90+ IdeasChannel NamesUpdated Jan 2026
105 Horror YouTube Channel Name Ideas That Send Chills
Spine-chilling, memorable channel names for horror creators in 2026—from true crime storytellers to paranormal investigators. Each name includes branding analysis and monetization potential.
105+
Channel Name Ideas
6
Horror Categories
$6-18
Avg Horror CPM
300M+
Horror Searches/Month
The horror niche on YouTube has exploded, with viewers craving everything from true crime documentaries to paranormal investigations and scary story narrations. Your channel name is the first impression that sets the tone for your content—it should evoke the right emotions and hint at the kind of terror you deliver. The best horror channel names are memorable, slightly unsettling, and work across multiple platforms. Whether you're diving into urban legends, analyzing horror movies, investigating haunted locations, or narrating creepypastas, we've curated 105 unique name ideas across six categories. Each suggestion comes with target audience insights and monetization strategies to help you build a thriving horror content business. Let's find the perfect name that will haunt your viewers in the best way possible.
Table of Contents
🔍
True Crime & Mystery Channel Names
Compelling names for channels focused on true crime stories, unsolved mysteries, and criminal investigations. These names convey intrigue and seriousness.
| Idea | Description | Target Audience | Monetization |
|---|---|---|---|
Cold Case Files | Deep dives into unsolved cases and forgotten mysteries | True crime enthusiasts aged 25-45 seeking detailed investigations | True crime book affiliates, podcast network partnerships, Patreon |
The Evidence Room | Forensic analysis and evidence examination in true crime cases | Forensic science enthusiasts and crime buffs | Crime documentary sponsors, forensic course affiliates |
Vanished Voices | Stories of missing persons and unexplained disappearances | Viewers interested in missing persons cases | Missing persons awareness sponsors, documentary licensing |
Crime Chronicle | Historical and contemporary crime stories with thorough research | History and crime crossover audience | History channel partnerships, book deal opportunities |
Unsolved Archives | Compiling and analyzing unsolved cases worldwide | Mystery enthusiasts who love speculation | Premium content subscriptions, merchandise |
The Dark Dossier | In-depth case files presented as investigative dossiers | Detail-oriented true crime fans | Printable case file sales, investigation tool sponsors |
Midnight Mysteries | Late-night true crime content with atmospheric presentation | Night owl viewers seeking true crime content | Sleep and relaxation sponsors (ironic), coffee sponsors |
Case Closed? | Re-examining "solved" cases that may have gotten it wrong | Skeptical viewers interested in wrongful convictions | Legal advocacy partnerships, justice reform sponsors |
The Investigation | Journalistic approach to crime stories with original research | Viewers who appreciate investigative journalism | News network partnerships, investigative course sales |
Suspect Zero | Cases where perpetrators were never identified | Viewers fascinated by unidentified criminals | Anonymous tip line sponsors, security product affiliates |
The Verdict | Court case analysis and trial coverage | Legal enthusiasts and trial followers | Legal service sponsors, court TV partnerships |
Body of Evidence | Forensic-focused true crime content | CSI and forensic science fans | Forensic science course affiliates, lab equipment sponsors |
Criminal Minds Examined | Psychological analysis of criminal behavior | Psychology students and criminal behavior enthusiasts | Psychology course sponsors, criminology textbook affiliates |
The Case Room | Interactive case discussions with community theories | Engaged viewers who want to participate in analysis | Community membership tiers, live show tickets |
Twisted Tales True Crime | Stranger-than-fiction true crime stories | Viewers seeking unusual and bizarre cases | True crime merch, book compilation deals |
Implementation Tips
- 1Treat victims and their families with respect—ethical true crime content builds loyal audiences and avoids backlash.
- 2Include content warnings and resources for viewers affected by violence. This builds trust and shows responsibility.
- 3Cite sources thoroughly. True crime audiences fact-check aggressively, and accuracy builds credibility.
- 4Partner with victim advocacy organizations. This provides access to cases and demonstrates ethical content creation.
👻
Paranormal & Supernatural Names
Eerie names for channels covering ghosts, hauntings, cryptids, and unexplained phenomena. These names evoke mystery and the unknown.
| Idea | Description | Target Audience | Monetization |
|---|---|---|---|
Beyond The Veil | Exploring what lies between our world and the supernatural | Paranormal believers and curious skeptics alike | Paranormal equipment affiliates, ghost tour partnerships |
The Haunting Hour | Ghost stories and haunted location investigations | Ghost story enthusiasts seeking entertainment | Haunted attraction sponsors, Halloween merchandise |
Spirit Realm | Medium and spirit communication content | Spiritual believers interested in afterlife communication | Spiritual product sponsors, psychic service affiliates |
Cryptid Corner | Bigfoot, Mothman, and cryptid investigation content | Cryptozoology enthusiasts and creature believers | Outdoor gear sponsors, cryptid merchandise |
Paranormal Protocol | Scientific approach to paranormal investigation | Skeptics interested in evidence-based paranormal content | Investigation equipment sponsors, science podcast networks |
The Séance Room | Historical and modern spiritualism exploration | History and occult crossover audience | Occult book affiliates, historical tour partnerships |
Ghostly Encounters | Personal ghost stories and viewer submissions | Viewers with paranormal experiences to share | Community membership, story anthology book deals |
Shadow Watchers | Shadow people, entities, and dark paranormal content | Viewers interested in darker paranormal phenomena | Horror merchandise, paranormal convention partnerships |
The Other Side | Near-death experiences and afterlife exploration | Spiritually curious viewers interested in consciousness | Spiritual book affiliates, wellness sponsor partnerships |
Poltergeist Files | Documented poltergeist cases and phenomena analysis | Paranormal researchers and enthusiasts | Paranormal investigation course sales, equipment reviews |
Haunted Heritage | Historic haunted locations and their stories | History buffs interested in haunted places | Heritage site partnerships, historical society sponsors |
EVP Archives | Electronic voice phenomena recordings and analysis | Technical paranormal investigators | Audio equipment sponsors, EVP course sales |
The Demon Diaries | Demonic possession and religious paranormal content | Viewers interested in religious horror and demons | Religious book affiliates, exorcism documentary licensing |
Midnight Apparitions | Atmospheric ghost content with cinematic presentation | Viewers seeking entertainment-focused paranormal content | Production sponsors, horror film partnerships |
Realm of Shadows | Dark paranormal entities and shadow realm exploration | Viewers seeking darker, more intense paranormal content | Dark aesthetic merchandise, horror game sponsors |
Implementation Tips
- 1Balance entertainment with investigation—pure skepticism alienates believers, pure belief alienates skeptics. Present evidence and let viewers decide.
- 2Invest in quality audio equipment. EVP content and atmospheric sound design are crucial for paranormal channels.
- 3Partner with haunted locations for exclusive access. Many historic sites welcome content creators for exposure.
- 4Create seasonal content calendars around Halloween—October traffic can be 3-5x normal for paranormal channels.
📖
Scary Stories & Narration Names
Atmospheric names perfect for creepypasta narration, horror fiction, and scary story channels. These names set the mood for storytelling.
| Idea | Description | Target Audience | Monetization |
|---|---|---|---|
Whispers In The Dark | ASMR-style horror narration with atmospheric audio | Listeners seeking immersive horror storytelling | Audiobook platform sponsors, microphone affiliates |
Creeping Dread | Slow-burn horror stories with psychological tension | Fans of psychological horror over jump scares | Horror anthology book deals, premium narration services |
Tales From The Crypt | Classic horror story narration with vintage aesthetic | Nostalgic horror fans and classic horror lovers | Retro merchandise, classic horror film affiliates |
The Nightmare Narrator | Original horror fiction and nightmare-inspired stories | Creative horror fans seeking original content | Story commission services, horror writing courses |
Bedtime Horrors | Night-time horror content for falling asleep to fear | Viewers who fall asleep to horror content | Sleep app sponsors (ironic niche), long-form audio sponsors |
The Story Keeper | Curated horror story collections and anthologies | Story collectors and anthology enthusiasts | Book compilation deals, story licensing |
Shadows & Scribes | Writer-focused horror content with craft discussions | Aspiring horror writers and craft enthusiasts | Writing course sales, horror magazine partnerships |
Fireside Frights | Cozy yet creepy campfire story atmosphere | Viewers seeking comfortable horror experiences | Camping gear sponsors, cozy horror merchandise |
The Creepypasta Crypt | Internet horror classics and creepypasta narration | Internet horror fans and nostalgia seekers | Gaming sponsors, internet culture merchandise |
Echoes of Terror | Resonating horror stories that stay with you | Viewers seeking memorable, impactful horror | Premium content tiers, horror podcast networks |
The Grim Reader | Dark, atmospheric readings with artistic presentation | Aesthetically-minded horror fans | Art print sales, gothic merchandise |
Nocturnal Narratives | Night-focused horror stories and nocturnal themes | Night owls and late-night content consumers | Night-themed sponsors, ASMR microphone affiliates |
The Horror Host | Personality-driven horror presentation with commentary | Viewers who connect with horror personalities | Personal brand sponsorships, meet-and-greet events |
Restless Tales | Stories that keep you awake and disturbed | Viewers seeking genuinely unsettling content | Horror game sponsors, insomnia-themed merchandise |
Voice of Dread | Distinctive voice-focused horror narration | Audio-focused horror consumers | Voice acting courses, audiobook production services |
Implementation Tips
- 1Invest heavily in audio quality—horror narration lives and dies by voice and atmosphere. A quality microphone and acoustic treatment are essential.
- 2Develop a consistent intro/outro that sets the mood. Iconic intros become part of your brand identity.
- 3Credit original authors and obtain permissions. The horror writing community is tight-knit; reputation matters.
- 4Create ambient soundscapes unique to your channel. Licensed horror sound effects or original compositions set you apart.
🎮
Horror Gaming & Movie Names
Names for channels covering horror video games, movie reviews, and horror media analysis. Perfect for the intersection of horror and entertainment media.
| Idea | Description | Target Audience | Monetization |
|---|---|---|---|
Terror Playthrough | Horror game playthroughs with genuine reactions | Horror game fans who enjoy watching reactions | Horror game sponsors, gaming peripheral affiliates |
Final Girl Gaming | Survival-focused horror gaming and slasher content | Slasher fans and survival horror enthusiasts | Horror merchandise, gaming chair sponsors |
The Horror Critic | In-depth horror movie reviews and analysis | Film buffs and horror movie enthusiasts | Streaming service affiliates, film festival partnerships |
Jump Scare Central | Compilation and analysis of horror game jump scares | Viewers who enjoy watching others get scared | Compilation licensing, horror game early access sponsors |
Survival Horror Archive | Classic and modern survival horror game coverage | Survival horror genre enthusiasts | Retro game affiliates, horror game developer partnerships |
Screen Screams | Horror across all screens—games, movies, and TV | Multi-platform horror media consumers | Streaming service sponsors, multi-platform merchandise |
The Scare Score | Rating and ranking horror content with consistent metrics | Viewers seeking recommendations and rankings | Review aggregator partnerships, recommendation engine sponsors |
Pixel Terrors | Indie and retro horror game coverage | Indie game enthusiasts and retro horror fans | Indie game developer partnerships, bundle affiliates |
Horror Film Theory | Deep analysis and theories about horror films | Academic and analytical horror fans | Film theory course affiliates, academic publishing deals |
The Monster Manual | Analysis of horror creatures across all media | Monster enthusiasts and creature design fans | Art book affiliates, creature design course sponsors |
Nightmare Fuel Gaming | The most terrifying horror games covered | Viewers seeking the scariest gaming experiences | Horror game sponsors, gaming setup sponsors |
Slasher Central | Dedicated slasher film analysis and coverage | Slasher subgenre enthusiasts | Physical media affiliates, convention partnerships |
The Horror Gamer | Straightforward horror gaming content and reviews | General horror gaming audience | Game publisher partnerships, gaming accessory sponsors |
Reel Nightmares | Film-focused horror content with cinematic appreciation | Cinephiles who love horror genre | Criterion Collection affiliates, film course sponsors |
Boss Fight Horrors | Horror game boss analysis and strategy content | Challenge-seeking horror gamers | Gaming strategy guide sales, difficulty mod sponsors |
Implementation Tips
- 1Time content around horror game releases and movie premieres. Release day content captures peak search traffic.
- 2Create reaction compilation videos that are YouTube-friendly. Genuine scares perform well in recommended feeds.
- 3Build relationships with indie horror developers. Many provide early access for coverage and appreciate the exposure.
- 4Diversify across games and films to protect against content droughts. Pure gaming channels struggle between major releases.
🌙
Urban Legends & Folklore Names
Names for channels exploring urban legends, folklore, mythology, and cultural horror stories. These names evoke tradition and mystery.
| Idea | Description | Target Audience | Monetization |
|---|---|---|---|
Legend Keeper | Preserving and sharing urban legends worldwide | Folklore enthusiasts and cultural story lovers | Folklore book affiliates, cultural tour partnerships |
Myth & Midnight | Mythology meets modern horror storytelling | Mythology fans interested in horror interpretations | Mythology course sponsors, book club partnerships |
Urban Shadows | City-based urban legends and metropolitan horror | Urban dwellers interested in local legends | City guide affiliates, urban exploration sponsors |
The Folklore Files | Documented folklore from cultures worldwide | Anthropology enthusiasts and culture lovers | Academic partnerships, cultural organization sponsors |
Campfire Legends | Traditional campfire stories and outdoor horror | Outdoor enthusiasts and camping horror fans | Camping gear sponsors, outdoor retailer partnerships |
Dark Mythology | The darker side of world mythologies | Mythology buffs seeking darker interpretations | Dark fantasy book affiliates, mythology course sponsors |
The Boogeyman Archives | Cultural monsters and childhood fears explored | Viewers interested in fear psychology and culture | Psychology book affiliates, parenting blog partnerships |
Whispered Warnings | Cautionary tales and warning-based legends | Story enthusiasts interested in moral horror | Educational sponsors, folklore anthology deals |
Ancient Terrors | Horror from ancient civilizations and lost cultures | History and horror crossover audience | History channel partnerships, archaeological tour sponsors |
Regional Nightmares | Location-specific legends from around the world | Geography enthusiasts and regional horror fans | Regional tourism partnerships, location-based sponsors |
Tales They Tell | Community-submitted and passed-down horror stories | Engaged communities with stories to share | Community membership, story compilation book deals |
The Witch Archive | Witch trials, witchcraft history, and witch folklore | Witchcraft and occult history enthusiasts | Occult shop affiliates, historical tour partnerships |
Creature Chronicles | Legendary creatures from world cultures | Monster enthusiasts and cryptid-adjacent fans | Creature merchandise, bestiary book affiliates |
Cursed Histories | Cursed objects, places, and people throughout history | Curse believers and supernatural history fans | Antique shop partnerships, historical object sponsors |
Haunted Highways | Road-based legends and traveling horror | Road trip enthusiasts and automotive horror fans | Automotive sponsors, road trip app affiliates |
Implementation Tips
- 1Research thoroughly and credit cultural sources. Respect for origins builds credibility and avoids appropriation criticism.
- 2Partner with cultural organizations and folklore societies. They provide authentic sources and audience access.
- 3Create region-specific content for local SEO. "California urban legends" captures local search traffic.
- 4Balance entertainment with education. The best folklore content teaches while it entertains.
🎬
Investigation & Documentary Names
Professional, serious names for channels creating investigative horror documentaries and long-form exploration content.
| Idea | Description | Target Audience | Monetization |
|---|---|---|---|
Dark Documentaries | Long-form documentary horror content | Documentary lovers seeking horror topics | Documentary streaming platforms, production sponsors |
The Investigation Files | Investigative journalism meets horror content | Journalism enthusiasts interested in dark topics | News organization partnerships, investigative tool sponsors |
Buried Secrets | Uncovering hidden histories and dark pasts | History enthusiasts seeking dark revelations | Historical research sponsors, archive partnerships |
The Deep Dive | Comprehensive exploration of single topics | Detail-oriented viewers who want thorough coverage | Long-form ad sponsors, premium content subscriptions |
Shadow Investigations | On-location investigation and exploration | Viewers who enjoy boots-on-ground content | Travel sponsors, investigation equipment affiliates |
The Exposé | Revealing hidden truths and dark secrets | Truth-seekers and exposé enthusiasts | Whistleblower platform sponsors, security tool affiliates |
Behind Closed Doors | Exclusive access and behind-the-scenes horror | Viewers seeking insider perspectives | Exclusive access sponsors, insider merchandise |
The Descent | Going deeper into horrifying subjects | Viewers seeking comprehensive deep content | Series sponsors, binge-worthy content partnerships |
Grim Research | Academic approach to horror topic research | Academically-minded horror enthusiasts | Research tool sponsors, academic publication partnerships |
The Horror Report | News-style coverage of horror topics | Viewers who prefer journalistic presentation | News format sponsors, reporting tool affiliates |
Disturbing Discoveries | Revealing genuinely unsettling findings | Viewers seeking genuinely disturbing content | Premium content tiers, disturbing merch lines |
The Black File | Classified and hidden information revealed | Conspiracy-adjacent horror enthusiasts | Privacy tool sponsors, FOIA service affiliates |
Forensic Nightmares | Forensic science applied to horror content | Science-minded horror fans | Science education sponsors, forensic course affiliates |
The Aftermath | Examining consequences and long-term impacts | Viewers interested in resolution and aftermath | Mental health sponsors, recovery service affiliates |
Under Investigation | Ongoing investigations and developing stories | Viewers who want to follow evolving cases | Update notification sponsors, news aggregator affiliates |
Implementation Tips
- 1Invest in production quality—documentary viewers expect higher standards. Good lighting, audio, and editing are non-negotiable.
- 2Build relationships with experts and sources. Expert interviews add credibility and depth to documentary content.
- 3Create series rather than standalone videos. Documentary audiences love following developing stories.
- 4Include proper disclaimers and ethical considerations. Documentary content faces higher scrutiny than entertainment.
Growth Strategies for Success
Content Optimization
Atmospheric Thumbnails
Create dark, moody thumbnails with high contrast that stand out against YouTube's white background
Increase CTR by 25-40% compared to standard horror thumbnails
Retention-Optimized Pacing
Structure horror content with tension peaks every 3-5 minutes to maintain viewer engagement
Achieve 50%+ average view duration on 15+ minute videos
SEO-Optimized Titles
Include searchable terms like "explained," "true story," or specific case names in titles
Capture 30% more search traffic for horror-related queries
Audience Growth
Halloween Content Strategy
Prepare 8-12 videos for October release when horror search volume peaks 300%
Gain 50-100% more subscribers in October vs. average months
Horror Community Engagement
Actively participate in horror subreddits, forums, and Discord servers with genuine value
Drive 15-25% of new subscribers from community referrals
Collaboration With Horror Creators
Partner with complementary horror channels for crossover content and audience sharing
Gain 1,000-5,000 subscribers per strategic collaboration
Monetization
Horror Merchandise Line
Create atmospheric, subtle horror merchandise that fans can wear publicly
Generate $1,000-5,000 monthly from merchandise at 50K subscribers
Premium Long-Form Content
Offer extended cuts and exclusive series through membership or Patreon
Convert 2-4% of engaged viewers into paying supporters
Sponsorship Optimization
Target horror-adjacent sponsors: VPNs, security products, streaming services, horror games
Achieve $20-50 CPM through targeted sponsorship deals
4-Week Action Plan
Week 1
12-15 hours
Foundation & Branding
- Choose your channel name and secure handles on YouTube, Twitter/X, and Reddit
- Design dark, atmospheric channel art that establishes your horror brand
- Set up quality audio equipment—voice and atmosphere are crucial for horror
- Research 10 successful horror channels and analyze their content strategies
- Plan your first 10 video topics based on search volume and competition
Week 2
20-25 hours
Content Production
- Write and research your first 3 horror scripts with proper source citation
- Record narration with attention to pacing, atmosphere, and emotional delivery
- Edit with atmospheric sound design—ambient audio is crucial for horror
- Create moody, high-contrast thumbnails that stand out in feeds
- Write SEO-optimized titles and descriptions with relevant horror keywords
Week 3
15-18 hours
Launch & Community
- Publish your first video and share in relevant horror communities
- Engage with horror subreddits (r/nosleep, r/creepy, r/horror) authentically
- Respond to every comment within 24 hours to build community
- Create 2-3 YouTube Shorts from your long-form content for reach
- Join horror Discord servers and contribute before promoting
Week 4
10-12 hours
Analyze & Expand
- Review YouTube Analytics focusing on retention curves and drop-off points
- Identify which horror subgenres performed best and plan more similar content
- Reach out to 3-5 similar-sized horror creators for potential collaboration
- Plan October/Halloween content calendar (horror's biggest season)
- Create a content pipeline document for consistent future uploads
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