How They Work: Channel Trailers

Optimizing Your Channel Page with Highlighted Videos

First impressions are critical when a viewer lands on your YouTube channel page. To help you convert casual visitors into loyal followers and keep existing fans engaged, YouTube provides the ability to highlight specific videos for different types of audiences. By tailoring what a user sees first, you can better communicate the value of your content based on the visitor’s relationship with your channel.

Understanding the Two Viewer Categories

YouTube distinguishes between two primary groups of visitors when they arrive at your channel homepage: non-subscribed users and returning subscribers. Because these two groups have different needs and levels of familiarity with your brand, YouTube allows you to set a unique featured video for each.

Non-Subscribed Users For those who have not yet subscribed to your channel, the highlighted video typically serves as a “channel trailer.” This is your opportunity to introduce yourself, explain what your channel is about, and give new viewers a reason to hit the subscribe button.

Returning Subscribers Users who are already subscribed do not need an introduction. For this group, you can select a different highlighted video—such as a recent upload, a current series, or a community announcement—to ensure that your most loyal viewers see your latest or most important content immediately upon arrival.

How to Select Your Highlighted Videos

Setting up these videos is handled through the backend of your channel management tools. Follow these steps to customize your experience:

1. Access YouTube Studio: Log into your account and navigate to the YouTube Studio dashboard.
2. Navigate to Customization: Locate and click on the “Customize” tab in the left-hand menu. This section is dedicated to the visual and functional layout of your channel page.
3. Choose Your Videos: Within the customization settings, you will find options to select a featured video for both non-subscribed users and returning subscribers.
4. Save Changes: Once you have selected the appropriate videos for each category, ensure your changes are saved so they go live on your channel page.

By utilizing these two distinct slots, you can create a personalized landing experience that speaks directly to where the viewer is in their journey with your content, whether they are discovering you for the first time or returning for more.

Original transcript

Transcript

YouTube allows you to highlight videos for non-subscribed users and returning subscribers on your channel page. To select these videos, go to the “Customize” tab in YouTube Studio. From there, you can choose a video for both categories.

Not sure how to showcase your best videos? On the 'Customize' tab in YouTube Studio, you can select highlighted videos for new and returning viewers. Need more help? Check out our Creator Services for expert advice on channel analytics, monetization, and more.