an original channel means...

[Eliza Rose Vera]

do i have to be a partner with youtube in order to have a customized channel?

 

[Miketastic]

theres ways, like partnering with a network program like fullscreen or machinima.

 

[Michael]

Well you have to be a partner to get the banner at the top and a few other extra branding features like the watch page icon but to have a customised and original channel by no means do you have to be a partner. If you have original content with a decent looking background on your channel and have it set up well then to me that is an original channel.