Add Someone to a YouTube Channel (2026 Collaboration Guide)

Add Someone to a YouTube Channel

Running a YouTube channel solo is tough. With YouTube hosting over 500 hours of new video uploads every minute (YouTube internal data, 2023), creators who want to publish consistently, manage comments, edit faster, and scale monetization often need help. I’ll show you how to add someone to a YouTube channel the right way, using YouTube Studio permissions (recommended for most collaborations) or Google Brand Account access (best when you truly need broader control). You will also learn exactly what each role can do, which roles are safest, how to revoke access quickly, and how to troubleshoot the most common invitation issues.

What is adding someone to a YouTube channel? It is the process of granting another person role-based access to help manage your channel without sharing your password. You do this by sending an official email invitation to their Google Account, then assigning a role that controls what they can see and change. This matters because YouTube is one of the most visited websites globally, with billions of monthly users. With that kind of reach, even small permission mistakes can become big problems fast.

1. Prerequisites & Tools Needed

Before initiating the process of adding a collaborator, ensure you have the following:

• A Google Account: The primary account used to manage your YouTube channel.
  • Must be an active account.
  • Requires login credentials (email and password).
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is highly recommended for enhanced security.
• Your YouTube Channel: The specific channel to which you intend to grant access.
  • Must be active and accessible through your Google Account.
  • You must have “Owner” (for Brand Account) or “Manager” (for YouTube Studio permissions) access to the channel.
• The Collaborator’s Google Account Email Address: The exact email address linked to the Google Account of the person you wish to invite.
  • This email is essential for sending the official invitation.
  • The collaborator must have access to this email to receive and accept the invitation.
• Internet Connection: A stable and reliable connection is required to access YouTube Studio and Google Account settings.
  • Minimum recommended speed for smooth navigation is 5 Mbps download.
• Web Browser: A modern web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).
  • Ensure your browser is updated to the latest version for optimal compatibility and security.
  • Clear browser cache and cookies if experiencing unexpected issues.
• Optional: Google Brand Account (if applicable): If your YouTube channel is managed through a Brand Account, understanding its structure is crucial.
  • This is common for businesses, organizations, or channels with multiple owners.
  • Access to myaccount.google.com/brandaccounts may be needed.
• Time Estimate for Preparation: 5-10 minutes for gathering information and ensuring account access.

Practical prep tip: Before you invite anyone, decide what you want them to do day to day. Upload and update metadata? Moderate comments? Review analytics? Work on captions only? That decision should determine the role you choose later.

2. Understanding YouTube Channel Access: Roles and Permissions

YouTube offers distinct access levels for collaborators, primarily managed through YouTube Studio or linked Brand Accounts. These roles are designed to provide granular control over channel functionalities, ensuring that each collaborator has the appropriate permissions for their tasks while maintaining channel security.

2.1. YouTube Studio Roles (Channel-Specific Permissions)

These roles are managed directly within YouTube Studio and grant specific permissions related to channel content and analytics, without giving full Google Account access.

Manager Role

Capabilities:

• View all channel data, including analytics, video performance, and comment insights.
• Manage permissions for other users within YouTube Studio (invite, change roles, remove).
• Edit channel details, such as description, branding, and contact information.
• Manage live streams, including scheduling, settings, and moderation during broadcasts.
• Create, upload, publish, and delete any content type, including drafts and scheduled items.
• Moderate chat within the Live Control Room during live broadcasts.
• Create and manage community posts.
• Comment on videos and manage existing comments.
• Link Google Ads accounts for monetization and advertising campaign management.
• View and take actions in the Content detection tab, including copyright claims and monetization checks.

Limitations:

• Cannot delete the YouTube channel.
• Cannot accept YouTube network partnership invitations if the channel is linked to a Brand Account.

Ideal Use Case: Business partners, lead content strategists, or trusted team leads.

Editor Role

Capabilities:

• View analytics and content performance.
• Edit nearly all aspects of channel content and video settings.
• Upload and publish new video content, including scheduling.
• Manage existing videos and create Shorts.
• Access and manage comments.

Limitations:

• Cannot manage permissions for other users.
• Cannot delete the YouTube channel.
• Cannot link Google Ads accounts.
• Cannot set up or manage live streams directly.

Ideal Use Case: Video editors, content uploaders, social media managers.

Editor (Limited) Role

This role has the Editor capabilities but cannot view revenue data within YouTube Analytics. It is suitable for freelancers who do not need financial visibility.

Viewer Role

Capabilities:

• View all channel data, including analytics reports and performance metrics.

Limitations:

• Cannot make any changes to the channel, content, or settings.
• Cannot upload, delete, or edit videos.
• Cannot manage comments or community posts.

Ideal Use Case: Data analysts, marketing consultants, or stakeholders who need to monitor performance without intervention.

Viewer (Limited) Role

Same as Viewer but without access to revenue and sensitive financial information. Ideal for junior analysts or interns.

Subtitles Editor Role

Capabilities:

• Add, edit, and delete subtitles and closed captions for videos.

Limitations:

• Cannot access any other channel settings or content.
• Cannot view analytics or manage other video details.

Ideal Use Case: Professional captioners, translators, or accessibility specialists.

2.2. Brand Account Roles (Broader Google Account Control)

For channels linked to a Google Brand Account, these roles provide control over the entire Brand Account, which extends to the YouTube channel and other associated Google services. This is a more powerful form of access and is commonly used by businesses and organizations.

Primary Owner Role

• Full control over the Brand Account and its YouTube channel.
• Can invite and remove users, change roles, transfer primary ownership, and delete the Brand Account.
• Cannot remove themselves as Primary Owner without first transferring that role.

Owner Role

• Comprehensive control similar to Primary Owner but removable by the Primary Owner.
• Can delete the Brand Account and the linked YouTube channel.

Manager Role (Brand Account)

• Manage content, upload videos, adjust channel settings, respond to comments, and access analytics.
• Cannot invite new people to the Brand Account.
• Cannot delete the Brand Account or accept YouTube network partnership invitations.

Communication Manager Role

• Focused on communications like responding to reviews and social posts; typically cannot manage or upload YouTube content.

2.3. Key Distinctions and Considerations

• YouTube Studio vs. Brand Account: YouTube Studio roles are generally safer for most collaborators because they provide channel-specific permissions without granting access to the broader Google Account. Brand Account roles offer more extensive control and should be reserved for highly trusted individuals.
• Admin is not a direct YouTube Role: Access is granted through Google Account or Brand Account permissions or specific YouTube Studio roles.
• Impact on Monetization: Only the channel owner or a Manager (YouTube Studio) role can link Google Ads accounts. Limited roles will not see revenue data.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions: Adding a Collaborator

This section provides a detailed, sequential guide for inviting new users to your YouTube channel, covering both YouTube Studio and Brand Account methods. I will show you the exact steps and include practical tips so you can complete invitations confidently.

Inviting Users via YouTube Studio (Recommended for Most Collaborators)

Practical examples – Hiring a freelance editor for weekly uploads: Editor or Editor (Limited). Bringing in a consultant: Viewer. Adding a captioner: Subtitles Editor. Assigning an ops lead: Manager.

Inviting Users via Brand Account (For Broader Google Account Control)

4. Required Information from the New User

To successfully invite someone to your YouTube channel, the primary piece of information you need is their Google Account email address.

• Google Account Email: The email must be tied to an active Google Account. Ensure the email is accurate to prevent invitations from going to the wrong person.
• No Password or Sensitive Information: Never ask for a collaborator’s password or any other sensitive login credentials. Access is granted through the official invitation system.
• Collaborator’s Responsibility:
  • Have a valid Google Account.
  • Monitor the inbox for the invitation email and click the acceptance link.
  • Ensure their Google Account has Two-Factor Authentication enabled for security.

Actionable takeaway: If you are onboarding multiple collaborators, ask each person to confirm the exact email address tied to their Google Account, not just the email they prefer for general communication.

5. Managing and Revoking Existing Channel Access

Maintaining granular control over who has access to your YouTube channel is paramount for security, compliance, and efficient team management. Below are the common management tasks you should perform.

5.1. Reviewing Current Access (Regular Audit)

• Access Point: studio.youtube.com > Settings > Permissions.
• Information Displayed: A real-time list of every individual with access, their Google Account email, and their assigned role.
• Audit Frequency: Review at least quarterly or whenever a team member’s role changes or they depart.
• Time Estimate: 1-2 minutes for a quick review.

Practical tip: Put a quarterly calendar reminder for a permissions audit so access does not quietly accumulate.

5.2. Changing a User’s Role

• Go to YouTube Studio > Settings > Permissions.
• Find the user, click their current role, choose a new role from the dropdown, and click Save to apply changes.
• Changes take effect almost immediately.
• Time Estimate: 1-2 minutes per change.

5.3. Revoking a User’s Access (Removal)

• Go to YouTube Studio > Settings > Permissions and locate the user.
• Click Remove and confirm the action, then click Save to finalize.
• Access is revoked immediately upon saving.
• Time Estimate: 1-2 minutes per removal.

5.4. Managing Brand Account Access

• Go to myaccount.google.com/brandaccounts and select the Brand Account linked to your YouTube channel.
• Click Manage permissions to add, modify, or remove users for that Brand Account.
• Changes here affect all Google services linked to the Brand Account.
• Time Estimate: 2-3 minutes per Brand Account user management action.

6. Security Implications and Best Practices for Collaboration

Granting access to your YouTube channel is a significant security decision. Adhere to these best practices to mitigate risks and ensure a secure collaborative environment.

• Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP) – Always grant the minimum permissions necessary for the collaborator to perform their duties.
• Implement Two-Factor Authentication – Require 2FA for collaborators with Manager or Owner access. This typically involves a password plus a code from an authenticator app or a security key.
• Regular Access Audits – Conduct thorough reviews at least quarterly or immediately after staff changes.
• Immediate Revocation Upon Departure – Remove access as soon as a collaborator leaves or their role changes. Make this a priority in offboarding.
• Clear Collaborative Agreements – Use contracts or written agreements to define roles, responsibilities, data handling, and intellectual property ownership.
• Understand Deletion Capabilities – Be aware that Brand Account Owners can delete your entire YouTube channel; reserve Owner access for the most trusted individuals.
• Distinguish Between Access Types – Prefer YouTube Studio roles for most collaborators and reserve Brand Account roles for business-level needs.
• Educate Collaborators – Train your team on phishing risks, password hygiene, and the importance of 2FA.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Granting Excessive Permissions – Do not give Manager when Editor or Viewer suffices.
• Forgetting to Save Changes – After clicking Done in the invite pop-up, always click the final Save button on the Settings page or the invitation will not be sent.
• Using an Incorrect Email Address – Verify the collaborator’s exact Google Account email before sending the invite.
• Ignoring Brand Account Implications – Remember Owners can delete the Brand Account and the linked channel.
• Delaying Access Revocation – Revoke access promptly during offboarding to prevent unauthorized use.
• Lack of 2FA – Require 2FA for team members with elevated access.
• Not Communicating Acceptance Steps – Provide clear instructions so collaborators know how to accept invitations and check spam folders.
• Confusing YouTube Studio and Brand Account Permissions – Understand the differences and apply the appropriate method for each scenario.

8. Troubleshooting Section

Even with careful planning, issues can arise when adding collaborators. Below are common problems and practical solutions.

8.1. Invitation Not Received by Collaborator

• Incorrect Email Address – Double-check the email entered in YouTube Studio and ask the collaborator to confirm their Google Account email.
• Spam or Junk Folder – Ask the collaborator to check spam, promotions, or junk folders and add noreply@youtube.com to their safe sender list.
• Email Filtering Rules – Confirm they do not have aggressive email filters blocking Google notifications.
• Expired Invitation – Invitations typically expire after 30 days; resend if expired.
• Google Account Issue – Ensure the collaborator has an active Google Account associated with that email.

8.2. Collaborator Cannot Accept Invitation

• Not Logged into Correct Google Account – Ask them to log out of all Google Accounts and log into the correct one before clicking the link.
• Browser Issues – Suggest clearing cache and cookies, trying a different browser, and disabling extensions that might interfere.
• Invitation Already Accepted or Expired – Check the Permissions page to see if the user is already listed or resend the invite if it expired.
• Security Settings – Rarely, restrictive account settings may block acceptance; in that case contact Google Support.

8.3. “Manage Permissions in Brand Account” Button is Missing or Unclickable

• Channel Not Linked to Brand Account – If your channel is a personal channel, it will not show that option. Check Advanced settings to see if you can move the channel to a Brand Account.
• Insufficient Permissions – Only the Primary Owner or an Owner can manage Brand Account permissions. Contact the Primary Owner if needed.
• Temporary Glitch – Clear browser cache, try another browser, or try again later.

8.4. Revoked User Still Has Access

• Changes Not Saved – Confirm you clicked Save on the Permissions page after removal.
• Browser Cache – Ask the user to clear their browser cache and cookies and retry logging in.
• Brand Account Access – If they had Brand Account access, remove them from myaccount.google.com/brandaccounts as well.
• Delayed Propagation – Wait 5-10 minutes for changes to propagate across Google’s systems.

8.5. Cannot Access Monetization Settings After Being Granted “Manager” Role

• Google Ads and AdSense Linking – A Manager can link Google Ads but may not have administrative access to the AdSense account itself; confirm AdSense permissions separately.
• Role Mistaken – Confirm the user was assigned full Manager and not Editor (Limited) or Viewer (Limited).
• Channel Eligibility – Ensure the channel meets YouTube Partner Program requirements and is currently monetized.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Q1: Can I add someone without giving my personal Google Account password?

  A1: Absolutely. YouTube’s permissions system lets you grant access by inviting their Google Account email address. Never share your password.

• Q2: What is the difference between a YouTube Studio Manager and a Brand Account Owner?

  A2: A YouTube Studio Manager controls channel content and settings but cannot delete the channel. A Brand Account Owner has broader control across Google services and can delete the Brand Account and its linked YouTube channel.

• Q3: Can I add multiple people to my channel?

  A3: Yes. You can add multiple collaborators with different roles as needed for your team.

• Q4: How long does an invitation last?

  A4: Invitations typically expire after 30 days. Resend if it expires.

• Q5: What if the person I want to invite does not have a Google Account?

  A5: They will be prompted to create or link a Google Account to the provided email when they accept the invitation. They cannot access the channel without a Google Account.

• Q6: Can I change someone’s role after inviting them?

  A6: Yes. Go to Settings > Permissions in YouTube Studio, select the user, change their role, and click Save.

• Q7: Can a YouTube Studio Manager invite others?

  A7: Yes. A Manager can invite new users, change roles, and remove users within YouTube Studio permissions.

• Q8: Will adding someone affect monetization?

  A8: Adding collaborators does not directly change monetization status. Only the owner or a Manager can link Google Ads. Mismanagement could indirectly impact monetization if policies are violated.

• Q9: Can I add someone via the YouTube Studio mobile app?

  A9: The mobile app offers limited permission management. For full functionality, use the desktop version of YouTube Studio.

• Q10: What should I do if a former collaborator still has access?

  A10: Immediately remove them from YouTube Studio > Settings > Permissions and from the Brand Account if applicable. Change your main Google Account password and ensure 2FA is active.

10. Entity Lists

10.1. Organizations

• YouTube
• Google LLC
• Google AdSense
• Statista
• New Territory Media
• Bean Media Productions
• Tuberanker
• Quora
• Multi-Channel Networks (MCNs)

10.2. People

(No specific individuals are mentioned in this guide, as it focuses on roles and processes.)

10.3. Certifications

(No specific certifications are directly relevant to this guide on adding channel collaborators.)

10.4. Locations

(No specific geographical locations are mentioned; the process is globally applicable.)

10.5. Software/Platforms

• YouTube Studio
• Google Account
• Google Brand Account
• Google Ads
• Live Control Room
• Google Authenticator (for 2FA)
• Chrome
• Firefox
• Safari
• Edge

10.6. Key Terms & Concepts

• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
• Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP)
• Email Invitation
• Monetization
• Copyright Claims
• Content Detection Tab
• YouTube Partner Program
• Channel ID
• Ad-blockers
• Browser Cache and Cookies
• Phishing
• Intellectual Property
• Offboarding Process

Now you know how to add someone to a YouTube channel using the safest option for most teams and the broader option for organizations. If you take only one lesson from this guide, make it this: match the role to the task, and default to the minimum access needed. Next step: open YouTube Studio, go to Settings, then Permissions, and run a quick audit. If you see anyone who no longer needs access or has more permissions than they should, update their role today. That single habit, repeated quarterly, is one of the simplest ways to protect your channel as it grows.