Growing your YouTube channel involves showcasing other creators through the feature channels option. Learning how to feature channels on youtube can help you build community, cross-promote, and make your channel page more engaging for visitors.
Featuring other channels is a simple way to support creators you admire. It also gives your audience new content to explore. This guide will walk you through every step, from finding the settings to choosing which channels to feature.
Why Feature Channels On Your Youtube Page
Featuring channels is not just about being nice. It has real benefits for your own channel growth. When you feature another creator, they might notice and return the favor. This can lead to more visibility for your content.
Your channel page becomes a hub for related content. Visitors see that you are connected to a network of creators. This builds trust and shows you are active in your niche. It also keeps people on YouTube longer, which the algorithm likes.
Building Community Through Features
YouTube is a social platform. Featuring channels shows you are part of a community. It encourages collaboration and networking. Other creators may reach out to you for partnerships or shoutouts.
Your audience also benefits. They discover new channels they might enjoy. This makes your channel a valuable resource, not just a one-stop shop for your own videos.
Increasing Your Channel’s Credibility
When you feature well-known channels, it reflects positively on you. It signals that you are serious about your niche. New viewers see you as a curator of quality content.
Even featuring smaller channels can help. It shows you support the community. This builds goodwill and can lead to loyal subscribers who appreciate your generosity.
How To Feature Channels On Youtube
Now let’s get into the actual process. The feature channels section is located in your channel customization settings. Follow these steps carefully to add or remove featured channels.
Step 1: Access Your Youtube Studio
First, log into your YouTube account. Click on your profile icon in the top right corner. From the dropdown menu, select “YouTube Studio.” This is where you manage all your channel settings.
If you are on a mobile device, you might need to use a desktop browser. The feature channels option is not available in the YouTube mobile app. Use a computer or switch to desktop mode on your phone.
Step 2: Go To Customization
In YouTube Studio, look at the left sidebar. You will see several options like Dashboard, Content, and Analytics. Click on “Customization.” This opens your channel layout and branding settings.
You will see three tabs: Layout, Branding, and Basic Info. The feature channels option is under the Layout tab. Click on “Layout” to proceed.
Step 3: Find The Featured Sections
Scroll down the Layout page. You will see a section called “Featured sections.” This is where you can add different types of content to your channel homepage. One of these sections is for channels.
Click the “Add section” button. A pop-up menu will appear with several options. Look for “Featured channels” in the list. Select it and click “Create.”
Step 4: Choose Channels To Feature
After creating the section, you need to add specific channels. You can search for channels by name or paste their URL. You can feature up to 12 channels in one section.
Think carefully about which channels to include. Choose creators that are relevant to your niche. Avoid adding random channels just to fill the space. Quality matters more than quantity.
Step 5: Arrange And Save
Once you add channels, you can reorder them. Drag and drop to arrange them as you like. Put the most relevant or popular channels at the top. This makes the section look organized.
After arranging, click “Publish” or “Save” at the top of the page. Your featured channels will now appear on your channel homepage. You can edit or remove them anytime.
Best Practices For Featuring Channels
Simply adding channels is not enough. You need to do it strategically. Follow these best practices to get the most out of your featured channels section.
Feature Channels In Your Niche
Your audience came to your channel for a specific topic. Feature channels that cover similar subjects. If you make gaming videos, feature other gamers. If you teach cooking, feature food bloggers.
This keeps your channel page coherent. Visitors will not be confused by unrelated content. It also increases the chance that the featured channel’s audience will visit your page.
Rotate Featured Channels Regularly
Do not set your featured channels and forget them. Update them every few weeks or months. This keeps your channel page fresh. It also gives you a reason to interact with other creators.
When you rotate, you can feature new creators you discover. This shows your audience that you are active and engaged. It also helps you build relationships with more people in your niche.
Ask Permission Before Featuring
While not required, it is polite to ask. Some creators might not want to be featured. They might have their own reasons. A simple message on social media or email can clarify.
Asking also opens a conversation. You can introduce yourself and express appreciation. This can lead to future collaborations. It is a small step that builds strong connections.
Feature A Mix Of Sizes
Do not only feature huge channels. Include smaller creators too. This diversifies your featured section. It also supports the community at all levels.
Smaller creators are often more grateful and responsive. They might promote your channel in return. This creates a network of mutual support that benefits everyone.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Many creators make errors when setting up featured channels. Avoid these common pitfalls to keep your channel page professional.
Featuring Too Many Channels
You can feature up to 12 channels, but that does not mean you should. Too many choices can overwhelm visitors. Stick to 4 to 6 high-quality channels. This makes the section clean and focused.
If you have many creators you want to support, rotate them. Change the selection every month. This keeps the section dynamic without cluttering your page.
Featuring Inactive Channels
Check if the channels you feature are still active. A channel that has not uploaded in a year looks bad. It suggests you are not paying attention. Remove inactive channels and replace them with active ones.
You can check the channel’s recent uploads before adding them. Look for consistent posting schedules. This ensures your featured section remains relevant and useful.
Ignoring Mobile View
Your featured channels appear differently on mobile devices. The layout might be compressed or hidden. Check how your channel page looks on a phone. Make sure the section is visible and well-arranged.
You can test this by viewing your channel on a mobile browser. If the section is not displaying, you might need to adjust your layout settings. Mobile users make up a large part of YouTube traffic.
Advanced Tips For Using Featured Channels
Once you master the basics, you can use featured channels more creatively. These advanced tips can help you stand out and grow faster.
Create A “Collaborators” Section
Use the featured channels section to highlight creators you have worked with. This shows your collaboration history. It also gives your collaborators a nice shoutout.
When you release a collab video, add that creator to your featured section temporarily. This drives traffic to their channel and strengthens the partnership. It is a win-win for both of you.
Feature Channels That Feature You
If another creator features your channel, return the favor. Add them to your featured section. This creates a reciprocal relationship. It also signals to your audience that you are connected.
You can search for channels that have featured you by checking your notifications. Or simply ask creators if they have featured you. This builds a network of mutual promotion.
Use The Section For Curation
Think of your featured channels as a curated list. You are telling your audience, “These are the best channels in our niche.” This positions you as an authority. It also helps your audience find quality content.
Curate carefully. Only feature channels that produce high-quality videos. This reflects well on your own channel. It shows you have good taste and care about your audience’s experience.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes the feature channels option does not work as expected. Here are solutions to common problems.
Feature Channels Option Not Showing
If you cannot find the featured channels option, check your channel type. Some channel types, like brand accounts, might have different settings. Make sure you are using a standard YouTube channel.
Also, check if you are in YouTube Studio. The option is only available there. If you are using the old Creator Studio, switch to the new one. The layout is different.
Channels Not Appearing After Adding
If you add a channel but it does not appear, refresh the page. Sometimes the change takes a few minutes to show. If it still does not appear, remove and re-add the channel.
Check if the channel you are adding is public. Private or deleted channels cannot be featured. Also, ensure you have not reached the 12-channel limit.
Featured Section Not Visible To Others
Your featured channels might be visible only to you. Check your channel’s privacy settings. Make sure your channel is public. If it is unlisted or private, the section will not show.
Also, check if you have saved the changes. Click “Publish” after making edits. Without publishing, the changes are not live. This is a common oversight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I feature channels on my YouTube channel from my phone?
No, the feature channels option is not available in the YouTube mobile app. You need to use a desktop browser or switch to desktop mode on your phone. Access YouTube Studio from a computer for full control.
How many channels can I feature on YouTube?
You can feature up to 12 channels in one section. However, it is recommended to feature fewer, around 4 to 6, for a cleaner look. You can create multiple sections if needed.
Will featured channels be notified?
YouTube does not automatically notify channels when you feature them. You should inform them yourself through social media or email. This opens the door for networking and reciprocity.
Can I remove a featured channel later?
Yes, you can remove or replace featured channels anytime. Go to YouTube Studio, then Customization, then Layout. Edit the featured channels section and remove any channel. Save your changes.
Does featuring channels help my SEO?
Indirectly, yes. Featuring channels can increase engagement on your channel page. It may also lead to backlinks or mentions from other creators. This can improve your channel’s overall authority in search results.
Final Thoughts On Featuring Channels
Featuring channels is a simple but powerful tool. It helps you build community, support other creators, and make your channel page more valuable. The process is easy once you know where to look.
Start by featuring a few relevant channels in your niche. Rotate them regularly and ask permission when possible. Avoid common mistakes like featuring too many or inactive channels. With consistent effort, this small feature can have a big impact on your channel growth.
Remember that YouTube is a social platform. The more you engage with other creators, the more you grow. Featuring channels is just one way to show you are part of the community. Use it wisely and watch your network expand.
If you have not set up your featured channels yet, do it today. It takes only a few minutes. The benefits will accumulate over time as you build relationships and trust with your audience and fellow creators.