Can a YouTube Manager remove other users?
A Manager's power over other people's access depends on where that access lives.
Is this your situation?
You gave someone the Manager role and now wonder whether they can remove other people from the channel. You want to know if that removal power sits with channel permissions or with the Brand Account itself.
What it is
Under channel permissions, the Manager role can manage permissions in YouTube Studio. The Manager role cannot delete the channel. Under Brand Account roles, separate from channel permissions in YouTube Studio, the Manager role can't invite other users. Under Brand Account roles, the Manager role also can't transfer the channel, or have it transferred to them, except by the primary owner. Check the Permissions list in YouTube Studio to see who currently has channel access.
How YouTube handles this
- Under channel permissions, a Manager can manage permissions in YouTube Studio.
- Under channel permissions, a Manager can view all channel data.
- Under Brand Account roles, a Manager can't invite other users to help manage the account.
- Under Brand Account roles, a Manager can't delete the channel under that system.
- Under Brand Account roles, a Manager can't join or leave an MCN, a multi-channel network.
Side by side
| Role | Channel permissions | Brand Account delegation |
|---|---|---|
| Manager | Can manage permissions in YouTube Studio | Can't invite other users |
| Manager | Cannot delete the channel | Can't delete the channel |
| Manager | Can view all channel data | Can't transfer the channel, or have it transferred to them, except by the primary owner |
| Manager | Can edit channel details | Can't join or leave an MCN |
| Manager | Can create, upload, publish, and delete content, including drafts | Can't make a purchase |
Common mistakes
- Assuming Manager means the same everywhere A Manager can manage permissions in YouTube Studio.Why it happens: Under Brand Account roles, the Manager role can't invite other users.Already happened: If removal seems wrong, audit who has access. Someone removed me from my YouTube channel
- Expecting a Brand Account Manager to invite people The Manager role can't invite other users.Why it happens: Channel permissions allow granular levels of access, unlike Brand Account roles.
- Assuming a Communications Manager acts like a Manager Check the role name shown next to a Communications Manager's entry in the Brand Account permissions list.Why it happens: Under Brand Account roles, the Communications Manager role can't take any actions on YouTube.
If this changes who is in control
You want to know who else can change the permissions list after you give someone Manager access. If removals happen that you did not expect, see how to audit who has access to your channel.
Quick reference
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can a Manager manage permissions in YouTube Studio? | Yes, under channel permissions. |
| Can a Manager delete the channel? | No, under channel permissions. |
| Can a Brand Account Manager invite other users? | No, under Brand Account roles. |
| Can a Brand Account Manager delete the channel? | No, under Brand Account roles. |
| Can a Brand Account Manager transfer the channel? | Only the primary owner can do that. |
| Can a Manager view all channel data? | Yes, under channel permissions. |
| Can a Brand Account Manager join or leave an MCN? | No, under Brand Account roles. |
| Can a Communications Manager use YouTube? | No, a Communications Manager can't take any actions on YouTube. |
Frequently asked questions
Can a Manager remove other users from the channel?
Under channel permissions, a Manager can manage permissions in YouTube Studio.
Can a Manager on a Brand Account invite or remove people?
Under Brand Account roles, the Manager role can't invite other users.
Can a Manager delete the channel instead of removing users?
The Manager role cannot delete the channel.
Can a Communications Manager remove other users on a Brand Account?
Under Brand Account roles, the Communications Manager role can't take any actions on YouTube.
Keeping track of who has access
Confusion about who can remove whom builds when you manage roles named the same way in two different systems. Delvia keeps a clear record of which permission system is in place and who holds each role.
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