responsible person's name but still have "manager" access to the YouTube channel to continue with your involvement via your OWN Google account.

7.  Hand over control of the master Google account to the responsible person/client and request that they change the password and make a note of the email address/username and the new password for future reference.  Impress upon them that this is vital data which should be kept safe.

Here is a video on how I go through these steps for others on a very regular basis, having learned through trial and error just how difficult it can be to remember that it is not YOUR YouTube channel and should never ever be set up as such:

It may help to understand why a Google+ Page-using YouTube channel is the right product option for all but the most personal YouTube channels.  Here is a video where I address the difference between the personal/individual Google+ Profile option and the non-personal/public facing Google+ Page option:

How To Make a YouTube Channel (February 2014

Creating YouTube channels used to be relatively straight-forward.  Nowadays when you want to create a YouTube you create a whole slew of Google accounts and profiles and services before you get to the good bit.  Let's start by going to YouTube and clicking:

1.  Creating your YouTube's Google account (if you have one then skip this step and log into that Google account) by using the small link to Create an account:

i.  Personal data entry:  Having clicked the little link on the sign in page you will be taken to Google (note the URL and the logo in the left top corner):

where you pick an email to use or create a GMail especially for the Google account/YouTube channel you are creating and complete other personal data such as a phone number for verification and future recovery as well as needing to read the terms of service and agree to them (please read them and try to understand them as not doing so can give you problems later on, given how tough they can be).

Note:  also make sure that you give your real personal data as you may well need to know the data you input in order to verify yourself in months/years to come and remembering what untruth you told is nigh on impossible no matter how well you believe you know it.

ii.  Verification and phone numbers:  Verify your Google account and its details, including its recovery email address initially by receiving a code to your phone which you can use as entered on the previous screen or which you can edit.  Note- you can use a landline for the voice message (true as of March 2013 when this was tested by yours truly).  Use the code in the field for it on the dialogue page which pops up after you confirm how you wish to receive the code.

iii.  Welcome and the importance of that email address:  You will then be welcomed.  To your new Google account.  NOT a YouTube channel.  Not yet any way.  Note the email address/Google account username.  It is your ONLY username, the only one you can log in with.  Forget it and you are lost, without hope.  Honest.

Next click on  Back to YouTube  to start the channel set up.

2.  Creating your YouTube account and channel:

i.  Initiating set up:  You will be at YouTube with your Google account username (ie email) showing up top right.  Click on it and drop down the menu.  Pick My Channel from it to be prompted to set one up.  :)  Or click on upload or comment on someone videos as those activities would also require you to actually HAVE a YouTube channel.

Note:  Setting up a YouTube "account" means you get a channel AND a Google+ profile for it. (while this is not optional, you can later disable the Google+ profile with care).  

ii.  Picking a name for the Google+ Profile and the YouTube account:  You will be asked to enter a name you wish to be known by, it doesn't HAVE to be the same as you entered for the Google account.  So you could use a pseudonym, I guess.

iii.  Or using a "proper" YouTube name, no spaces but which appears in the URL:  BUT, and this is important to note, you can ALSO pick a "Business or Other" name.  That option is where the name you pick, providing it is available, becomes part of the URL.  That kind of name must be alpha-numeric, not exceed 20 characters and actually be available.  If it is not, because someone got it before you, then you must pick another.  You cannot have their name, even if they have since closed the channel, sorry.

Note:  if you use a real name or pseudonym, which gives you a space in the name of your YouTube channel your YouTube's URL will remain randomised and have /channel/ in it.  If, however you pick an "other" or "business" name for your channel you get to create the URL as per the name.  And you can STILL opt to use the real name or pseudonym afterward (the URL will remain set to whatever you picked for it).

After all the above-  here is a video on the how to which you may prefer to use:

How to Create A YouTube Channel in 2014