YouTube has launched a brand new feature that will solve one of the biggest problems plaguing it’s user experience. For years, YouTube navigation has been a mess for both creators and their fans. Creators often have multiple channels (official and unofficial) which divides their subscriber base and makes tracking their success much more difficult. For example, Justin Bieber has two channels– his official Vevo page which has 33.6 million subscribers compared to his official Artists page which only has 4 million subscribers. YouTube’s fragmented platform structure also causes confusion for fans who are looking for a specific creator, until now. Introducing Official Artist Channels:

Benefits Of Official Artist Channels

YouTube’s new Official Artist Channels will consolidate all of a creator’s content (including official Vevo channels) and unite all of their subscribers into one unified channel. One of the biggest benefits of obtaining a Official Artist Channel is that it makes it easier for current and potential viewers to find your content. When fans search for you they will be linked directly to your Official Artist Channel. Official Artist Channels can be easily identified and can be distinguished with notable artist icon (in the shape of a music note). Official Artist Channels also make it easier for creators to promote their work from one central location. Since all of your current subscribers from your various channels will be automatically subscribed to your new Official Artist Channel, you will be able to easily control your brand presence and connect with all of your fans within the same place.

What To Expect On Official Artist Channels

YouTube’s new Official Artist Channels was designed to simplify the platforms layout to improve overall user experience. The main difference between having Official Artist Channels or just maintain your current one is that Official Artist Channels gives you full control over what your fans see first. Once you pick your featured content, YouTube will automatically organize the rest of your music videos, songs and albums. Here’s how it’s broken down:

• Featured Video: This is located at the top of your chanel and will be the first thing your fans will see.This is also the biggest promotional space on your channel so use this opportunity to highlight your latest video or share a special announcement.
• Artist-curated video: Customized playlist created by you that will appear below the featured video. You have the ability to edit and organize the playlist with any videos of yours on YouTube.
• Official Music: This section is automatically generated videos pulled from any official sources related to your music and will combine and organize all of your music content by upload date, popularity and video type.

• Discography: A different auto generated playlist that only features your songs and organizes them by release date in reverse chronological order.
  Customizable sections: You will have the option to add two shelves of playlists that you have curated.
• How To Get Your Own Official Artist Channel
• Currently creators must meet a certain criteria to apply to be upgraded to an Official Artist Channel. To be eligible you must:
• Your current YouTube channel must be verified (does not include ‘house’ channels, ‘Vevo’ channels, or a channel you’ve titled ‘Official’).
• Your current YouTube channel must be controlled by you as a creator, your manager, or your label.
• You must have released at least 1 album.
• Your current channel must have at least 3 music videos.
• Once your channel meets these requirements, YouTube will contact you about upgrading. YouTube will continue to roll out its Official Artist Channels program throughout 2018

Credit to Original post Posted on 02/13/2018 by Vanessa Mariano