From Bland to Brilliant: Transform Your YouTube Channels’ Image

How to Brand Your YouTube Channel to Get More Subscribers

Shanoon Cox

Nov 01, 2022• Proven solutions

Epic Meal Time. Michelle Phan. Peter McKinnon. When you think of each of these YouTube creators, what comes to mind? The feelings and thoughts you have are vastly different because each one of these channels has its own unique branding.

Epic Meal Time’s YouTube brand is in-your-face and intense. It pumps you full of adrenaline and increases your heart rate.

Michelle Phan’s YouTube brand is calm, whimsical, and aspirational.

The color palette she chose is pleasing to the eyes and doesn’t evoke any of the stress we get from Epic Meal Time.

They have different branding because they want to reflect different feelings for different audiences.

Bad Branding Causes Mistrust

When a branding element does not align with the message or the tone does not match with the material, then the audience is not going to trust what you offer. Without trust, you won’t be able to get the advocacy that is essential for a YouTube channel to grow.

Imagine Michelle Phan using the aggressive colors of Epic Meal Time or vice versa. Pretty weird, huh?

What is YouTube Branding?

You might think that branding simply comes together while making videos, but that’s not true. Branding takes a bit of preparation and foresight.

YouTube branding is the idea your viewers have in mind and the emotion they get when they think about your channel.

Here are notable elements of your channel’s branding:

- Channel name

- Channel art

- Video thumbnail

- Video title

- Icon

- Watermark

- Catchphrase

- Style of video

How to Start Branding Your YouTube Channel?

Before you start designing thumbnails and coming up with a catchphrase, the first step in branding is understanding the purpose of your channel. Once you have a purpose, you will know how you want your viewers to feel.

Here is a quick exercise to find your channel’s purpose:

Draw a 3 circle Venn diagram.

In circle 1, write down everything you consider yourself an expert in.

- What do your friends know you for?

- What can you give advice on?

- What did you go to school to learn?

In circle 2, write down all the topics you are passionate about.

- What can you talk effortlessly about for hours?

- At a party, where do you lead conversations towards?

In circle 3, write down everything that people will pay for that you can supply. Here is where you find the demand of the audience.

- Can you give me travel advice?

- Can you make people forget about their stressful day?

- Do you have experience in a specialized field?

Understanding what people will pay money for will help guide you in creating content that has true value.

In the center, come up with all the ideas that can be associated with all three circles. This will be the ideal purpose for your YouTube channel as it harnesses your expertise, your passion, and the demand of a viewership.

Examples:

Epic Meal Time

Expertise = Eating

Passion = Fast Food Culture

Demand = Unique Meals

PURPOSE: Showcase a unique combination of fast food people won’t make at home.

Michelle Phan

Expertise = Beauty Products

Passion = Makeup and Fashion

Demand = Beauty School

PURPOSE: Give people more confidence in beauty products.

How Is Your Channel Different From the Others?

Now that you have your purpose, it’s time to separate you from others with similar purposes. YouTube is a crowded space for content creators. If your channel is mimicking another more successful channel, you will be in the shadows.

Good branding allows you to differentiate from others .

Pick a Unique and Memorable Name

If your name is Michelle Phan, and you are not the Michelle Phan, I’m sorry, but you will need to pick another name for your YouTube channel:

If you do have to pick another name or if your channel is an ensemble with multiple members, make sure the name you choose is original, memorable, and short (4 words max).

Picking an Icon

Not every YouTuber needs to design an original logo for their brand. In fact, if the channel is about you — the YouTuber — you are the brand, so using a high-quality picture of yourself as the icon is okay.

However, if your channel has a specific theme or topic and you want your branding to convey it so it sticks in the viewers’ heads, especially if it’s their first time viewing your channel. A clear logo will help in amplifying your message:

Create Video Thumbnails That Stand Out

The power of good branding is that your viewers will be able to spot your brand in a crowded space. On YouTube, the crowded space is the suggested video section.

Epic Meal Time thumbnails standing out amongst other loud thumbnails.

Once you have the feeling you want to evoke, test out different thumbnails. Go incognito, search up your videos, and see how the visuals appear beside your competitions. Do they all have the same style or is your far more impressive?

Good branding doesn’t happen in the first try so keep experimenting.

Designing Your Icon, Thumbnail, and Channel Art

There is a lot to consider when designing all the visual elements for your channel. I won’t get into all of it, but here are some tips that you should always keep in mind.

- Less is more: Don’t clutter your icons, thumbnails, or banner.

- Have a single focus: A channel and a video can have a lot of different topics, but the image can’t show everything a video can. Pick one important area and highlight that in the image.

- Quality matters: Your audience is savvier than ever. If they see a pixelated image, they will judge your channel poorly. That’s bad branding. Always use high-quality pictures.

- Make sure the color pops and the text is visible: Use eye-catching colors and visible text. This is a billboard, you have milliseconds to get people’s attention as they scroll past.

Want more resources for creating your channel’s visual elements? Yes? Well, we made this for you:

- How to Make YouTube Video Thumbnail

- How to Make YouTube Icons

- Free Youtube Banners

How to Make Your Visuals Consistent?

When a viewer finds your video and considers it pretty interesting, they will then go into your channel page to learn more. Here is where they make their decision: subscribe or not subscribe?

Consistent branding affirms the viewer that they are in the right place. Peter McKinnon’s brand is built upon his amazing photography, it only makes sense that his visual elements are awesome.

Peter McKinnon is best known for his photography and cinematography, and his branding amplifies that.

But Branding Is Not Designing, It’s A Feeling

Don’t get too caught up with a design.

Look at PewDiePie’s branding. You can argue that it is inconsistent and the design is not professional, but actually, his branding is spot on, because he is making you feel a certain way.

PewDiePie’s brand highlights its upbeat and unpredictable personality.

PewDiePie wants you to laugh. He is not branding his expertise like Peter McKinnon is, he’s branding his personality.

Consistent branding is about making the elements of your channel: channel art, logo, thumbnails, titles, etc. all harmonize together to evoke a sensation.

The humor in PewDiePie’s brand is consistent, even though his thumbnails don’t look like Philip DeFranco’s. It is up to you how you define consistency, and that will happen over time.

Philip DeFranco supplies commentary on current events with a satirical flair. Like a news broadcast, his branding and video format are consistent, while the daily news is different.

Inserting A Watermark

The main point of a watermark is to let the viewers know when they are watching your video that it is in fact your video.

Let’s be honest, YouTube content can all look the same, especially if you are making content that is quite general (like beauty or tech), so a watermark helps differentiate, so when viewers are ready to subscribe, they have an extra branding element connecting them to your channel.

Improvement Pill is a YouTube channel focused on inspiring and motivating its viewer to live a better life.

Above we see an example of a watermark from the YouTube channel Improvement Pill. You can see the watermark in the lower right-hand corner.

Improvement Pill is not the only channel that uses whiteboard animation to illustrate their story, and because of that, they need to set themselves apart. A watermark helps do that.

When a viewer lands on their video, the watermark gives the viewer another way to get more familiar with the channel, and if they are to scroll over the watermark a subscription button pops up.

Want to set up your subscription watermark? Here is a quick tutorial:

Coming Up With A Catchphrase

A catchphrase can be your greeting or sign off, but it doesn’t have to be an original line, it can simply be the way you say “hello.”

Check out some of the popular YouTuber’s catchphrases:

When coming up with a catchphrase that is connected to your channel’s branding remember how you want the viewer to feel. Do you want to leave them with a smile? Or do you want them to take action?

Final Thoughts On YouTube Branding

As you build and grow your YouTube channel, you can expand your purpose while still sticking within the overall theme. You might have started a channel that focused on the topic of nutrition, but as you grow, you will discover that your audience may also be interested in fitness tips or workout accessories as well. Take it slowly and grow with purpose.

Your branding doesn’t dictate the content you create, but it does affect how you go about making it.

Got more questions about branding your YouTube channel? Let us know in the comments below.

Shanoon Cox

Shanoon Cox is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Shanoon Cox

Audiovisual Perfection: Leading Audio Enhancement Apps

Are you looking for the best voice-changing app for your YouTube channel?

Creating a YouTube video with professional output is straightforward, but many people find it challenging because they do not have the right vlogging tools at their disposal. There are countless vlogging tools and one of them is the voice changer.

With a voice-changing app, you can create multiple voices for one video clip with complete ease. Voice changer supports several background sound effects that you can import to spice up your content before uploading it on YouTube. The app makes your videos fun and interesting to watch that then drives traffic to your channel.

Presently, there is an array of YouTube voice-changers available online. While some are top-notch, others are nothing to write about. In this article, we will share with you some top-level YouTube voice-changers recommended by experts in the industry. Without further ado, let’s dive in.

Try AI Voice Changer

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try AI Voice Changer

For macOS 10.12 or later

Part 1. Best Voice Changers for YouTubers

Here are the top 7 YouTube voice-changing apps available on the global market today:

1. AthTek [Online & Free]

AthTek is one the world-leading voice-changing apps suitable for Windows operating systems. This simple yet powerful app is well-customized with powerful features such as pitch and speed enhancer. The app allows you to edit your audio recordings easily and quickly.

It provides you with a comprehensive user interface that lets you switch your voice without stress. Compared to other voice-changers, AthTek stands out. The app integrates perfectly with platforms like Skype, etc.

AthTek is a fantastic voice changer, however, it isn’t without its dark sides. AthTek is not a real-time voice-changing app. Hence, you can only use it with ready-made sound recordings.

How to Use AthTek YouTube Voice Changer

Follow the procedure below to use the AthTek voice changing app on your YouTube channel:

Step1 Download AthTek from the official website. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the app, and launch it. When AthTek opens, the interface below will appear on your display screen:

Locate the Browse button beside File Path, and click on it. AthTek will automatically direct you to your local storage.

Step2 Choose your desired audio file from the list available on your computer, and tap the Open button. AthTek will immediately upload the audio file on its interface. The page below will come up on your screen:

Step3 Now move to the Change Parameter section and make the necessary adjustments. Once that’s set, click on the Play button to preview the audio file. If satisfied, tap on Export, choose a destination path and click on Save.

2. Voicechanger.io

Voicechanger.io is a cloud-based program that enables you to upload and edit audio files conveniently without distorting the quality. The program also allows you to record your voice, and add effects with complete ease. It’s an easy-to-use voice changer with no operating system limitations. Aside from voice changing, Voicechanger.io supports speech-to-text. Thus, you can convert speech to text without stress.

How to Use Voicechanger.io

Step1 With the help of an internet-enabled computer system, navigate to the official webpage for Voicechanger.io. The page below will come up if all goes well:

Step2 Choose your preferred audio input method to proceed. Should you select Upload audio, you will be directed to your local drive where your recordings are stored. Choose an audio file, and click on Open.

However, should you pick the Use microphone option, you will be prompted to grant access to the mic. Click on the appropriate key to complete this step.

3. Voxal Voice Changer

Voxal Voice Changer is another quality app mostly used by Mac owners to manipulate audio recordings. It’s also suitable for editing real-time chat audio recordings. The app provides you with several preset voices that you can select from to make your sound recordings fun to listen to.

Additionally, you have the privilege to customize the background effects that you could be used at any time. Voxal Voice Changer is a simple app with zero restrictions in the free version. It also offers paid versions with additional features for professional YouTubers. Besides editing ready-made audio, the app does allow you to create voice recordings.

How to Use Voxal Voice Changer

Here is the detailed procedure to use the Voxal Voice Changer app:

Step1 From the official website for Voxal, download and install a compatible version of the app on your computer system. Wait until the installation is successful and launch the app for usage.

When the interface above appears, locate the Menu drop-down menu at the top left corner of your display screen. Select File > Import Voice. Your local storage will automatically appear.

Step2 Choose an audio recording or voice to import on the Voxal Voice Changer interface, and tap on Open. After uploading the file, select a voice effect on the left sidebar.

Step3 Now click on the green Preview button at the top menubar. Listen to the audio file with the chosen effect. If satisfied, export the file to your preferred storage path.

4. Skype Voice Changer

As the name implies, this app is built for you to conceal your voice when using Skype social media platform. It can also serve as a voice changer for YouTube content creators. This app permits you to transform your audio recordings into interesting sounds easily and quickly.

Skype Voice Changer offers free and paid services to its end-users. However, the majority of its features are locked in the paid version. The app provides a clean voice editing interface so end-users, including those who aren’t conversant with information technology, can navigate easily.

How to Use Skype Voice Changer

Here is the set of instructions to use Skype Voice Changer:

Step1 Install the Skype Voice Changer app on your PC, and launch it for operation by clicking on the appropriate button.

A window with several easy-to-use options will come up just as below:

Click on the Effects button at the top menu bar.

Step2 Select a voice effect on the left panel of the Skype Voice Changer interface. Once that is set, click on Preview at the lower right corner of your screen.

Now speak into a microphone, and listen to your voice.

5. AV Voice Changer Diamond

AV Voice Changer Diamond is another wonderful voice-changing app with several entertaining effects that you can choose from to pimp your audio recordings or voice. The app provides you with several preset options, so you have control over your output. It’s one of the most versatile apps for YouTubers.

This voice changer offers an easy-to-manage user interface so beginners in the tech space can easily find their way without involving a third party. AV Voice Changer Diamond works perfectly with all VoIP programs and social media platforms like Skype, Viber, YouTube, and more. One challenge you may experience with this app is the very long installation process.

How to Use AV Voice Changer Diamond

Go to the AV Voice Changer Diamond website to install the latest version of the app on your computer system, and follow the steps below to use it:

Step1 Open the app on your Windows or Mac operating system. You will find the interface below on your screen:

Locate the Nickvoices at the top toolbar. Click on it, and a couple of voice effect options will pop up.

Step2 Select from the list to proceed. Alternatively, you could click on Custom on the list to customize a voice effect. However, mind you, you must subscribe to a premium package to create a voice effect.

Step3 On completing the step above, locate the Record button and click on it. A new window will come up. Follow the on-screen instructions to record your voice.

6. Voice Changer HD

If you are looking for a voice-changing app that you can use to modify your YouTube audio tracks at a zero-cost fee, Voice Changer HD is the perfect tool to use. The app allows you to turn boring audio recordings into enjoyable ones with the lovely effects it supports.

In addition to the audio editing features, Voice Changer HD lets end-users create sounds from texts. Thus, it supports text-to-speech. The app comes with an easy-to-manage user interface. It has over 25 preset voices tucked into it.

How to Use Voice Changer HD

Using Voice Changer HD isn’t difficult. Apply the stepwise guide below:

Step1 Download, install, and open Voice Changer HD on your computer. Once it opens, click on the appropriate button to record your voice.

Step2 Click on the Stop button to end the recording. Voice Changer HD will automatically load an interface with several voice effects. Select one to design your recorded file.

Step3 Next, click on Share to send the file to friends and relatives.

Part 2. Best Voice Editors for YouTubers

1. Filmora

Filmora is an industry-leading audio editing software well-designed with an interactive user interface that allows you to edit YouTube recordings before uploading them on the net. This multipurpose software is customized with endless audio editing features. It supports audio ducking, audio visualizer, auto synchronization, speech-to-text, text-to-speech, and lots more.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Additionally, end-users can easily detect silence in an audio or video file via the Wondershare Filmora software. Besides audio editing, this software is capable of video editing. It enables you to modify/adjust videos without compromising the quality. This software permits you to add effects, transitions, detach audio, remove background, etc.

Wondershare Filmora has all you need in a video and audio editor as it integrates with several platforms, including YouTube and other social media apps. This audio editing solution is suitable for Windows and Mac operating systems.

2. Adobe Audition

Designed by the first PDF editing platform developer, Adobe Audition is another software you can count on to edit audio tracks with quality output. It edits all audio types, including MP3, WAV, and more, with zero limitations. The software sits at the second position on our list because of the rich editing features it holds. Adobe Audition allows you to mix sounds easily and quickly- a vital reason Disc Jerkers (DJs) use the software. Another feature you stand to enjoy when using this software is the freedom to design sound effects.

Part 3. FAQs

Q1. Can I change my voice for YouTube videos?

Yes!

With voice-changing apps, you can quickly change your voice for YouTube videos. These apps come with lots of incredible sound effects that you need to pimp your audio tracks on YouTube. Some of the top-rated voice changers available in the market presently have been introduced above. Check them out.

Q2. What voice changers do YouTubers use?

As earlier stated, there are countless voice-changing apps for YouTubers. Depending on the sound effect you need, you may need to try two or more. You can select one from the ones mentioned in the article.

Conclusion

Now you have the top 7 voice changers for YouTubers, select one of them and use it in your next project. All voice-changing apps are simple to use, fast and reliable. However, we advise that you consider the pricing before investing in it. If you need an audio/video editing software program, Filmora is the right tool to use. The software is well-known for excellent results.

Try AI Voice Changer

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try AI Voice Changer

For macOS 10.12 or later