Over the last couple of weeks YouTube has launched what they are calling One Channel -a single channel design for all platforms and devices. Whether you are viewing the YouTube channel on desktop, laptop, tablet or smart phone the design and branding is consistent.
There are 3 fundamental changes for the new YouTube channel design.
- The ability to brand your channel. You could brand your channel previously but with the new layout you no longer need to fiddle with backgrounds and color schemes. Instead YouTube has given you prime real estate front and center on your channel to upload a header/logo/brand banner with external links. The difficulty for some is the size. YouTube requires a very large image file – 2120 x 1192 pixels – for your banner or as YouTube calls it – your channel art. YouTube then takes the center section to be seen on all platforms. YouTube has done their best to supply you with a template in order to format your channel art. The large file size is to accommodate your branded channel art looking good for those viewing on television. This is a key point to be aware of for channel owners. YouTube isn’t just seen on the desktop or mobile. People are watching YouTube videos through the gaming console, and Apple TV to name just a few of the devices that has YouTube.
- Non-subscriber trailer video. Non subscribers who visit your channel automatically view a Trailer video. The trailer video is optional but I highly recommend creating and uploading one. It should not be more than a minute and should include a short intro of who you are and what you do, and what your channel is all about. Subscribers do not see this video although it is in your video uploads. The non subscriber video is located below your channel art and above the fold – key real estate. The description for the trailer video is beside (also new) the video – not below it. A key suggestion would be to include calls to action.
- The last big change (for now) is your ability to organize your video uploads and playlists. You can organize what content you want displayed and in what order. For example you can have recent uploads located above your playlists or vice versa.
The key takeaways with the changes:
YouTube is getting more and more involved on the TV end of things – evolving away from the desktop. YouTube is rumored to be creating for pay channels (content creators) in addition to their current video on demand feature – picture Netflix with premium YouTube channels, and possibly traditional cable channels.
To me “One channel” is a one page website of sorts. All channel content is up front and center with your own branding.
What do you think of the new One Channel layout?
