YouTube Channel ID Finder
Paste a YouTube channel URL, @handle, or custom link to get its permanent UC… channel ID. No account or API key needed.
What is a YouTube channel ID?
A channel ID is the fixed identifier YouTube assigns to every channel. It always begins with UC and is 24 characters long, like UCBJycsmduvYEL83R_U4JriQ. A handle (@name) or custom URL (/c/…, /user/…) is just a friendly alias the owner can change. The UC… ID never changes, so APIs and tools rely on it to point at a channel unambiguously.
Where you need a channel ID
- The YouTube Data API and most third-party YouTube tools, which identify channels by UC… ID
- A channel's public RSS feed (youtube.com/feeds/videos.xml?channel_id=UC…)
- Embeds, live-chat widgets, and stream overlays in OBS or Streamlabs
- Comment pickers, giveaway tools, and moderation bots that take a channel ID
- Importing or following a channel in apps like Channel Surfer
How to find it manually
If a channel uses a youtube.com/channel/UC… URL, the ID is the UC… part already. Handles and /c/… or /user/… URLs hide it, but for your own channel you’ll find it in YouTube Studio under Settings → Channel → Advanced settings. For any other channel, paste its link above and let the tool resolve it.
Need the channel’s feed instead of just its ID? The YouTube RSS Feed Generator builds the full feed URL from the same link.
Watch it like TV, not a settings page
Once you’ve grabbed the ID, if you’d rather watch than configure, Channel Surfer turns YouTube channels and your whole subscription list into a retro, lean-back cable-TV experience. Tune in, surf channels, and let it play. It’s free to start.
Frequently asked questions
What is a YouTube channel ID?
A channel ID is the permanent identifier YouTube gives every channel. It always starts with UC and is 24 characters long (for example UCBJycsmduvYEL83R_U4JriQ). Unlike a handle or custom URL, it never changes, so tools and APIs use it to refer to a channel reliably.
How do I find a channel's ID?
Paste the channel's URL, @handle, or custom link into the box above and click Find ID. If you already have a youtube.com/channel/UC… URL, the ID is the UC… part of it. Handles (@name) and /c/… or /user/… custom URLs don't show the ID directly, which is what this tool resolves for you.
Is the channel ID the same as the @handle?
No. A handle (like @mkbhd) is a human-friendly name the owner can change. The channel ID (UC…) is a fixed identifier that never changes. APIs, RSS feeds, and most third-party tools need the UC… ID, not the handle.
Do I need a YouTube account, login, or API key?
No. Channel and /channel/UC… URLs are handled right in your browser; @handle and custom-URL lookups use a quick server request. No login or API key needed either way.
How do I get my own channel ID?
Open your channel, then paste your channel's URL or @handle above. You can also find it in YouTube Studio under Settings → Channel → Advanced settings, where your channel ID is listed.
Can I watch a channel like a TV channel once I have its ID?
Yes. Channel Surfer turns YouTube channels and your whole subscription list into a lean-back, auto-playing cable-TV experience. You tune in and let it play instead of picking each video. Try it free at channelsurfer.tv.