YouTube Channel ID Finder
YouTube channels have a human-readable @handle, but under the hood every channel also has a raw channel ID (starting with "UC…") that many tools, embeds, and integrations actually require.
Paste a @handle, a channel URL, or a legacy username below to resolve its underlying channel ID.
How it works
- 1Paste a channel's @handle, full URL, or legacy username.
- 2Click Find channel ID.
- 3Copy the resolved channel ID for use wherever you need it.
When to use this
- A tool, RSS reader, or API integration is asking for a channel ID and you only have the @handle.
- You're setting up an RSS feed for a channel's uploads and need the exact ID for the feed URL.
- You're double-checking that an ID you found elsewhere actually matches the right channel.
A worked example
Paste @mkbhd or https://youtube.com/@mkbhd and the tool resolves it to the channel's permanent ID, starting with UC — the format most RSS feeds and older API integrations require instead of the handle.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need a channel ID instead of just the handle?+
Many third-party tools, RSS feeds, and APIs were built before @handles existed and still only accept the raw UC… channel ID.
Does a channel ID ever change?+
No — unlike a handle or custom URL, a channel's ID is permanent for the life of the channel.
What does a channel ID look like?+
It starts with "UC" followed by 22 characters, e.g. UCBJycsmduvYEL83R_U4JriQ — distinct from the @handle shown in a channel's URL.
What do I actually use a channel ID for?+
RSS feed URLs, most third-party analytics tools, API integrations, and any embed or automation tool built before @handles existed and that still expects the raw UC… ID.