On December 1st, YouTube introduced their NEW Channels. This brings both excitement and frustration. Excitement because the NEW look contributes to a cleaner and simpler design. Frustration because many of the navigational elements have been moved. It will be a learning curve to get used to it… but it’s not impossible by any means. Actually I like some of the “Less is More” look and feel.
Below you’ll find a video, notes, and links to help you pilot through the seas of uncertainty.
NOTES about the NEW Channels design:
- Avatars can be up to 1600×1600 pixels. It will be resized to be 36 x 36 pixels on many locations on the site.
- New Channel width is 970 pixels.
- You can choose which Tab you desire to be the Default View.
- There are four new layout templates to choose from.
- The Title Header can only be 64 characters long.
How long is that? Pretty long.
You can type or copy & paste some symbols;
Head over to Letter Count to test your slogan out.
Here are some PROS and CONS
[one_half]
Pros:
Simple Design allows for better focus on Video
Channel Title can be customized up to 64 characters.
Friends/Subscribers not visible (to clutter up the design)
Sharing and Connected Accounts options is better
Search on the channel
[/one_half]
[one_half_last]
Cons:
Absolute background color not changeable from YouTube “Gray”
Cannot manipulate the sections.
Channel Title background color not changeable.
Friends/Subscribers not visible (for others to see)
[/one_half_last]
Here are some links that you might be interested in:
- If you’re ready to try the NEW Channels out.
- YouTube’s Video on the NEW Channels.
- YouTube’s Official Blog on the NEW Channels.
- Find out about Cosmic Panda.
- YouTube’s NEW Channel Instruction Manual.
- YouTube’s NEW Channel HELP.
Switching Back:


I would recommend getting used to the NEW YouTube. Eventually everyone will be involuntarily relocated.
Design Measurements:
We’ve attached below a simple PDF with the measurements (in pixels)
Of course you can always count on us to create a custom background for consistent branding across your social media platforms. Check out our PORTFOLIO!
Leave a comment below about what you LOVE or HATE about the New YouTube Channel.
OR what you can’t find on the new channel and we’ll put together a Video with some answers to your questions.