How to transfer a YouTube channel on Flippa

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This guide walks Sellers and Buyers through the full YouTube channel transfer process step-by-step, including how to confirm or set up a Brand Account, add and transfer ownership, and complete the transfer in line with YouTube’s platform requirements.

Overview of the transfer process

YouTube channels are transferred by:

1. Converting the channel to a Brand Account (if it isn’t already)

2. Adding the Buyer as an Owner

3. Waiting 7 days (YouTube policy)

4. Promoting the Buyer to Primary Owner

5. Removing the Seller from the channel

Step 1: Confirm if your channel is a Brand Account

To successfully transfer ownership of a YouTube channel on Flippa, the channel must be connected to a Brand Account. 

What Is a YouTube Brand Account?

A YouTube Brand Account is a type of Google account that allows multiple users to manage a single YouTube channel using role-based permissions. This makes it possible to add, remove, and transfer ownership of a channel without sharing personal login credentials. Brand Accounts are required to securely transfer YouTube channel ownership on Flippa.

Go to:
https://www.youtube.com/account

If you see the option “Add or remove managers”, your channel is already connected to a Brand Account.

If you do not see this option, your channel is not a Brand Account and must be converted before transferring.

Step 2: Create a Brand Account (if needed)

If your channel is not linked to a Brand Account, you must create one.

1. Go to:
   https://www.youtube.com/account

2. Click Create a new channel 

   

3. Name the new Brand Account (example: Flippa Brand Account)

4. Complete verification if prompted

   Note: This new Brand Account channel will start with 0 subscribers. This is expected.

Step 3: Move your existing channel to the Brand Account

Once the Brand Account is created:

1. Go to:
   https://www.youtube.com/account

2. Click View advanced settings

3. Click Move channel to a Brand Account (you may need to log in again)

   

4. Select the Brand Account you just created

5. Click Replace

You may see a message about deleting a channel.
This refers to the empty Brand Account channel, NOT your main channel with subscribers.

6. Click Move Channel to complete the transfer

Step 4: Switch to the Brand Account channel

After moving:

1. Click your profile icon in YouTube

2. Click Switch account

3. Select the channel that has subscribers

   

Now your channel is officially under a Brand Account and can be transferred.

Step 5: Add the Buyer as an Owner

1. Go to:
   https://www.youtube.com/account

2. Click Add or remove managers

3. Click Manage permissions

   

4. Click Invite new users

5. Add the Buyer’s email

6. Set their role as Owner

Step 6: Wait 7 days (required by YouTube)

YouTube requires a 7-day waiting period before an Owner can be promoted to Primary Owner.

This is a YouTube platform policy and cannot be bypassed.

Step 7: Promote Buyer to Primary Owner

After 7 days:

1. Seller returns to Manage permissions

2. Promote Buyer to Primary Owner

3. Seller removes themselves from the channel

Step 8: Buyer confirms & releases funds

Once the Buyer confirms they have:

• Primary ownership

• Full control of the channel

The Buyer should confirm the transfer on Flippa so funds can be released to the Seller.

Important notes & best practices

• Transfers must be done through Brand Accounts

• Ownership transfers are subject to YouTube policies

• Always double-check you’re logged into the correct channel

• Flippa cannot override YouTube’s 7-day waiting period

Need more help?

Feel free to schedule a meeting with Flippa's YouTube experts here. 

Disclaimer

This guide is provided for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available information from third-party platforms, including YouTube and Google. Flippa does not independently verify this information and makes no representations or warranties regarding its accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose. This guide does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. Transfers of digital assets involve risk, and users are responsible for conducting their own due diligence and complying with all applicable platform policies and terms of service. Flippa is not responsible for any losses, delays, or issues arising from the transfer process.