How to Find a YouTube Channel ID (Any Channel, 3 Easy Ways)
Free tool: Channel ID Finder
Since YouTube switched to @handles, the permanent channel ID — the 24-character code starting with "UC" — is hidden from most channel pages. But you still need it for RSS feeds, embeds, analytics tools, and API integrations.
Here are three ways to find any channel ID, including your own, plus what to do with it once you have it.
Method 1: Use a Channel ID Finder (Fastest)
This works for any public channel, including ones with custom /c/ URLs or old /user/ URLs.
- 1Copy the channel URL, @handle, or a link to any of the channel’s videos.
- 2Paste it into the free YouTube channel ID finder.
- 3Copy the channel ID — plus the RSS feed, uploads playlist, and subscribe link if you need them.
Method 2: Find Your Own Channel ID in YouTube Settings
- 1Sign in to YouTube and click your profile picture.
- 2Open Settings → Advanced settings.
- 3Copy the Channel ID shown there.
Method 3: Find It in the Page Source
On a desktop browser, open the channel page, right-click, choose "View page source," and search for "channelId" or "externalId." The value starting with UC is the channel ID. It works, but it is slow and easy to copy the wrong value.
What You Can Do With a Channel ID
| Use | Format |
|---|---|
| Permanent channel link | youtube.com/channel/UC… |
| RSS feed of new uploads | youtube.com/feeds/videos.xml?channel_id=UC… |
| Playlist of every upload | youtube.com/playlist?list=UU… (UC replaced by UU) |
| Subscribe prompt link | youtube.com/channel/UC…?sub_confirmation=1 |
| YouTube Data API calls | channelId=UC… |
Channel ID vs Handle vs Custom URL
- •Channel ID (UC…) — permanent, never changes. Use it for integrations.
- •@handle — the readable name you choose. It can be changed in YouTube Studio.
- •Custom URL (/c/name) and username (/user/name) — older formats that still redirect but are no longer created.
Channel ID FAQs
What does a YouTube channel ID look like?
It is 24 characters long and starts with "UC", for example UCX6OQ3DkcsbYNE6H8uQQuVA.
Can a YouTube channel ID change?
No. Channel names and handles can change, but the channel ID stays the same for the life of the channel.
How do I get a YouTube channel ID from a video?
Paste the video link into a channel ID finder. It looks up which channel uploaded the video and returns that channel’s ID.
How do I get an RSS feed for a YouTube channel?
Use youtube.com/feeds/videos.xml?channel_id= followed by the channel ID. Our channel ID finder builds this link for you.
More free tools: 20 Best Free YouTube Tools (2026)