diff --git a/backend/channel/src/index.py b/backend/channel/src/index.py
index 64c9a88d..929aa5c9 100644
--- a/backend/channel/src/index.py
+++ b/backend/channel/src/index.py
@@ -56,12 +56,13 @@ class YoutubeChannel(YouTubeItem):
     def process_youtube_meta(self):
         """extract relevant fields"""
         self.youtube_meta["thumbnails"].reverse()
+        channel_name = self.youtube_meta["uploader"] or self.youtube_meta["id"]
         self.json_data = {
             "channel_active": True,
             "channel_description": self.youtube_meta.get("description", ""),
             "channel_id": self.youtube_id,
             "channel_last_refresh": int(datetime.now().timestamp()),
-            "channel_name": self.youtube_meta["uploader"],
+            "channel_name": channel_name,
             "channel_subs": self.youtube_meta.get("channel_follower_count", 0),
             "channel_subscribed": False,
             "channel_tags": self.youtube_meta.get("tags", []),