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: