You can now use your full name on YouTube. Just go to YouTube's settings page, click "advanced" next to your email address and click "Begin using my full name on YouTube".
What will change after enabling this feature?
1. Your full name from your Google+ profile will replace your username on YouTube.
2. Your channel title and photo will change.
The YouTube username can still be used to log in and the channel URL will stay the same.
Google's goal is to use the same identity on YouTube, Google+ and other Google services so that it can provide an unified experience. For example, other people that know you will find your YouTube videos much more easily if you're using your full name and your photo. YouTube's commmenting system can also improve if people use their real identity.
Obviously, not everyone will want to drop their username, especially if they like/need anonymity or their username is very popular. That's probably the reason why this feature is optional.
A Google spokesperson told LA Times that "YouTube will let people change their usernames back if they decide to start using their full name. (...) New users can still set their YouTube name however they want. The prompt comes up only for users who have a Google+ profile."
"You'll see this option when you upload or comment on YouTube (...). For partners, brands, and organizations, you won't see this just yet. In the coming months we'll be working on new options to give you even more control over your presence on YouTube," informs Google.
{ Thanks, Katty. }
That's great. Unfortunately, it seems this integration broke the ability to reply to Youtube comments since January. Reportedly, deleting your Google+ profile is the only way to fix it.
ReplyDeleteOh, and my girlfriend can't even join my Google+ hangout because Google don't like her name.
That feature's not yet available here in the UK.
ReplyDeleteYes,it is. It hit my account sometime last night. It probably just didn't roll-out to yours yet.
ReplyDeleteI don't see this. I have been wanting this ever since it was announced and still I don't see it in my settings. What do I do?
ReplyDeleteI haven't noticed this before, so I'm not sure if it's a result of integration with Google+ or not, but my Youtube channel now shows my age in addition to my full name, even though it's hidden on my Google+ profile...
ReplyDeleteOk, it's also possible to edit what information is shown, so that settles it. It would be nice if they warned you about changing those privacy settings though...
DeleteSame for me Mr Anonymous... I also don't have the option... but today I use Firefox on Android (nightly version) and when I went to the advance options, the dialog come up... Because this is a floating dialog, I couldn't make the process.
ReplyDeleteMan I just want to be able to edit my youtube username, not just change it to my google+ identity
ReplyDeletetypo: "For example, other people that know you will find your YouTube videos much easier if you're using your full name and your photo." should be "For example, other people that know you will find your YouTube videos more easily if you're using your full name and your photo." Also, pet peeve: "...other people that..." is becoming accepted usage instead of the more friendly: "...other people who..."
ReplyDeleteStill don't see the option yet
ReplyDeleteI don't see the option in US.
ReplyDeleteI can't see the option in US.
ReplyDeleteI used to see this option but no longer do.
ReplyDeletePlease put it back.
The option does not exist. FAIL.
ReplyDeleteI cant do that. When I click "advanced" it doesnt show the "Use full name" stuff. How do I do it?! :(
ReplyDeleteHere's a screenshot (its on danish, but oh well)
http://cl.ly/IVWp
still can not do it yet :(
ReplyDeleteI still can't see this option..
ReplyDeleteI still can't see this option..
ReplyDeleteYes this program seems to have been abandoned after only a few days by Google.
ReplyDeleteThen why does it still say "Note: We're gradually rolling this out to our users. When it's ready, you’ll see this option in your settings, or when you upload or comment on YouTube."?
DeleteI went from Google+ to youtube (without username) so I made a username for easing url searching and being able to sign in. But now I can't switch back to full name. How do I do this? Fix it Google. Info on it.
DeleteI went from Google+ (on my Gmail account) to make a new Youtube profile. So I didn't have a username. I made a username (so I could sign into Youtube easier) and now I can't switch back to full name. How do I do this? (I'm not on that account I'm on my other Google Account)
DeleteGreat I followed your drections and it worked thanks for the help
ReplyDeleteI accidentally clicked on the update button, and I DON'T want to use my real name AT ALL, is there any way can fix this?
ReplyDeleteit said there was a way to switch back. not sure where in account settings but you can switch back in there
DeleteWhen I tried to switch my account to my real name, Youtube told me that my name was not acceptable and it would not let me use it.
DeleteI really want to know how to do this. Help
DeleteI dont want this either! Help please
ReplyDeleteI guess I have selected a mind blowing and interesting blog.
ReplyDeletemore views on youtube