Can I run my YouTube channel through an LLC without using my real name publicly?

Depends on the state. WY and NM are popular for this, but you still need a registered agent. That agent’s info is public, not yours, if you use a commercial one. But if you’re the only member, some states still want your name on the articles or annual report.

YouTube itself doesn’t care if the channel is under an LLC. The public name is whatever you set as the channel name. The LLC only mtters for contracts, taxes, and bank stuff. So from a pure “public name” angle, you don’t need an LLC at all.

Agree with the above. But if you start getting sponsor checks made out to an LLC, eventually someone could look up the LLC. Wyoming gives you some privacy but not total. You can use an agent and a virtual address, but your name might still appear on the bank account or tax filings.

Also, if you’re in the US and you’re the sole owner, some states publish the member’s name. Wyoming doesn’t list members publicly on the initial filing, but annual reports can be tricky. Look up the the specific state’s requirements before filing.

What about using a DBA? If the LLC is in a state that doesn’t require member disclosure, can you run the chnanel under the LLC name and then have a separate public-facing pseudonym? Or does the bank require your real name anyway for the account?

Bank will know your real name. Privacy from the public is not the same as privacy from the bank. You can use a business name on the channel, but when you sign the account agreement you’re personally identified as the signer. That’s usually not public, though.

I did this with an LLC in New Mexico. Used a registered agent service. My name is not on the secretary of state website. But I also have a separate business address and phone. It cost a few hundred a year. No issues with YouTube or AdSense so far.

How did you handle AdSense? I thought Google required a real name and address for payments.

They do. But you can use the LLC name and the registered agent’s address as the business address. The tax info still needs your SSN or EIN. If you use an EIN, the LLC name goes on the account. Your personal name is associated in the backend but not displayed publicly.

Yes, the registered agent’s naame and address are public. That’s why people pay a commercial agent. The agent’s address is used, not yours. But some states also require a principal office address, which can be a virtual mailbox. Just make sure it’s not your home.

One thing people miss is the annual report. In some states you have to list members or managers. Wyoming asks for a list of memers but you can often leave it blank or use the agent. Check the form. Also, if you ever get sued, privacy can be pierced. But for a YouTube channel, that’s unlikely unless you’re doing something controversial.

I looked into this last year. The biggest tradeoff is cost and maintenance. You’re paying an agent, filing fees, annual reports. If the channel isn’t making money yet, it might be overkill. You can just use a pseudonym on the channel and and keep your reall name out of the description. The LLC only becomes necessary when you need liability protection or want to separate finances.

that’s a good point. I ran a channel for two yeaRs under a fake name with no LLC. Nothing bad happened. The moment I started getting brand deals, I formed an LLC. But even then, the brand’s legal team wanted a W-9 with my real name. So full anonymity from business partners is basically impossible.