How to Add a Link to Your YouTube Channel (2026)
- YouTube Studio ?†’ Customisation ?†’ Basic info ?†’ Add link ?†’ enter title and URL ?†’ Publish.
- Up to 14 links displayed on channel banner; first 5 show with banner, rest in expanded list.
- Banner channel link feature: pick which link gets featured on banner overlay.
Where Channel Links Appear
| Location | What displays |
|---|---|
| Channel banner | Up to 5 social links overlaid on banner (icons only) |
| About tab | All links (up to 14) with titles |
| Channel description | Auto-linked URLs in description text |
| Featured Video / Playlist | Video descriptions can contain links |
Step-by-Step
Featuring Links on Banner
You can show up to 5 link icons overlaid on your channel banner:
Banner Channel Link Feature
YouTube also allows one specific link to be highlighted as "Banner link" ??” large overlaid CTA on the channel banner image.
- Best for: hero offer, latest course, primary destination.
- Setup: in Customisation ?†’ Basic info ?†’ "Featured link" or "Banner link" (depending on YouTube UI version).
What URLs to Add
Recommended order (most-converting first):
- Bio link tool URL (covers all destinations) OR primary website.
- Newsletter signup.
- Online course / store / Patreon.
- Other social profiles (Instagram, TikTok, X).
- Discord / community link.
Common Issues
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Save fails | URL invalid format or flagged. Add https:// prefix or switch domain. |
| Link not visible on banner | Only first 5 links show on banner. Reorder to bring desired link up. |
| Channel art too small to fit links | Upload high-res banner (2048?—1152px minimum). |
| Link doesn't show on mobile | Mobile YouTube hides banner links. They show in About tab only. |
Description Field URLs
Channel description can contain auto-linked URLs:
- Studio ?†’ Customisation ?†’ Basic info ?†’ Description.
- Type your description with URLs naturally embedded.
- YouTube auto-links them (with or without
https://prefix). - Visitors see clickable links in your About tab.
Verification Required for Some Links
Some link types (specific external destinations) require channel verification or 1,000+ subscribers. Common shorteners and bio link tool URLs (UniLink, Linktree) work without verification.
FAQ
How do I add a link to my YouTube channel?
YouTube Studio ?†’ Customisation ?†’ Basic info ?†’ Add link ?†’ enter URL ?†’ Publish.
How many links can I add to a YouTube channel?
Up to 14 links. First 5 display on banner; all show in About tab.
Why doesn't my channel link show on banner?
Only first 5 banner-eligible links show. Reorder in Customisation. Mobile hides banner links by default.
Can I add link to video description vs channel?
Both. Video description links are per-video. Channel links apply across the channel.
Do YouTube links pass SEO?
Channel and description links are nofollow. SEO impact: zero. Useful for traffic, not authority.
- Add via Studio ?†’ Customisation ?†’ Basic info ?†’ Links.
- Up to 14 links; first 5 on banner, all in About.
- Recommended priority: bio link tool URL, newsletter, store, other socials.
- Description text URLs auto-link too.
Combine all destinations behind one YouTube link
UniLink: 60+ blocks behind unil.ink/yourname ??” paste in YouTube channel for all-in-one link page.
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