Legal obligation to provide an imprint for YouTube: This is how you create it correctly

The imprint obligation on YouTube can be a delicate but essential topic for many creators and companies. If you use YouTube as a platform for your content, there are important legal requirements that you must adhere to. In this guide, you will learn whether and how you can create and insert an imprint for your YouTube channel to avoid legal pitfalls and potential warnings.

Main findings

• Every YouTube user who publishes content needs an imprint, except if the videos are private.
• The imprint obligation applies in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
• An imprint can be generated online for free.
• There are alternatives to protect personal data.
• This is how you integrate the imprint into your channel banner.

Step 1: Is an imprint necessary?

Before thinking about how, clarify whether you really need an imprint. Basically, everyone who is active on YouTube and publishes content needs an imprint, provided the videos are not set to private. This also applies to channels with few subscribers or no earnings. It is important to adhere to this rule consistently, even if you earn little or no money from your content. Violating this obligation can lead to warnings or fines in the four-digit range.

Step 2: Creating the imprint

Now comes the most practical part because you are not obliged to formulate everything yourself. There are numerous offers on the internet to create an imprint for free. A simple Google search for "create imprint for free" will lead you to websites that assist you in this process. You will be asked to answer some basic questions and provide information about your contact details.

If you already operate a website or an online shop, you can simply link the imprint there. However, make sure that the imprint on your website also applies to your YouTube channel.

Step 3: Imprint Contents

What should be included in an imprint? You must provide your complete contact details, including your name, address, a valid email address, and a phone number. If you operate a legal entity such as a GmbH or another form of company, additional information is required. Many online generators will guide you through the necessary information.

Step 4: Data Protection and Alternatives

It may be uncomfortable to publicly disclose your address. If you have concerns, you can rent a business address as long as the address is actually reachable. Alternatively, you can also use a phone number specifically set up for this purpose.

Remember, as long as you stay within legal boundaries, for example, do not distribute illegal content, there will be hardly any serious issues with your address. Even companies must disclose their data; if they fail to do so, they could face serious legal consequences.

Step 5: Integrate the Imprint into Your Channel Banner

The final step is to make the imprint visible on your YouTube channel. Log in to your YouTube account. Click on your profile picture in the top right corner and select "My Channel." There you will find the option "Customize Channel." Then navigate to "Basic info" and scroll down to "Links." Here you have the option to add a new link.

For the link title, enter "Imprint" and insert the link to your imprint. Make sure the link is correct before publishing it. If everything worked correctly, an icon will be displayed below your channel banner that links to your imprint.

Summary

Creating an imprint for your YouTube channel is necessary to avoid legal issues. You have learned that there are simple ways to create an imprint, what you need to consider, and how to integrate it correctly into your channel banner.