Free YouTube Channel ID Finder – Extract Channel IDs from URLs

Find YouTube channel IDs from any URL format. Extract the UC-prefixed ID needed for API integration, analytics tools, and channel management. 100% free, instant, browser-based.

What Is a YouTube Channel ID?

A YouTube channel ID is a unique 24-character string that identifies every YouTube channel. It always starts with "UC" and is used by YouTube's API and third-party tools.

Channel ID Format

UCBcRF18a7Qf58cCRy5xuWwQ
└┬┘└─────────────────────┘
 UC    22 random characters

UC = "User Channel" prefix 22 characters = Base64-encoded unique identifier

Why You Need Channel IDs

API Integration: YouTube Data API requires channel IDs for fetching channel data.

Analytics Tools: Third-party analytics platforms use channel IDs for tracking.

Automation: Scripts and bots need channel IDs to interact with YouTube programmatically.

Embeds: Some embed codes require channel IDs rather than handles.

How to Use This Tool

Step 1: Enter URL or ID

Paste a YouTube channel URL or enter a channel ID directly.

Step 2: Click Find

The tool analyzes the URL and extracts the channel ID.

Step 3: Copy Result

Copy the 24-character channel ID for your use.

Supported URL Formats

Format	Example	Status
Channel URL	`youtube.com/channel/UC...`	✅ Direct extraction
@ Handle	`youtube.com/@mkbhd`	⚠️ Manual lookup needed
Custom URL	`youtube.com/c/name`	⚠️ Manual lookup needed
User URL	`youtube.com/user/name`	⚠️ Legacy format
Direct ID	`UCBcRF...`	✅ Direct validation

Finding Channel ID from @ Handles

If a channel uses a handle like @mkbhd:

Go to the channel's About page
Click "Share channel"
Choose "Copy channel ID" (if available)
Or view page source and search for "channelId"

Where Channel IDs Are Used

YouTube Data API

const response = await youtube.channels.list({
  part: 'snippet,statistics',
  id: 'UCBcRF18a7Qf58cCRy5xuWwQ'
});

RSS Feeds

https://www.youtube.com/feeds/videos.xml?channel_id=UCBcRF18a7Qf58cCRy5xuWwQ

Channel Analytics

Most analytics tools require channel IDs for integration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between channel ID and handle?

Channel ID is a permanent 24-character code. Handles (@username) are customizable display names that can change.

Can a channel ID change?

No. Channel IDs are permanent and unique. Even if a channel changes its name or handle, the ID stays the same.

Why can't I get ID from a handle URL?

Handle-to-ID resolution requires a YouTube API call. The ID isn't visible in handle URLs.

How do I find my own channel ID?

Open YouTube Studio
Go to Settings → Channel → Advanced settings
Your channel ID is listed there

Related Tools

YouTube Tag Extractor — Extract video tags
YouTube Tag Generator — Generate tags
YouTube Thumbnail Downloader — Get thumbnails
YouTube Description Extractor — Get descriptions

Enter a YouTube channel URL above to find its channel ID instantly.