Difference Between YouTube Channel vs Account
I may have items I use and love on this page. If you take action (I.e. make a purchase) after clicking one of the affiliate links, I’ll earn some coffee money ☕️ (at no additional cost to you). See our terms for more info.
What is the Difference between a YouTube Account and Channel
If you are just wanting to watch some videos, learn a few things, listen to some music or what not then having an account is what you’ll need. If you plan on really getting into YouTube and want to add your own videos then you’ll need a YouTube Channel for that.
Believe it or not, there is actually a difference in having just a YouTube account and creating a YouTube Channel.
Both an account and channel are free, they allow you to watch videos, subscribe to channels, save videos to watch for later but that’s about where it ends.
Channels give you the following additional features:
- Playlists
- The ability to comment on videos
- Uploading your own videos

About the Author
Audrey Ostoyic has been guiding Seniors and Baby Boomers through the intricacies of social media since 2013. With a passion for technology and a talent for teaching, Audrey simplifies new and often overwhelming digital worlds into easy, understandable steps. Her expertise helps users connect with friends and family effortlessly, without the usual frustration that technology can bring.
Thank you – this was a helpful video.
Hi Martha,
I’m so glad you found this to be helpful. Let me know if you run into anything you need a little bit more help with.
Be Blessed,
Audrey
Hello, can you help please?
I’m taking part in an online course on having more confidence to improve playing musical instruments. One of the requirements is to download a weekly video of a short performance, process it on You Tube and then move it into the forum page of this course.
The problem is that I accidentally used Channel and now whenever I access You Tube it takes me straight there. It will upload the video but I can’t then access the link to the course. The only links that appear are to Face Book etc. I tried clicking on the video and dropping it there but that just creates a blank video. Is there anything I can do to get out of Channel and just go to the ordinary You Tube site please?
Good day sir/ma..I hope that you are fine?? Pls I would love to probably chat with you 1 on 1…because I wanna learn more about YouTube Management…it is Actually difficult or very simple….I am about to create my own channel now..I know that this isn’t difficult @ all..but what of Aftermath…..This is my WhatsApp no (+2348162601830