How to switch to YouTube's new channel design right now

YouTube has been experimenting with a new channel design for some time now. Up until now, only select channels were allowed to switch to the new design which introduces a couple of new features that many channel owners may like. This includes larger images, a trailer that is played to users who visit the channel page and a look that is more professional over all.

YouTube yesterday enabled the new channel layout for all users of the site and while you are still required to opt-in to use it right now, it is no longer limited to a select few on the website.

To change, simply click on the get started button on the page linked above. This redirects to your channel on YouTube where you are introduced to the new feature set it makes available.

In particular:

• Sections are groups of videos that you can create on your page. YouTube creates a couple automatically when you switch to the new layout, like recent and popular uploads, but you are free to create as many groups as you want and display them on that page.
• Channel setup checklist aims to help you make the most out of your YouTube channel. It is a to-do list that you do not have to follow point by point but it may make sense to do so. Items on the list include setting a channel icon, adding web links, uploading a channel trailer or adding a description for your channel.
• Choosing channel art is similar to the cover photo that you get on Google+. The selection here is shown on desktop, mobile devices and other platforms and is usually used for branding purposes.

Once you have clicked through the introduction you are free to add the cover photo, trailer and other items to the channel to customize it further. As far as channel art goes, the minimum resolution is 2120x1192 pixels which feels awfully large if you are asking me. Even full HD photos can't be used for channel art.

For a limited time, you can go back to the old channel design. Just click on the opt-in link above again and scroll down to the very bottom there. A click on switch back returns your channel page to the old layout. Note that it is very likely that this will only be offered for a short period of time.