What is a YouTube Channel ID?
Every channel on YouTube has a unique Channel ID — a permanent identifier that always starts with UC followed by a 22-character string (e.g. UCaQyfI2ViHt86Q2EpA-Op-w). Unlike handles or custom URLs, the Channel ID never changes, even if the channel is renamed.
YouTube Channel IDs are needed for YouTube Data API integrations, embedding channels on external sites, analytics tools, and any service that needs to reliably identify a YouTube channel.
How to Find a YouTube Channel ID
Open the YouTube channel
Go to youtube.com and navigate to the channel you want the ID for.
Copy the channel URL
Any YouTube URL format works — @handle, /c/name, /user/name, or /channel/UCxxx.
Paste and click "Get UID"
The Channel ID appears in seconds. Copy it with one click.
Supported YouTube Link Formats
Handle URLs
youtube.com/@handle
Custom URLs
youtube.com/c/name
Legacy User URLs
youtube.com/user/name
Channel URLs
youtube.com/channel/UCxxx
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tool free?
Yes, completely free with no limits and no sign-up required.
What's the difference between a handle and a Channel ID?
A handle (e.g. @MrBeast) is a human-readable identifier that can be changed by the channel owner. A Channel ID (e.g. UCX6OQ3DkcsbYNE6H8uQQuVA) is a permanent ID assigned by YouTube that never changes.
Why doesn't the channel URL show the Channel ID directly?
Once a channel hits 100 subscribers, YouTube lets the owner claim a custom URL (handle, /c/, or /user/). That hides the raw Channel ID from the URL bar, even though the ID still exists under the hood.
Why do I need a YouTube Channel ID?
Channel IDs are required for the YouTube Data API, embed integrations, analytics platforms, creator management tools, and any system that needs to reliably reference a YouTube channel.