How to Use YouTube's NEW Collabs Feature (in 30s)

Getting Started with YouTube Collabs

YouTube has introduced a new Collabs feature designed to enhance discoverability for creators. By allowing partners to collaborate more formally on videos, this tool provides a structured way for channels to cross-promote and reach new audiences.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Collaboration

To begin using the feature, you will need to access your video settings within YouTube Studio. Follow these practical steps to initiate a partnership:

1. Accessing the Collaboration Settings

First, open YouTube Studio and navigate to the “Video details” section for the specific video you want to use for the collaboration. Because this setting is tucked away in the advanced options, you will need to scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page and click “Show more.”

2. Selecting Your Partner

Once the additional options are visible, locate the new collaboration section. From here, search for the specific creator’s channel you wish to collaborate with.

3. Configuring Access and Creating the Invite

Before finalizing the request, you must decide on the level of transparency for the project. You can choose whether or not to grant your collaborator access to the video’s analytics. Once this is decided, click “Create link.”

The Invitation Process and Spam Prevention

Unlike some platform features that send an immediate internal notification, YouTube Collabs relies on a manual invitation link. After clicking “Create link,” you must copy the URL and send it directly to your collaboration partner through your preferred communication channel.

The collaborator must then click this link to officially accept the invitation. This specific workflow is designed as a security measure to prevent spam. By requiring an external link, YouTube ensures that high-profile creators are not flooded with unsolicited collaboration requests and notifications within their YouTube Studio dashboards.

Finalizing Your Collaboration

After your partner has accepted the invite via the link, ensure that you return to your video details and hit “Save.” Failing to save these changes may prevent the collaboration from being properly registered on the platform.

By following this process, creators can leverage a powerful new tool for discoverability, making it easier to grow their reach through verified partnerships.

Original transcript

Transcript

Here’s how to use the new YouTube Collabs feature in under 60 seconds. In YouTube Studio, go to your video details, scroll all the way down, click show more. In the new collaboration section, search for the creator’s channel you want to collab with. Decide if they get analytics access, then click create link. Copy that link and send it to your collab partner. They have to click it to accept it. Don’t forget to hit save. Why the complicated link? To prevent spam.

This way, big creators aren’t flooded with notifications in their YouTube Studio. And that’s it. A powerful new tool for discoverability.

Confused about the new YouTube Collabs feature? Our Creator Services offers comprehensive support and consulting to help you navigate this exciting update, or contact our expert below.