YouTube Channel to Google Account Migration Guide

Important Notice


Logging in using a YouTube channel will be discontinued in the near future (Termination date to be determined). All accounts currently authenticated through YouTube will be deactivated and removed from our system after the transition period. To ensure uninterrupted access to your Thumbnail Test account, please migrate to Google account authentication as soon as possible. This is separate from the channels you've added to your team for testing; those will not be affected.

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What's Changing?


We're upgrading your sign-in experience from YouTube channel authentication to Google account authentication. This change provides:


  • Better Security: Enhanced protection through Google's OAuth 2.0
  • More Reliable Access: Fewer authentication issues and faster sign-in
  • Future-Proof: Ensures continued access as we phase out YouTube login


Migration Process


What Will Happen During Migration


When you sign in with a Google account, one of these scenarios will occur automatically:



Scenario 1: Email Match (Seamless Experience)


If your Google account email matches your YouTube channel email:


  • ✅ All of your test data and results will be preserved
  • ✅ Your team memberships and permissions stay intact
  • ✅ Your settings and preferences carry over
  • ✅ Your billing and subscription information remains linked


Steps:


  1. Sign out of your current Thumbnail Test account
  2. You should be redirected to the sign-in page, if not it's located here: https://app.thumbnailtest.com/auth/signin
  3. Click "Continue with Google"
  4. Select the google account you'd like to use to sign into Thumbnail Test going forward
  5. Grant the necessary permissions when prompted


If your email was the same as your YouTube channel's you can verify the migration in Account Settings (click on your avatar in the top right of the page) - you should see ✅ Linked next to Account migration


Scenario 2: Email Mismatch


If your Google account email differs from your YouTube channel email:


  • A new Thumbnail Test account may be created
  • If you were a team member, ask your team owner/admin to remove your old YouTube account first (to free up a member seat) and then invite your new Google account back to the team
  • If you were a team owner, follow the detailed team ownership transfer process below


NOTE: You can tell if a new account was created if it takes you through the onboarding process again.


If your member seats are at max capacity or you're on a basic plan you can enable transfer mode: Click here to read on how to use Transfer Mode


You will also need to get a new API key for your extension if you change accounts: Click here to read how to update you API key

Team Owner Migration Process (Email Mismatch)


If you're a team owner and your Google account email differs from your YouTube channel email, follow these steps:


  1. Log in with your YouTube account
  2. Create an invite link for your team in the team settings
  3. Log out
  4. Sign in with your new Google account
  5. Use the invite link to join your own team
  6. Log out
  7. Sign back in with your YouTube account by clicking on the Continue with YouTube Channel button
  8. Find your google account in the member list
  9. Click on the 3 dots next to their email
  10. Click on Transfer Ownership and confirm the transfer
  11. Log out
  12. Sign back in with your Google account
  13. Verify you're now the team owner
  14. Remove the old YouTube account from the team


Checking Your Migration Status


Note: This section only applies to users whose Google account email matches their YouTube channel email.


After signing in with Google, go to Account Settings (click on avatar in the top right of the page) and look for the "Account migration" section:


  • ✅ Linked: Successfully migrated
  • ❌ Not linked: Migration incomplete (contact support for assistance)


Why This Change is Happening


  • YouTube Login Deprecation: YouTube channel authentication will be discontinued
  • New Google-Integrated Features: We're adding features that require Google account authentication, such as Google Sheets integration for exporting data
  • Improved Reliability: Google OAuth provides more stable authentication
  • Enhanced Security: Better protection for your account and data
  • Simplified Access: Faster sign-in process with fewer permission complexities


What Happens After Migration


Your Data Stays Safe


  • All thumbnail tests remain accessible
  • Team memberships are preserved
  • Settings and preferences carry over
  • Billing information stays linked


Improved Experience


  • Faster sign-in with Google OAuth
  • Better security through Google's infrastructure
  • Easier account management with standard Google features
  • More reliable authentication process


Timeline and Urgency


  • YouTube login is being phased out - migrate as soon as possible
  • All YouTube-authenticated accounts will be deactivated and removed after the transition period
  • No specific deadline yet announced, but don't wait
  • Migration is free and preserves all your data
  • Support is available to help with any issues


Getting Help


If you encounter any issues during the migration process, please contact our support team.



What to Include When Getting Help


  • Your current account email
  • Your Google account email (if different)
  • Screenshot of migration status from Settings (if applicable)
  • Any error messages you're seeing



Don't wait! YouTube login will be discontinued soon and all YouTube-authenticated accounts will be deactivated. Migrate to Google account authentication today to ensure uninterrupted access to your Thumbnail Test account.


Need Help? Contact our support team through the live chat or at support@thumbnailtest.com


Updated on: 07/06/2025

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