YouTube Channel ID Finder
Get any YouTube Channel ID in one click. Paste a link and go.
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The YouTube Channel ID Finder helps you find the unique channel ID behind a YouTube channel URL, @handle or video link. Paste the YouTube link into the tool above, click Find Channel ID, and copy the Channel ID from the result.
A YouTube Channel ID is the identifier YouTube uses for a specific channel. It is different from the channel's display name or @handle and is useful when you need to identify the exact channel in an API, integration, database or reporting workflow.
How to Find a YouTube Channel ID
Using the finder takes just a few steps:
- Copy the YouTube channel URL, @handle URL or a video URL from the channel.
- Paste it into the input field above.
- Click Find Channel ID.
- Copy the Channel ID shown in the result.
This is particularly useful when the channel uses an @handle URL rather than a URL that already exposes the Channel ID.
What Is a YouTube Channel ID?
A YouTube Channel ID is the unique ID associated with a channel. YouTube's Data API uses the id property to identify a channel resource. Channel IDs are commonly seen in URLs using the /channel/ format.
For example, a channel URL may look like:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The portion beginning with UC is the Channel ID in that example.
YouTube Channel ID vs Handle
A Channel ID and a YouTube handle are not the same thing. A handle is the public identifier beginning with @, such as @youtubecreators. YouTube says handles are unique to channels, but channel owners can change them.
The Channel ID identifies the underlying channel resource. This makes it useful when you want to store an exact channel reference independently of its public-facing name or handle.
YouTube's current Data API can also retrieve a channel by its handle using the forHandle parameter, so you do not always need to manually convert a handle before making an API request. The Channel ID is still useful when a workflow, application or dataset specifically expects the channel's ID.
When Is a Channel ID Useful?
You may need to find a YouTube Channel ID when working with:
- YouTube API requests that use a Channel ID.
- Channel databases and spreadsheets.
- Analytics and reporting workflows.
- Third-party tools that request a Channel ID.
- Development or automation projects that need an exact channel reference.
If you're working with the identifier of an individual video instead, use the YouTube Video ID Finder. A Video ID identifies one video, while a Channel ID identifies the channel that publishes videos.
How to Find Your Own Channel ID on YouTube
You don't necessarily need a third-party finder for your own channel. YouTube says channel owners can view their user ID and Channel ID from their account's Advanced settings after signing in.
The SanishTech finder is more convenient when you already have a public channel link, @handle or video URL, or when you need to identify a channel other than your own.
Channel ID or Video ID: Which One Do You Need?
Use a Channel ID when you need to identify the YouTube channel itself. Use a Video ID when you need to identify one specific upload. They serve different purposes even though both are used throughout YouTube-related tools and APIs.
If you want to inspect public information associated with a YouTube video after identifying it, you can also use the YouTube Data Viewer.
YouTube Channel ID Finder FAQ
What does the YouTube Channel ID Finder do?
The YouTube Channel ID Finder finds the unique Channel ID associated with a YouTube channel. Paste a supported YouTube channel, handle or video link into the tool and click Find Channel ID to get the result.
What can I paste into the Channel ID Finder?
You can use a YouTube channel URL, an @handle URL or a YouTube video URL. The tool uses the supplied link to identify the associated channel.
Can I find a YouTube Channel ID from a video link?
Yes. The tool accepts a YouTube video URL and can use it to identify the channel associated with that video.
Do I need to sign in to use the tool?
No sign-in is shown as part of the Channel ID Finder workflow. You can paste the YouTube link directly into the tool and run the lookup.
Can I find multiple Channel IDs at once?
The current Channel ID Finder interface processes one input at a time. Run another lookup when you need the ID for a different channel.
What should I do if a Channel ID is not found?
Check that the YouTube URL or handle is correct and try again. If you are using a video URL, try a valid public video from the same channel or paste the channel's direct URL instead.
What is a YouTube Channel ID?
A YouTube Channel ID is the unique ID YouTube uses to identify a channel resource. It is different from the channel's display name and @handle.
Is a YouTube Channel ID the same as a handle?
No. A handle is the public identifier that starts with @, while the Channel ID identifies the underlying YouTube channel resource. A channel owner can change a handle.
How can I find my own YouTube Channel ID?
YouTube says channel owners can find their user ID and Channel ID from Advanced settings after signing in. You can also paste your public channel URL or @handle into the SanishTech finder.
Why would I need a YouTube Channel ID?
A Channel ID is useful when an API, third-party application, database or reporting workflow needs the unique identifier for a particular YouTube channel.