Although the video-sharing hub gently began encouraging all users operating under nicknames like cutepuppies99 and origamiboys1981 to start using their real names last July. But now, the video service is allowing users keep their anonymous name but is still giving them the option of linking to their Google+ page. It’s even giving people the option of changing their Google+ name to match their YouTube channel identity.
Currently, Google has been beta testing the feature with some channels, but it will become available to all creators in the coming weeks.
“While using a full name from a Google+ profile might work well for a creator who wants to build their brand as an individual, this simply does not work if you do not want a full name on your channel,” YouTube’s David Boyle wrote in a blog post today. “If you run a channel with a name like BlueXephos or VlogBrothers, you should create a Google+ page (as opposed to a profile) with that name.”
However, if you wish so, you can still keep your channel name. It all depends on how you built your brand for instance: if your YouTube channel’s name is more popular than the one you were given at birth, then go with that one. If you prefer to market your own personal brand, then Google is urging you to switch to the Google+ one.
In fact, Google goes one step further with its suggestion, says it will continue to develop new engagement features (like Hangouts on Air) that take advantage of the best of both YouTube and Google+.
However, it is still vague as to why YouTube had a change of heart. It could be because people were not linking their Google+ accounts to YouTube or maybe the tech giant received user requests for this option.
Though the integration of Google+ and YouTube has been in progress since more than last year, and while some users must appreciate it, others have gotten annoyed. In May, actor Wil Wheaton ranted about Google “forcing” its social network on everyone when he tried to like a video on YouTube and instead got a prompt to join Google+.
Elaborating further Boyle said, linking the two accounts helps users build their audience and brand. “If you unify your YouTube identity with Google+, it will be easier for your audience to find and connect with you on YouTube, Google, and across the web, and it will help you build your brand across all of Google’s products,” he wrote.