How to Give Viewer Access on YouTube

Is this your situation?

The short answer

Before you start

• Confirm the channel uses channel permissions A Brand Account owner must switch to channel permissions to add or remove access.Verify: Check Settings → Permissions for an Invite option.
• Have the invitee's email ready Granting access requires entering the invitee's email address in the Email field.Verify: Confirm you have the correct email address.
• Decide if revenue visibility is needed The Viewer role can view revenue data, including chat revenue and viewer activity tab.Verify: Check whether the person needs revenue figures.

How YouTube handles this

• The Viewer role can view but not edit all channel details.
• The Viewer role can create and edit YouTube Analytics groups to track channel performance.
• The Viewer role can view all stream settings except the stream key.
• The Viewer role cannot manage live streams.

Step by step

1. Sign in to YouTube Studio Sign in to YouTube Studio to begin granting access.Where: YouTube StudioConfirm: Check that the YouTube Studio dashboard loads.
2. Open Settings Click Settings to reach channel configuration.Where: YouTube Studio → SettingsConfirm: Check that the Settings panel opens.
3. Open Permissions Click Permissions to reach the user list.Where: Settings → PermissionsConfirm: Check for a list of current users and an Invite button.
4. Click Invite Click INVITE to start a new invitation.Where: Permissions → INVITEConfirm: Check that an invite form appears.
5. Enter the email address Enter the invitee's email address in the Email field.Where: Invite form → Email fieldConfirm: Check that the email address appears correctly in the field.
6. Select the Viewer role Select the Viewer role in the Access drop-down.Where: Invite form → Access drop-downConfirm: Check that Viewer is selected in the Access drop-down.
7. Send the invitation Submit the invite so the recipient can accept it.Where: Permissions → INVITEConfirm: Check the Permissions list for the name or email you entered.If this fails: Recheck the email address and try sending again.
8. Wait for acceptance The invite expires after 30 days if not accepted.Confirm: Check the Permissions list to see if the status changed.
9. Confirm the role is active The person has channel data, tools, and features access without needing access to the Google Account.Where: Settings → PermissionsConfirm: Check that the person's role shows as Viewer in the list.
10. Remove or change access later Go to Settings, click Permissions, find the person, click the down arrow under Role, then select a new role or click Remove access.Where: Settings → PermissionsConfirm: Check the Permissions list for the updated role or removal.

Common mistakes

• Invite expires unnoticed A channel permissions invite expires after 30 days.Why it happens: The invitee delays accepting the invite.
• Expecting Viewer to manage streams The Viewer role cannot manage live streams.Why it happens: The role is built for viewing, not operating.
• Expecting Viewer to see who else has access Only managers and the owner can view names and emails of people that have access to a channel.Why it happens: You expect any role to see the full access list.
• Expecting Viewer to see revenue The Viewer role can view revenue data, including chat revenue and viewer activity tab.Why it happens: You assume Viewer always hides revenue from the person you invite.

Roles at a glance

Keeping track of who has access