YouTube Channel ID Finder
Convert any YouTube channel URL, @handle, or custom URL into its underlying channel ID (the UC… string). Paste a link and copy the ID for API calls, RSS feeds, and embeds.
Why creators choose YouTube (YT) Toolkit over VidIQ & TubeBuddy
- 100% free - no subscription tiers or hidden usage limits on core tools.
- No login / no account - paste a URL and run instantly.
- No browser extension - full web app on mobile, tablet, and desktop.
What is a YouTube channel ID finder?
A channel ID finder converts any YouTube channel URL, @handle, or custom URL into the channel’s permanent ID — the 24-character string that starts with UC. YouTube uses this ID internally for every channel, and it never changes even if the creator renames the channel or updates their handle.
Handles and custom URLs are convenient for humans, but software needs the stable identifier. The YouTube Data API, RSS feeds, subscribe-button embeds, and most analytics platforms all ask for the UC… ID. This tool bridges the gap: paste what you have, copy the ID you need.
How to find a YouTube channel ID
- Copy the channel link — Open the channel on YouTube and copy the URL. A
@handle, a/channel/UC…URL, or an older/c/or/user/link all work. - Paste it above — Drop the URL or handle into the input and press Find ID.
- Copy the ID — Click the channel ID to copy it. The tool also builds a ready RSS feed URL you can copy in one click.
What you can do with a channel ID
- YouTube Data API — Pass the ID to endpoints like
channels.listandplaylistItems.list. - RSS feeds — Track uploads without the API using
feeds/videos.xml?channel_id=UC…. - Embeds & widgets — Configure subscribe buttons and channel widgets that require the ID.
- Automation — Wire the ID into Zapier, Make, or your own scripts for reliable channel references.
Channel ID vs handle vs custom URL
A single channel can have three public references. The channel ID (UC…) is permanent and machine-facing. The @handle is a chosen name that can change. The custom URL is a legacy vanity path. Only the channel ID is guaranteed stable, so store it whenever you need a reference that will not break later.
Related tools
Once you have the ID, dig into public metrics with Channel Statistics, pull the channel’s recurring keywords with Channel Tags, or grab the avatar with the Profile Picture Downloader.
Frequently asked questions
What is a YouTube channel ID?
A YouTube channel ID is the permanent identifier YouTube assigns to every channel. It always starts with "UC" and is 24 characters long (for example UC_x5XG1OV2P6uZZ5FSM9Ttw). Unlike a display name or @handle, the channel ID never changes, which is why the YouTube Data API, RSS feeds, and most third-party tools require it rather than the handle.
How do I find my own channel ID?
Open your channel page while signed in, copy the URL from the address bar, and paste it into the tool above. You can also go to YouTube Studio, then Settings, then Channel, then Advanced settings, where the channel ID is listed. Both routes give the same UC… value.
What is the difference between a channel ID and an @handle?
The @handle (for example @mkbhd) is a human-readable name a creator can choose and change. The channel ID (UC…) is a fixed system identifier that stays the same for the life of the channel. Handles are for people; channel IDs are for software, feeds, and APIs.
Why do I need the channel ID?
You need it for the YouTube Data API, to build an RSS feed of a channel’s uploads (youtube.com/feeds/videos.xml?channel_id=UC…), to embed a subscribe button, to configure many analytics and automation tools, and anywhere a stable identifier is required instead of a display name.
Does this tool work with old /c/ and /user/ URLs?
Yes. Paste a legacy custom URL such as youtube.com/c/Name or youtube.com/user/Name, a modern @handle URL, or a /channel/UC… URL. The tool resolves each format to the underlying channel ID.
Can I build an RSS feed from the channel ID?
Yes. Take the UC… ID and append it to https://www.youtube.com/feeds/videos.xml?channel_id= — the result is a standard RSS feed of that channel’s latest uploads that works in any feed reader. The tool shows this ready-made feed URL in the results.
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