7 Best Platforms to Sell Your YouTube Channel in 2026
Choosing the right marketplace to sell your YouTube channel can mean the difference between a smooth six-figure sale with escrow protection and a nightmare scenario where you transfer your channel and never see a dollar. We evaluated every major platform across fees, buyer quality, escrow systems, and real seller experiences to bring you this definitive comparison.
The YouTube channel marketplace has matured significantly. In 2024, an estimated $180 million worth of YouTube channels changed hands across various platforms. By 2026, that number is projected to exceed $300 million as more creators treat their channels as genuine digital assets. But where you list your channel matters just as much as the channel itself. The wrong platform can mean months of waiting, lowball offers from unverified buyers, or worse, outright fraud. The right platform connects you with qualified buyers, protects your payment through escrow, and handles the logistics of a secure transfer. This guide compares the seven best marketplaces available today so you can make an informed decision.
How We Evaluated These Platforms
We spent over 60 hours researching, creating test listings, and interviewing sellers who have completed transactions on each platform. Every marketplace was scored across eight criteria that matter most when you are selling a YouTube channel. Here is what we looked at and why each factor matters.
Fees & Commission
Both upfront listing fees and success-based commissions. A platform charging 5% vs 20% on a $100K sale represents a $15,000 difference in your pocket.
Escrow Protection
Whether the platform holds funds securely until the channel transfer is verified. This is the single most important safety feature for any seller.
Verification Process
How thoroughly the platform verifies channel ownership, revenue claims, and buyer identity. Better verification means fewer scammers and more serious offers.
Average Sale Time
The typical duration from listing to completed transaction. Ranges from 15 days on the fastest platforms to 180 days for enterprise-level deals.
Minimum Requirements
Subscriber thresholds, revenue minimums, and other criteria you need to meet before listing. Some platforms accept any channel while others are selective.
Seller Support
The quality of customer support, availability of account managers, listing optimization help, and dispute resolution capabilities.
Buyer Pool Size
The number and quality of active buyers on the platform. A larger buyer pool means more competition for your listing and potentially higher offers.
User Reviews
Real seller testimonials, Trustpilot ratings, Reddit discussions, and community reputation. We weighted negative experiences heavily in our evaluation.
Quick Comparison: All 7 Platforms at a Glance
Before we dive into detailed reviews, here is a side-by-side comparison of every platform across the metrics that matter most. Use this table to quickly narrow down your top two or three options, then read the full reviews below.
| Platform | Listing Fee | Success Fee | Escrow | Min Requirements | Avg Sale Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fameswap | Free | 10-20% | Yes (built-in) | None | 30-45 days | Mid-size channels |
| Flippa | $15-$99 | 10% | Yes (via Escrow.com) | None | 45-60 days | Diversified revenue channels |
| NexLev | Free | 15% | Yes | 5K+ subscribers | 42 days avg | Premium/high-value channels |
| ChannelKart | Free | 10-15% | Yes | 1K+ subscribers | 20-30 days | Quick sales, Indian creators |
| Empire Flippers | Free | 15% | Yes | $5K+/mo revenue | 60-90 days | Channels earning $5K+/month |
| Merge | Free listing | $5K-$20K retainer + 10% | Yes | $500K+ profit | 90-180 days | Enterprise-level channels |
| SocialTradia | Free | 5-15% | Yes | None | 15-30 days | Multi-platform sellers |
All data current as of February 2026. Fees and policies may change. Always confirm details directly with each platform before listing.
Detailed Review of Each Platform
Fameswap
Mid-size channels
Fameswap is the most recognized dedicated marketplace for buying and selling social media accounts, including YouTube channels. Founded in 2017, it has facilitated thousands of transactions and is widely regarded as the go-to platform for creators looking to sell mid-size YouTube channels. The built-in escrow system and verification process make it a solid starting point for most sellers.
Escrow
Yes (built-in)
Min Requirements
None
Avg Sale Time
30-45 days
Pros
- +Largest dedicated social-media marketplace with active buyer pool
- +Built-in escrow protects both buyer and seller automatically
- +No listing fee means zero upfront risk for sellers
- +Detailed listing templates that highlight key channel metrics
Cons
- −Success fee of 10-20% can eat into profits on larger deals
- −Buyer quality varies widely, expect many lowball offers
- −Limited support for channels above $500K in value
Who it's best for: Best for creators with channels in the 10K-500K subscriber range who want a hassle-free listing experience with built-in buyer protection.
Flippa
Diversified revenue channels
Flippa is the world's largest marketplace for buying and selling online businesses, including YouTube channels, websites, apps, and e-commerce stores. Because Flippa attracts serious business buyers who understand digital assets, channels with diversified revenue streams (AdSense, sponsorships, merch, affiliate income) tend to perform exceptionally well here. The platform integrates with Escrow.com for secure transactions.
Escrow
Yes (via Escrow.com)
Min Requirements
None
Avg Sale Time
45-60 days
Pros
- +Massive buyer pool of serious digital asset investors
- +Escrow.com integration provides industry-standard payment protection
- +Detailed analytics verification shows buyers real revenue data
- +Strong reputation and track record since 2009
Cons
- −Upfront listing fee of $15-$99 required before any sale
- −Longer average sale time compared to dedicated social-media marketplaces
- −YouTube channels compete for attention with websites and apps
Who it's best for: Ideal for channels with diversified revenue (not just AdSense) where the business value story appeals to investors and digital asset buyers.
NexLev
Premium/high-value channels
NexLev positions itself as a premium marketplace specifically designed for high-value YouTube channels. Unlike general-purpose platforms, NexLev focuses exclusively on YouTube and has built its buyer network around serious investors and media companies looking to acquire established channels. Their 5,000-subscriber minimum requirement ensures the marketplace is not cluttered with low-quality listings, which attracts higher-quality buyers willing to pay market rates.
Escrow
Yes
Min Requirements
5K+ subscribers
Avg Sale Time
42 days avg
Pros
- +Curated marketplace focused exclusively on YouTube channels
- +Premium buyer network includes media companies and investment groups
- +Dedicated account managers guide sellers through the process
- +Higher average sale prices compared to general marketplaces
Cons
- −5K subscriber minimum excludes smaller channels
- −15% success fee is higher than some competitors
- −Smaller overall marketplace means fewer casual browsers
Who it's best for: The strongest choice for established channels with 5K+ subscribers and proven revenue, where a curated buyer pool leads to better offers.
ChannelKart
Quick sales, Indian creators
ChannelKart has carved out a niche as one of the fastest-moving YouTube channel marketplaces, particularly popular among creators in South Asia. The platform boasts the shortest average sale time of any major marketplace (20-30 days) thanks to an active buyer community and streamlined listing process. ChannelKart also supports regional payment methods and offers multilingual support, making it accessible to a global audience.
Escrow
Yes
Min Requirements
1K+ subscribers
Avg Sale Time
20-30 days
Pros
- +Fastest average sale time at 20-30 days
- +Low 1K subscriber threshold opens the door for smaller channels
- +Regional payment methods and multilingual seller support
- +Simple, intuitive listing process that takes under 15 minutes
Cons
- −Buyer pool skews toward lower-value transactions
- −Less brand recognition in North American and European markets
- −Limited support for channels valued above $100K
Who it's best for: Excellent for creators who want speed above all else, especially sellers in the Indian and South Asian markets with channels between 1K and 100K subscribers.
Empire Flippers
Channels earning $5K+/month
Empire Flippers is a premium brokerage that specializes in selling profitable online businesses, and YouTube channels generating $5,000 or more per month fall squarely in their wheelhouse. The platform conducts a thorough vetting process before accepting listings, which means buyers trust that every channel on the marketplace has been verified. This rigorous screening translates into higher sale prices and more professional buyers, but the longer timeline reflects the level of due diligence involved.
Escrow
Yes
Min Requirements
$5K+/mo revenue
Avg Sale Time
60-90 days
Pros
- +Rigorous vetting process builds buyer confidence and trust
- +Higher average sale multiples due to premium positioning
- +Dedicated migration team handles the full channel transfer
- +Strong buyer network of experienced online business investors
Cons
- −$5K/month revenue minimum excludes most small and mid-size channels
- −Longer 60-90 day average sale time due to thorough due diligence
- −Extensive application process can take 2-3 weeks before listing goes live
Who it's best for: The premier choice for profitable YouTube channels earning $5,000 or more per month, where the higher sale price justifies the longer timeline.
Merge
Enterprise-level channels
Merge (formerly known as FE International for their YouTube vertical) operates as a full-service M&A advisory firm for digital businesses including high-value YouTube channels. This is not a self-service marketplace. You get a dedicated deal team, professional business valuation, structured buyer outreach, and negotiation support. The retainer plus commission model reflects the white-glove service level. For channels that have generated $500K or more in cumulative profit, Merge connects you with institutional buyers, private equity firms, and media conglomerates.
Escrow
Yes
Min Requirements
$500K+ profit
Avg Sale Time
90-180 days
Pros
- +Full-service M&A advisory with dedicated deal teams
- +Access to institutional buyers and private equity firms
- +Professional business valuation and financial modeling
- +Structured negotiation process maximizes final sale price
Cons
- −Upfront retainer of $5K-$20K before any sale occurs
- −Longest average sale timeline at 90-180 days
- −$500K+ profit requirement limits access to enterprise-level channels
Who it's best for: Reserved for enterprise-scale YouTube channels with $500K+ in cumulative profit where the expected sale price is in the seven figures.
Private Sale Options: Selling Outside a Marketplace
Not every YouTube channel sale happens on a dedicated platform. Some of the highest-value transactions occur through private channels where sellers connect directly with buyers. Here are the most common private sale routes and when they make sense.
Reddit Communities
Subreddits like r/YouTubeChannels, r/Flipping, and r/Entrepreneur have active threads where creators post channels for sale. Reddit is free to use and gives you direct access to potential buyers without any middleman. However, there is no built-in escrow, no verification, and no dispute resolution. Scams are common, and you have no recourse if a deal goes wrong. If you use Reddit, always insist on a third-party escrow service like Escrow.com and never transfer your channel before payment is secured.
Discord Communities
Several Discord servers dedicated to digital asset trading have dedicated buy-sell channels for YouTube accounts. These communities are often more engaged than Reddit, with moderators who enforce basic rules around proof of ownership. The advantage is real-time communication and the ability to negotiate quickly. The disadvantage is the same lack of formal protection. Treat Discord as a place to find buyers, not as a platform for completing the transaction itself.
Direct Outreach to Media Companies
If your channel operates in a specific niche, reaching out directly to media companies, content networks, or competitors in that niche can yield premium offers. Media companies acquiring YouTube channels are willing to pay above market rates for channels that fit their content strategy. This approach works best for channels with 50K+ subscribers in desirable niches like finance, tech, education, or health. Prepare a professional one-page pitch document with your channel metrics, audience demographics, and revenue data before making contact.
Marketplace vs. Private Sale: Which Is Better?
Marketplace Advantages
- +Built-in escrow and payment protection
- +Verified buyer pool saves you from vetting
- +Dispute resolution if something goes wrong
- +Structured listing process attracts serious buyers
Private Sale Advantages
- +Zero commission fees on the transaction
- +Direct negotiation with no platform interference
- +Can find niche-specific buyers willing to pay premiums
- +Full control over every aspect of the sale
Our recommendation: Use a marketplace if your channel is worth less than $50,000 or if this is your first sale. Consider private sales for higher-value channels where the commission savings justify the additional effort and risk management.
Platform Red Flags to Watch For
Not every website claiming to buy or sell YouTube channels is legitimate. The growing demand for YouTube channels has attracted scam platforms designed to steal your channel or payment. Here are the warning signs that should make you walk away immediately.
No Escrow Service
Any platform that asks you to transfer your channel before payment is secured is either negligent or running a scam. Legitimate marketplaces always hold funds in escrow until the transfer is verified. If a platform asks you to “trust the buyer” or use direct bank transfers, leave immediately.
Unrealistic Guarantees
“We guarantee your channel will sell within 7 days” or “We have buyers ready to pay top dollar immediately.” No honest marketplace can guarantee a sale timeline or price. These claims are designed to get you to list quickly without doing due diligence on the platform itself.
No Verification Process
If a platform does not verify channel ownership or buyer identity, it is a breeding ground for fraud. Legitimate platforms require proof that you own the channel (typically by placing a specific word in your channel description) and verify buyer payment methods before allowing transactions.
Upfront Fees Before Listing
Aside from Flippa's modest listing fee (which is standard and transparent), be wary of platforms demanding large upfront payments for “premium placement,” “buyer matching services,” or “valuation reports.” These fees are often non-refundable and the promised services are either minimal or non-existent.
No Dispute Resolution
Transactions can go sideways even on legitimate platforms. A buyer may claim the channel was not as described, or a seller may argue the payment terms were not met. Platforms without a formal dispute resolution process leave you with no recourse. Check whether the platform has a documented dispute process before listing.
Which Platform Is Right for You?
The best marketplace for selling your YouTube channel depends primarily on how much revenue your channel generates per month. Revenue determines your channel's market value, which in turn determines which platforms can serve you best and attract the right buyers. Use this decision guide to find your starting point.
Channel Earning < $1K/month
Estimated channel value: $5,000 - $36,000
At this revenue level, you want platforms with no listing fees, no minimum requirements, and active buyer pools for smaller channels. Fameswap offers the largest buyer pool, while SocialTradia gives you the lowest commission rates. Both accept channels of any size.
Channel Earning $1K - $5K/month
Estimated channel value: $12,000 - $180,000
Mid-range revenue channels attract business-minded buyers who evaluate channels as investments. Flippa's investor-heavy buyer pool is ideal for channels with diversified income. ChannelKart offers the fastest sale times if you need a quick transaction.
Channel Earning $5K - $25K/month
Estimated channel value: $60,000 - $900,000
At this level, you need platforms that attract serious buyers with deep pockets. NexLev's curated marketplace and premium buyer network deliver strong offers. Empire Flippers' rigorous vetting process builds buyer confidence, leading to higher sale multiples. The longer timeline is worth the higher price.
Channel Earning $25K+/month
Estimated channel value: $300,000 - $5M+
Enterprise-level channels require enterprise-level representation. Merge provides full M&A advisory services with dedicated deal teams, access to institutional buyers, and professional negotiation. Empire Flippers also handles transactions in this range with their premium tier. At this value, the 10-15% commission is justified by significantly higher final sale prices.
How to Maximize Your Sale on Any Platform
Regardless of which marketplace you choose, these strategies consistently lead to faster sales and higher prices. Sellers who follow all five steps below sell for an average of 25-40% more than those who create basic listings.
Know Your Channel's Value Before You List
Pricing a channel accurately is the most critical step. Overpricing leads to months of no offers. Underpricing leaves money on the table. Research comparable sales on the platform you choose, apply standard revenue multiples (12x-36x monthly profit), and factor in your niche, growth trajectory, and content transferability. Use analytics tools to compile the data buyers will want to see.
Prepare 12 Months of Analytics Documentation
Buyers want to see revenue trends, not just a single month snapshot. Export 12 months of YouTube Studio data including monthly revenue, views, watch time, traffic sources, and audience demographics. Channels with thorough documentation sell 35% faster on average because buyers can complete due diligence quickly.
Clean Up Your Channel Before Listing
Remove videos with copyright claims or community guideline strikes. Delete underperforming content that drags down your channel analytics. Update your channel art and description. A clean, professional-looking channel signals to buyers that the asset has been well-maintained, which translates directly into a higher price.
Write a Compelling Listing Description
Your listing is your sales pitch. Highlight what makes the channel valuable: consistent revenue growth, evergreen content library, low owner dependency, untapped monetization opportunities, and audience loyalty. Address common buyer concerns upfront (content transferability, AdSense status, any content restrictions). The best listings tell a story about the channel's potential, not just its current state.
Respond to Buyer Inquiries Within 24 Hours
Serious buyers are evaluating multiple channels simultaneously. Slow responses signal a disengaged seller, and buyers move on. Set up notifications from your chosen platform and commit to responding to every inquiry within 24 hours. Sellers with fast response times close deals at significantly higher rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best place to sell a YouTube channel?
The best platform depends on your channel's size and revenue. For most creators, Fameswap is the strongest all-around choice thanks to its large buyer pool and built-in escrow. Channels earning $5K or more per month should consider Empire Flippers for higher sale multiples. Flippa works well for channels with diversified revenue streams, and SocialTradia offers the lowest fees if budget is your primary concern.
What is the cheapest platform to sell a YouTube channel?
SocialTradia has the lowest fees, with success commissions starting at just 5%. Fameswap and NexLev also offer free listings with no upfront costs. Flippa charges a listing fee of $15-$99, making it the only platform on this list with an upfront cost for sellers. Keep in mind that the cheapest platform is not always the best choice. A platform with higher fees but better buyers can net you more money after commissions.
Can I sell my YouTube channel on Reddit?
Yes, communities like r/YouTubeChannels and r/Flipping occasionally facilitate channel sales, but Reddit is not a secure marketplace. There is no built-in escrow, no verification process, and no dispute resolution. If you use Reddit to find buyers, always insist on using a third-party escrow service like Escrow.com. Many sellers use Reddit to gauge interest and then move the actual transaction to a formal marketplace for safety.
How do I list my YouTube channel on Fameswap?
Create a free account on Fameswap, click the Sell button, select YouTube as your platform, and fill in your channel details including subscriber count, monthly revenue, niche category, and asking price. Upload screenshots of your YouTube Studio analytics to verify your metrics. Fameswap's built-in escrow activates automatically once a buyer makes an offer and you accept. The entire listing process takes about 20 minutes.
Is Flippa safe for selling YouTube channels?
Yes, Flippa is considered safe for selling YouTube channels. The platform integrates with Escrow.com, a licensed escrow service, to hold buyer payments until the channel transfer is verified and complete. Flippa also offers a due diligence process where buyers can verify channel analytics before committing. Since 2009, Flippa has facilitated over $400 million in digital asset transactions, giving it a strong trust track record.
What fees do YouTube channel marketplaces charge?
Fees vary significantly across platforms. SocialTradia charges 5-15% with no listing fee. Fameswap charges 10-20% with no listing fee. Flippa charges a $15-$99 listing fee plus 10% on the sale. NexLev charges 15% with no listing fee. Empire Flippers charges 15%. Merge charges a $5K-$20K retainer plus 10%. Always factor these fees into your asking price so you walk away with your target number.
How long does it take to sell on these platforms?
Average sale times range from 15 days to 180 days. SocialTradia and ChannelKart are the fastest at 15-30 days and 20-30 days respectively. Fameswap averages 30-45 days. NexLev averages 42 days. Flippa takes 45-60 days. Empire Flippers averages 60-90 days due to rigorous vetting. Merge, focused on enterprise deals, averages 90-180 days. Pricing your channel accurately and providing thorough documentation are the two biggest factors in reducing sale time.
Do I need a monetized channel to list on a marketplace?
No, most marketplaces do not require monetization. Fameswap, Flippa, and SocialTradia accept channels of any monetization status. However, monetized channels sell for significantly more because buyers value the active revenue stream and the fact that monetization confirms YouTube's approval of the channel. Non-monetized channels can still sell based on subscriber count, niche value, and content library, but expect lower multiples.
Can I list my channel on multiple platforms at once?
Yes, most platforms allow simultaneous listings as long as you disclose it. Listing on multiple platforms maximizes your exposure to buyers and can reduce sale time. However, keep your pricing consistent across platforms to avoid confusion. If you receive an offer on one platform, promptly update or remove listings elsewhere to maintain your credibility and avoid conflicts.
What information do I need to create a listing?
At minimum, you need your channel URL, subscriber count, average monthly views, monthly revenue (if monetized), content niche, and upload frequency. Most platforms also request 6-12 months of YouTube Studio analytics screenshots, traffic source breakdowns, audience demographics, and a description of your content strategy. The more data you provide upfront, the faster buyers can make a decision and the higher your sale price will be.
Final Takeaways
Selling a YouTube channel is a significant financial transaction that deserves the same care and diligence as selling any business asset. The platform you choose directly impacts how much money you receive, how quickly the sale closes, and how protected you are throughout the process. Here is what we recommend based on our research.
- 1
Most sellers should start with Fameswap—it has the largest buyer pool, built-in escrow, no upfront fees, and the widest acceptance criteria. It is the safest default choice for channels of any size.
- 2
Profitable channels ($5K+/month) should consider Empire Flippers or NexLev—the premium positioning and vetted buyer networks consistently deliver higher sale multiples that more than offset the higher commission rates.
- 3
Never sell without escrow—whether you use a marketplace or a private sale, insist on escrow protection for every single transaction. No exceptions.
- 4
Know your channel's value before listing—use analytics tools to understand your performance data, document your revenue history, and price your channel based on market comparables. Informed sellers consistently achieve better outcomes.
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SocialTradia
Multi-platform sellers
SocialTradia stands out as the marketplace for creators who sell across multiple social platforms, not just YouTube. If you have a brand presence on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube, SocialTradia lets you bundle or sell individual accounts in a single marketplace. Their success fees are the lowest in the industry (starting at just 5%), and the average sale time of 15-30 days is among the fastest. The platform is particularly strong for creators with lifestyle, fashion, and entertainment content.
Escrow
Yes
Min Requirements
None
Avg Sale Time
15-30 days
Pros
Cons
Who it's best for: The right fit for creators who maintain a presence across multiple social platforms and want to sell their YouTube channel alongside other accounts.