Should I migrate from Brand Account permissions to Channel Permissions?
Moving to Channel Permissions changes how access is managed, not just where it is listed.
Is this your situation?
You are deciding whether to move your channel from Brand Account roles to Channel Permissions. You want to know what changes for the people who already have access.
What it is
Channel permissions provide the ability to give other users access to a channel via specific roles. Migrating to channel permissions helps prevent security risks such as password sharing. Control of user access shifts from Brand Account roles to Permissions within YouTube Studio when migrating. Channel permissions access is managed exclusively through YouTube Studio. Existing Brand Account users will be copied into channel permissions.
How YouTube handles this
- Before existing users become active in channel permissions, the permissions level must be manually set and the invite must be sent.
- People invited to manage a channel can manage it directly on YouTube and in YouTube Studio on both computer and mobile.
- People invited to manage a channel cannot manage it via YouTube APIs.
- The primary owner of the Brand Account can decide to use channel permissions in YouTube Studio or directly on YouTube.
- Channel permissions allow granular levels of access, unlike Brand Account roles.
Side by side
| Aspect | Brand Account roles | Channel Permissions |
|---|---|---|
| Access management | Managed through Brand Account roles. | Managed exclusively through YouTube Studio. |
| Existing users | Hold Brand Account roles before migration. | Copied into channel permissions. |
| Activation | Users hold roles before the invite is sent. | Requires a manually set permissions level and a sent invite. |
| Access granularity | Roles are less granular. | Allows granular levels of access. |
| API access | Not addressed here. | Invited managers cannot manage the channel via YouTube APIs. |
| Decision authority | Not addressed here. | The primary owner of the Brand Account decides whether to use channel permissions in YouTube Studio or directly on YouTube. |
Common mistakes
- Assuming access carries over automatically Existing Brand Account users are copied into channel permissions.Why it happens: The permissions level must be manually set and the invite sent first.Already happened: Learn what happens to users during migration. Recover a Deleted or Lost Brand Account
- Expecting API access to continue Invited users cannot manage the channel via YouTube APIs.Why it happens: You expect the same access as before and miss the API limit.
- Not deciding who opts in The primary owner decides whether to use channel permissions.Why it happens: No one makes the choice, so migration sits unresolved.
If this changes who is in control
Before existing users become active in channel permissions, the permissions level must be manually set and the invite must be sent. Review who holds each role before and after migrating, and see how to audit channel access.
Quick reference
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What does migrating change? | Control of user access shifts from Brand Account roles to Permissions within YouTube Studio. |
| Are existing users copied in? | Yes, existing Brand Account users will be copied into channel permissions. |
| Do copied users become active automatically? | No, the permissions level must be manually set and the invite must be sent first. |
| Who decides to migrate? | The primary owner decides whether to use channel permissions in YouTube Studio or directly on YouTube. |
| Where is access managed after migration? | Exclusively through YouTube Studio. |
| Can invited managers use YouTube APIs? | No, invited managers cannot manage the channel via YouTube APIs. |
| Is access more granular after migration? | Channel permissions allow granular levels of access, unlike Brand Account roles. |
Frequently asked questions
Will everyone who had Brand Account roles keep their access?
Existing Brand Account users will be copied into channel permissions.
Can I still manage the channel directly on YouTube after migrating?
The primary owner of the Brand Account can decide to use channel permissions in YouTube Studio or directly on YouTube.
Will third-party tools using APIs still work?
People invited to manage a channel cannot manage it via YouTube APIs.
Can invited managers use the channel on mobile devices?
People invited to manage a channel can manage it directly on YouTube and in YouTube Studio on both computer and mobile.
Keeping track of who has access
You watch who holds access as the channel moves between permission systems, and the picture builds over time. Delvia keeps a clear record of who holds access, before and after a migration like this.
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