Struggling to find your YouTube Channel ID on your phone? 

You're not alone. 

Whether you need this for API integrations, analytics tracking, or connecting your channel to third-party tools, getting your hands on this unique identifier can seem tricky when you're on mobile.

Good news - I'll show you the simplest methods for both Android and iPhone users to locate this elusive code. 

Your Channel ID is a permanent identifier that doesn't change (unlike your channel name or handle), making it essential for technical applications.

What is a YouTube Channel ID (and Why You Need It)

A YouTube Channel ID is a unique string of characters that permanently identifies your channel.

It typically begins with "UC" and is 24 characters long, looking something like "UCabcdefgh1234567890".

This ID differs from your channel's handle (the @name) or custom URL.

While you can change your handle or customize your URL, your Channel ID remains constant throughout your channel's life.

Why does this matter? 

Several important reasons:

• API Integration: Developers use Channel IDs to fetch data via YouTube's API, such as retrieving subscriber counts or videos.

• Analytics and Tools: Many analytics platforms require your Channel ID to link your channel for tracking performance.

• Channel Linking: Influencer marketing platforms and comment moderation tools need the exact ID to connect to your channel.

• No Guesswork: Since many channels might have similar names, the ID guarantees accuracy in identification.

Now let's find yours on your mobile device.

How to Find Your YouTube Channel ID on Android

You can find your Channel ID on Android using either the YouTube app or a mobile browser. If one method doesn't work, the other will serve as a reliable fallback.

Method 1 – Using the YouTube App (Android)

1. Open Your Profile. Launch the YouTube app and tap your profile picture in the top-right corner. Make sure you're signed into the correct account.

2. Go to "Your Channel." In the menu that appears, tap "Your channel" to access your channel page.

3. Access Channel Settings. On your channel page, tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner and select "Settings."

4. Find Advanced Settings. In the Settings menu, look for "Advanced settings" and tap it. (Note: Not all app versions show this option; if you don't see it, try Method 2.)
   Copy Your Channel ID. Under Channel Settings in Advanced, you'll see your Channel ID (the long "UCxxxxxxxx" code). Long-press to copy it or take a screenshot for future reference.

Method 2 – Using a Mobile Browser (Android)

This method works universally if the app doesn't show Advanced Settings:

1. Open YouTube in Browser. On your Android phone, open Chrome (or any browser) and go to youtube.com. Sign in to your YouTube account. (Tip: Use the browser's menu to "Request Desktop Site" for full settings access.)

2. Navigate to Settings. Tap your profile picture on the top-right, then click "Settings." Look for a sidebar or menu on the Settings page.
   Advanced Settings Page. In the settings, select "Advanced settings." Here, your Channel ID will be displayed.
   Copy the Channel ID. Simply copy the string of letters/numbers starting with "UC".

Pro Tip: You can directly navigate to the Advanced Settings by typing youtube.com/account_advanced in your mobile browser.

You'll need to log in, and then it will immediately show your Channel ID.

How to Find Your YouTube Channel ID on iPhone (iOS)

The process on iPhone is very similar to Android, with slight interface differences.

Method 1 – Using the YouTube App (iPhone)

1. Open Profile in App. Launch the YouTube app on your iPhone and tap your profile icon at the top-right. Ensure you're logged into the correct account.

2. Go to Your Channel. Tap "Your channel" to load your channel page.

3. Open Settings. Tap the ⋯ (three dots) on the top-right of your channel page, then tap "Settings."

4. Advanced Settings. Within Settings, tap "Advanced settings" (if available).

5. Copy Channel ID. Your Channel ID will be listed here under Channel info. Long-press to copy the text.

Method 2 – Using a Browser (iPhone)

If the app doesn't show Advanced settings:

1. Use Safari or Chrome. Open a browser and go to youtube.com. Log in with your Google account.

2. Access Desktop Settings. In Safari, tap the "AA" icon in the address bar and choose "Request Desktop Website." (In Chrome, use the "⋯" menu > "Request Desktop Site.")

3. Profile > Settings. Tap your profile picture on the top-right, then choose "Settings." Look for Advanced Settings on the left menu.

4. Find Channel ID. In Advanced settings, your Channel ID will be listed. Copy it for safekeeping.

How to Find Someone Else's YouTube Channel ID (On Mobile)

Need another channel's ID? 

You can't use YouTube's settings to get these, but there are ways:

Method 1: Use the Channel's URL (If Visible)

If the channel's URL is already in the format youtube.com/channel/UCxxxxxxxx, then the ID is the part after /channel/.

Example: If visiting a channel shows youtube.com/channel/UCABC123XYZ in your browser, then UCABC123XYZ is the Channel ID.

Using the YouTube app's Share option on a channel often copies the full channel URL. 

Paste that link somewhere to examine it - if it contains /channel/UC..., you've got their ID.

Method 2: Use a Channel ID Lookup Tool

For convenience, use a free Channel ID finder tool. 

Simply copy the channel's @handle or URL, paste it into the search box, and it will display the Channel ID.

A trusted option is CommentPicker's Channel ID Finder - it's well-known in the YouTube community.

Method 3: Page Source Trick (Advanced Users)

For tech-savvy users, you can view a channel's page source:

1. In a mobile browser, go to the channel's page.

2. Add "view-source:" in front of the URL (some mobile browsers allow this).

3. Search within the code for channelId. The string next to it (after the ":") is the Channel ID.

Remember, no matter which method you use, the Channel ID will always have the same format (UC followed by characters).

Tips and Extra Info for Managing Channel IDs

Channel ID vs. User ID: In YouTube's Advanced Settings, you'll see two IDs - Channel ID and User ID. 

The distinction:

• The Channel ID refers to the channel itself (especially for brand accounts).

• The User ID is tied to the Google account that owns the channel.

Most integrations ask for the Channel ID (starting with "UC"). If unsure, this is usually your safest bet.

Keep Your ID Handy: Save your Channel ID in a notes app or somewhere convenient. Since it never changes, having it readily available saves time when setting up new tools.

Privacy Note: A Channel ID isn't sensitive information - it's public and anyone can find it with enough effort. It's perfectly safe to share when a service requests it.

Handles and Future Changes: YouTube has introduced @handles (unique usernames), which are different from Channel IDs. While some apps might eventually accept handles, many APIs still require Channel IDs, so knowing how to find yours remains important.

When you use the Share button on your channel, YouTube might give out a URL with your Channel ID automatically. 

This ensures the link always works even if you change your channel name or handle.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is my YouTube Channel ID the same as my channel's URL? 

Not exactly. Your channel URL might contain your Channel ID if you see /channel/UC... in it, but if you have a custom URL or handle, your Channel ID will be different. 

Think of the Channel ID as an underlying identifier that never changes.

Can I find my Channel ID in the YouTube Studio app?

Yes – in the YouTube Studio mobile app, go to Settings > Channel > Advanced Settings. 

Your Channel ID is listed there. This works if you have the YT Studio app installed.

Can I change my YouTube Channel ID? 

No. YouTube Channel IDs are permanent and assigned when you create the channel. 

You can change your channel name or handle, but not the Channel ID.

Do I need my Channel ID to share my channel with others?

Not usually. To share your channel with viewers, you can simply use your channel's URL or handle (e.g., youtube.com/@yourhandle). 

The Channel ID is mostly needed for software, APIs, or services behind the scenes.

I have the Channel ID – what now? 

Use it wherever needed! 

Common next steps include inputting it into a third-party analytics tool, using it to fetch data via the YouTube API, or providing it when setting up integrations. 

For developers, the ID can be used with Google's APIs to retrieve channel info.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Finding your YouTube Channel ID on mobile is straightforward whether you use the app or a browser. 

This seemingly small piece of data plays a critical role in many technical aspects of YouTube content management.

Now that you have your Channel ID, you can integrate your YouTube channel with that new app or analytics tool you've been wanting to try. No more guessing – you've got the exact ID needed.

At Digital Media Lab, we're all about making digital how-tos easy – hopefully this helped you out!

Got any more YouTube questions? Feel free to explore our blog for more tips and tricks. Happy creating!