If you spend even a few minutes browsing the world of YouTube vloggers, you’ll notice that almost all of them have their own YouTube channel banner.
It’s one of the first things viewers see when they click on a channel. This visual element can hugely impact how viewers perceive your channel and its content.
Unfortunately, many people underestimate the power of a YouTube banner, thinking that it’s just another visual element hidden deep within a channel profile. In reality, it’s much more than that. A channel banner can introduce your brand and get viewers interested in your content even before watching your first video. It also builds trust with potential subscribers and signals what kind of content you tend to produce.
If you do not have a channel banner yet, or maybe it’s old and outdated, this article will show you why this visual element is essential for every YouTuber.
Today, I will reveal the secret of how you can easily change your YouTube banner on your mobile. In this article, I’ll talk about the following:
- What is a YouTube banner?
- I’ll answer the question if you can change the banner of a YouTube channel on a cell phone.
- How often should you change the banner of your YouTube channel?
- How to change the banner on an Android phone?
- How to change the banner on an Apple phone?
Ok, now you know what I will talk about, so let us start with the first section…
What is a YouTube Channel banner?
A banner is a visual element, usually a JPEG or PNG image file, that appears at the top of your channel. It can promote your content, products/services, or events.
Now you may be wondering why you should use a banner. Well, the banner serves several valuable functions for your channel. First, a banner allows you to visually communicate your brand and content. With a brand banner, you can create an impressive and engaging experience that stands out from other channels on YouTube. The banner acts as an extra communication channel between you and your audience, serving to build trust. Also, a banner makes your channel look more professional and effective. Finally, it gives you an advantage over competitors who do not have a banner.
A banner can be static or dynamic. A static banner consists of an image that remains motionless, like a regular image you find on the Internet or in a magazine. On the other hand, a dynamic banner contains elements that change depending on the time and date. This can be a great way to promote your latest content. And the best part? You can change your banner at any time and on just about any device you want to use.
Can you change the banner of a YouTube channel on mobile?
Yes, you can change the banner on any mobile device. It’s easy to do with the YouTube app for Android or iPhone.
How often should you change the banner of your YouTube channel?
For the best possible effect, you should change your channel’s banner when you publish new content that you want to promote. First of all, the banner draws users’ attention to your newly uploaded content. This is important because not everyone who visits your channel’s home page knows that you have published new content.
Also, changing the banner will create a sense of urgency among your subscribers. They are eager to see what’s new on your channel and what you have in store for them next. This makes them more engaged and invested in your channel. And it improves the chances of them subscribing and watching future videos.
You can also change your banner when you announce your latest live stream, a contest, or other important events related to your channel.
You should use your banner as free advertising. Whenever you have something you want people to know or see, you should change your banner to reflect that information.
How to change your YouTube channel banner on iOS and Android
Below is a method to change your YouTube channel’s banner on an Android or iOS device. Since both devices use the same YouTube app, the methods are identical.
Step 1: Download the YouTube app from the Google Play Store / Apple App Store.
The first thing you need to do is download the YouTube app from the app store. Just navigate to the Android Play Store or Apple App Store, type in YouTube in the search bar, and tap the first app that shows up in the search.
Step 2: Open the YouTube app.
Once the app has been downloaded and installed, navigate to your phone’s home screen/app drawer, find the YouTube app, and open it.
Step 3: Tap on your profile picture.
Once the app is loaded, tap on your profile picture in the upper right corner of the app.
Step 4: Tap on the “Your Channel” menu button.
A new screen should now open with a menu. You will find the “Your Channel” option at the very top. Tap on it to open the next menu.
Step 5: Tap on the pencil icon.
In the following menu, you will see a pencil icon on the right side, located one-third from the top of the screen. Tap on it.
Step 6: Tap on the photo icon on the banner.
A menu should appear showing your channel’s name, description, and privacy settings. However, look for the camera icon in the upper right corner of the screen. Click on the camera icon.
You will be presented with two options for your banner.
Step 7a: Take a photo for your banner
Next, a small menu will appear at the bottom of the screen. It offers you 3 options:
- Take a photo
- Select from your photos
- Cancel
If you want to use a new photo as a banner for your YouTube channel, click the Take a photo option. Your phone’s camera app will open. Click “OK” when the YouTube app asks you to access your camera.
Take your photo. Once it’s taken, you’ll have the option to either use the photo or take it again. Select Use Photo.
You will now be presented with a grid where you can position your photo. Note that the grid indicates different areas for the TV banner, the desktop banner, and the all devices (mobile) banner. You can move the image up and down to position it correctly.
When you are satisfied, click Save, and the photo will immediately become your new banner.
Step 7b: Choose a photo for your banner
Next, a small menu will appear at the bottom of the screen. It offers you 3 options:
- Take a photo
- Select from your photos
- Cancel
If you want to select a photo from your library, such as a design created with Canva, click the Select from your photos option. Your phone’s photo album app opens. Click the image you want to use as a banner.
Now you will see a grid where you can position your photo. Note that the grid indicates different areas for the TV banner, the desktop banner, and the all devices (mobile) banner. You can move the image up and down to position it correctly.
When you are satisfied, click Save, and the photo will immediately become your new banner.
If you want to create a custom banner with Canva, which I highly recommend, check out my article on how to create a YouTube banner in Canva.
Conclusion
A banner is another great way to brand your channel and make it more memorable. Your banner is a chance to communicate your brand’s value and identity. You can choose a style that reflects the type of content you share on YouTube.
In this article, I talked about:
- How a banner can help convey your channel’s brand and identity.
- A banner can help promote your latest content, contests, and events.
- It is possible to change your banner on mobile.
- You should change your banner frequently to highlight new content.
- A YouTube channel’s banner can be easily changed on mobile using the YouTube app you download from the Play Store/App Store.
- You can use a photo from your gallery as your banner.
- You take a photo with your camera as your banner.
- You can use Canva to design a banner, save it to your phone’s gallery, then upload it using the above method.