YouTube Tips

Choir of the Earth currently uses YouTube to deliver lots of our content, from rehearsals to concerts.

In the Live Chat and email, we often receive common questions about YouTube and its features.

On this page we include some tips that we hope will help answer some of these FAQs.

An important note: YouTube is a service hosted by Google, and Choir of the Earth is a user like any other. We are subject to any changes they make to their platform - just like all other users - and these are often implemented without our prior knowledge. We will of course try to help our members if something changes, but if you cannot find an answer to your question below, please check Google’s YouTube Support Pages.

How do I change my YouTube username?

In November 2025, YouTube switched from its old form usernames (e.g. Jamie Smith) to new ‘handles’ (e.g. @jamiesmith3853). If you set up your YouTube account before this, you may have been assigned a handle automatically. If you would like to change this in YouTube Studio, follow these steps:

How do I turn off the Leaderboard (crowns beside names)?

YouTube introduced the Leaderboard function to increase engagement in the Live Chat during livestreams. However Choir of the Earth does not use this feature, and many people find it distracting. You can opt out of the Leaderboard to remove the crown icons beside people’s names:

How do I tag other users in the Live Chat?

You can tag other users by typing their handle, including the @ sign.

On a computer, if you type @ followed by the first few letters of someone’s handle, a list will appear of matching usernames - click or use the arrow keys and enter to select the right user.

On a tablet or mobile device, this list does not appear - you will need to type the user’s full name to tag them.

What to do if you have problems with video or audio playback?

If the video is buffering or a stream does not start on time, please refresh your browser. If you are using the app, exit the app and click the link again.

If you cannot hear any sound, please check the following:

  • Your device volume is turned up

  • The video volume on YouTube is turned up

  • Your device is not connected to headphones (if you are playing it out loud)

  • Your device is connected to headphones (if you are playing it via headphones)

If you have checked these issues and still have no sound, please refresh or rejoin the stream.