YouTube channel profile links are one of the cleanest ways to send viewers from a channel page to a website, store, newsletter or social profile. In 2026, creators can add up to 14 profile links.
How many links can a channel add?
YouTube currently allows up to 14 links on a channel profile. The first link is displayed more prominently near the channel profile and subscribe area, while the remaining links are available when viewers expand the list.
How to add profile links
- Open YouTube Studio.
- Go to Customization.
- Select Profile.
- Under Links, choose Add link.
- Enter the link title and URL.
- Publish the changes.
Which link should be first?
Use the first position for the destination that matters most to the channel’s current business goal. Depending on the creator, that may be:
- Main website
- Online store
- Newsletter
- Course or product page
- Primary social profile
Do not waste the first position on a low-value destination simply because it was added first.
Clickable links are not the same everywhere on YouTube
YouTube distinguishes between different link surfaces. Channel profile links are clickable. Long-form video descriptions and comments can also support clickable external links when the channel has the required Advanced features access.
By contrast, raw URLs in Shorts comments and Shorts descriptions are currently not clickable.
Shorts need a different link strategy
If you want to move a Shorts viewer to another YouTube video, use the Related Video feature instead of pasting a raw URL into the Shorts description.
See our YouTube Shorts Related Video guide for that workflow.
External links policy still applies
YouTube does not allow external links that direct viewers to destinations violating its external links policy. Creators should review destination pages before promoting them, especially when using affiliate offers, downloads, giveaways or third-party stores.
Use descriptive link labels
A clear label performs better than vague text. Examples:
- Official Website
- Shop Our Products
- Join the Newsletter
- Download the App
- Creator Media Kit
Avoid labels such as “Click Here” when the destination can be described more clearly.
Do not add 14 links just because you can
More links can create decision friction. If the channel has only three meaningful destinations, three strong links are better than a cluttered list of fourteen.
Business contact info
YouTube also lets creators add business contact information to the channel profile. Keep that separate from public links when the goal is partnership or press outreach.
Profile link checklist
- Put the highest-value destination first.
- Use short, descriptive labels.
- Remove outdated campaigns and dead URLs.
- Check mobile behavior.
- Make sure external destinations comply with YouTube policy.
- Use Shorts Related Video links for Shorts-to-video journeys.
For broader channel layout, see our YouTube Channel Home Tab guide.
Start the conversation
Corrections, useful experiences and focused questions are welcome. Keep discussion respectful and on topic.