Transferring YouTube subscriptions between accounts is not a native feature of the platform, as Google does not allow users to automatically "merge" or sync data between two separate channels. However, you can use several effective workarounds to move your favorite channels to a new account without starting from scratch. Method 1: The Automated Way (Browser Extensions)
Access the List: Extract the file and locate subscriptions.csv inside the YouTube and YouTube Music/subscriptions/ folder.
If the built-in feature doesn't work for you, or you prefer a more manual approach, you can use an OPML (Outline Processor Markup Language) file to transfer your subscriptions. Here's how: Transferring YouTube subscriptions between accounts is not a
YouTube is fundamentally tied to Google Accounts. Subscriptions are viewed as a core piece of user data that trains the algorithm. Google’s priority is usually security: preventing bad actors from stealing users' subscription lists. Consequently, there is no Settings > Transfer option.
| Problem | Solution | | :--- | :--- | | The subscriptions.json file is empty. | You didn't check the "subscriptions" box in Google Takeout. Redo the export. | | The browser extension says "Rate limited." | YouTube blocked your rapid subscribing. Wait 1 hour and try again with an extension that has a "slow mode" (e.g., 3 seconds delay). | | I have 2,000 subscriptions. Will this take all day? | Yes. With a 3-second delay, that’s 6,000 seconds = 100 minutes. Start the process and go for a walk. | | I don't want to use a third-party tool at all. | Then you must manually subscribe one-by-one. Sorry. You can open the Takeout file in Excel to see the list of names. | | The new account says "Subscription limit reached." | Google allows a maximum of 5,000 subscriptions per account. You cannot exceed this. | Log into your new YouTube account
Transferring YouTube Subscriptions from One Account to Another: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve decided to switch to a new YouTube account—whether due to a rebrand, a typo-ridden old handle, or simply wanting to separate your “work” watch history from your 3 a.m. lo-fi jazz rabbit holes—you’ve likely run into a frustrating reality: YouTube does not offer a one-click “transfer subscriptions” button. a typo-ridden old handle
Pro tip: If you have over 200 subscriptions, skip to Method 3.