How to Add A Background To Your YouTube Channel

It used to be that you were able to copy and paste the URL of an image uploaded to Photobucket onto the background settings of your YouTube profile. However, that has changed. Most people in the social networking arena find it fun, amusing, or even alluring for others to place background images or layouts in their profiles. This makes your profile interesting to look at and keeps the person on your page long enough to get to know you (for what you put into your profile). For anyone who is new to doing this, disregard the first sentence and let me assist you in creating, what is called, a “sticky” profile.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A Free YouTube Account
• Pictures saved onto your computer ready to be uploaded

1. 
   YouTube Logo

   If you do not have a YouTube account, you will want to set one up. It’s easy to do and it’s free at http://www.youtube.com . If you have one set up, check out the next steps.

2. Log into your YouTube account and go up to the top right corner where you see the Account drop menu. Click on the word Account without picking anything from the drop down menu. This opens up all of your information (Account Settings, preferences, favorites, subscriptions, subscribers, etc).

3. Don’t let the option on the top of the right column, Customize YouTube, fool you. Scroll down the left column until you see My Channel. Under this listing, click on Channel Design.

4. As you scroll, you will see from the top down; Select A Theme. When you chose a simple color scheme here, make sure it matches some of the photos you have stored onto your computer you want to use.

5. Scroll down past Layout Properties onto Advanced Design Customization. This is the section you want to be in. Now, if you are a graphic designer of websites and understand the color codecs, you can enter them as you like to enhance the background. If not, you can chose the link that says Pick at each side of the colors to select. The codecs have already been configured by the YouTube staff. If you don’t want to bother doing this, it won’t affect how great your background will look.

6. 
   Lightening

   Above the color options is Background Image. This is where you upload any picture you have saved on your computer as your profile background. Click on “Upload” and a window will open with your files. Go through your files until you find your pictures and select the picture you would like to be set as your background.

7. 
   my background

   Since most pictures’ sizes aren’t the same as a profile page would be, you have the option to Repeat Background Image. This option is located under Background Image. If you would like your picture to cover the entire background, click YES to repeat the picture. This will cover the entire background of your YouTube profile giving it your personal touch.

8. As I was writing this article, I was doing the steps myself to change my background. To see my results, go to http://www.youtube.com/leaderscare.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your uploaded photos meet the Terms and Guidelines of the YouTube community.
• There should be no nudity, violence, sexually explicit photos, or anything that portrays hatred.
• Know that if you do break the Guidelines and Terms of the YouTube community, your usage of the social network will be disbarred.

[labellefleur100]

on 2/10/2009 Really easy to follow and I was able to accomplish this thanks to you! 5*

[ambercook32]

on 1/10/2009 Good directions nice and easy to follow!

[miasavc]

on 12/15/2008 Good tips and simple to follow with good directions! Thanks!*****