How To Start A YouTube Gaming Channel
So, you want to start a gaming channel on YouTube? That's fantastic! With millions of gamers out there, it's no surprise that YouTube is a hub for gaming content. However, it's also true that the gaming niche on YouTube is saturated. Believe me, I’ve been in this combat field we call Youtube Gaming for just about a year now, and it’s hard. But don't let that discourage you! In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how to not only survive but thrive in the world of gaming content creation. We'll discuss strategies to help your channel stand out, engage your audience, and ultimately build a successful gaming channel that rises above the competition.
Chapter 1: Finding Your Unique Angle
One of the biggest mistakes aspiring gaming YouTubers make (myself included) is to start with a generic channel focused solely on playthroughs or random game assortments. To stand out in the saturated gaming niche, you need a unique angle or approach. Many people call this Nicheing down, meaning to find your niche within your niche. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
Specialize in a Niche
Choosing a specific gaming niche for your YouTube channel can be the key to unlocking success in the vast and competitive world of gaming content. While it might be tempting to cast a wide net and cover every game under the sun, specialization has its unique advantages. Here's an in-depth look at why specializing in a niche is a smart move:
Audience Engagement: When you specialize in a particular gaming niche, you're speaking directly to an audience that shares your passion. Whether it's retro gaming, esports, or a specific game series, viewers who are interested in that niche are more likely to engage with your content. They'll appreciate your in-depth knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject matter. Since I live stream a lot of kid friendly games like Fall Guys and Roblox, my community and audience are young and in it for the games. Just know that your audience will grow with you as you grow on YouTube over the years.
Competitive Edge: In the world of YouTube gaming, competition is fierce, with countless creators vying for attention. To gain a competitive edge, it's essential to specialize in a particular niche. When you focus your content on a specific genre or series that genuinely interests you, you're more likely to stand out in the crowded gaming community. By catering to a niche audience, you increase the chances of your channel surfacing when viewers search for content related to that niche. As for my channel, I've chosen to direct my videos toward the Retro Indie RPG gaming niche, a decision I'll delve into shortly.Content Consistency: Specialization helps you maintain content consistency. Your viewers will know what to expect from your channel, which keeps them coming back for more. Whether you're uncovering hidden gems in the world of indie gaming or mastering speedruns in a classic series, your niche provides a clear direction for your content.
Community Building: A specialized gaming niche has the incredible power to bring your viewers together, fostering a sense of community that revolves around their shared interest. Within this community, discussions, debates, and collaborations naturally arise, creating a vibrant and engaged audience. This dedicated community not only enhances the overall viewer experience but also plays a crucial role in supporting your channel's growth. In my case, my community has formed deep friendships through the games we play together. It's truly heartwarming to witness the bonds that have developed among the members of my small but tightly-knit community, both on and off the stream.
Becoming a Master: As you immerse yourself in your chosen niche, you'll gradually develop expertise and authority in that specific area. This depth of knowledge not only enhances your credibility but also establishes you as a trusted figure within your niche community. Viewers will come to rely on your insights and opinions, considering your channel a primary source of information and entertainment in your chosen field. Mr. Beast once emphasized that after creating and improving upon 100 videos, you can rightfully claim mastery in your niche. If you find yourself unable to do so, it may be worth reevaluating whether this is the niche where you truly belong.Passion-Driven Content: One of the most significant benefits of specializing is that you get to create content about something you're truly passionate about. Your enthusiasm will shine through in your videos, making them more engaging and enjoyable for your audience. When you genuinely love what you're doing, it shows.
Now, let's take a closer look at a few popular gaming niches you might consider specializing in:
Retro Gaming: If you have a deep appreciation for the classics, retro gaming could be your niche. Covering vintage games, consoles, and the nostalgia associated with them can attract viewers who share your love for gaming history.
Indie Titles: Indie games offer unique and innovative experiences that often go unnoticed in the mainstream gaming world. Specializing in indie titles allows you to uncover hidden gems, support indie developers, and introduce your audience to exciting new gaming experiences.
Survival Horror: Dive into the world of spine-tingling scares and heart-pounding suspense by specializing in survival horror games. Whether it's exploring the eerie corridors of a haunted mansion or surviving a zombie apocalypse, this niche is perfect for horror enthusiasts.
Esports and Competitive Gaming: Esports have exploded in popularity, and this niche is ideal if you're passionate about competitive gaming. Covering tournaments, analyzing strategies, and following your favorite esports teams can attract a dedicated and competitive-minded audience.
Specific Game Series: You can also specialize in a particular game series or franchise that you adore. Whether it's The Legend of Zelda, Dark Souls, or Grand Theft Auto, deep-diving into a series can help you build a loyal following of fans who share your passion.
Here are some broader yet still highly pertinent niche options that can assist you in further narrowing your focus:
Expertise and Guides: Become an expert in a particular game or game series. Create detailed guides, tutorials, and tips that help gamers improve their skills or navigate challenging parts of the game. Providing value can attract viewers interested in mastering a specific title.
In-depth Analysis and Reviews: Dive deep into the lore, mechanics, and history of a game. Offer insightful analysis and reviews that explore the storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and development process. This approach can attract gamers who appreciate thoughtful content.
Challenges and Experiments: Challenge yourself with unique gaming experiences or experiments. For example, you can attempt to beat a game with specific restrictions or explore unusual game mechanics. These challenges can be both entertaining and engaging for your audience.
I mentioned discussing my niche earlier, so let's delve into that briefly. When I first embarked on my YouTube journey (which wasn't too long ago), I aspired to follow in the footsteps of legendary YouTubers like Mr.Beast, DanTDM, 8BitRyan, CoryxKenshin, MatPat, and many more remarkable creators I admire. However, I soon realized that emulating them by creating identical content wouldn't lead to success. After all, these creators began with humble origins. CoryxKenshin initially focused on vlogs offering dating advice before transitioning to Retro Indie Horror games. Mr.Beast made a name for himself with humorous and somewhat random Minecraft videos. DanTDM's journey started with Modded Minecraft showcase videos. Over time, all of them evolved, leaving behind their initial content to cater to niche-specific audiences who appreciated their unique style and offerings. This means we should do the same!
Chapter 2: Quantity Over Quality
In the exciting journey of establishing your gaming channel on YouTube, it may seem unconventional to prioritize quantity over quality in the initial phases. However, this approach is underpinned by five compelling reasons that can significantly impact your channel's growth and development.
Initial Videos Won't Get Many Views: Albert Einstein's wisdom, "In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity," perfectly encapsulates the initial challenges of starting a YouTube channel. It's crucial to set realistic expectations, especially for your first few videos. Understand that they are unlikely to attract a substantial audience. Investing excessive time and effort in these early videos might lead to disappointment when they don't receive the attention you hoped for. Instead, treat this phase as a valuable learning curve. By posting numerous videos and consistently refining your content, you can steadily improve your skills and content quality as you progress.
Early Stage Learning: Embracing the early phase of your channel as a period of growth and learning is paramount. Frequent posting enables you to gather priceless experience, fine-tune your content creation skills, and make gradual improvements over time. Think of each video as a stepping stone towards enhancing your overall content quality. As you encounter obstacles and learn from your mistakes, you'll develop the expertise needed to create captivating and engaging videos.
Build Trust Through Consistency: Building trust with your audience is a cornerstone of a successful YouTube channel. This trust can be nurtured by establishing a consistent posting schedule, whether it's a weekly upload or another frequency that suits your content creation pace. By consistently delivering content as promised, you help your audience rely on your channel for regular entertainment and information. This early trust-building stage is essential, as it's often easier to establish trust from the outset than it is to earn it after your channel has matured.
Realistic Expectations: It's essential to maintain realistic expectations, especially when it comes to financial returns in your channel's early days. Generating substantial income from YouTube, particularly within the first year, is a rare achievement. While you should undoubtedly put effort into your videos, it's equally crucial not to overinvest time and resources in something that may not yield immediate financial benefits. Instead, focus on achieving self-sustainability before setting your sights on building a community that can also support your content financially.
It's a Work in Progress: As you embark on your YouTube journey, remember that every project begins with a phase where it either works for you or works on you. In the early stages of your YouTube venture, it's more likely to be working on you, and at times, it might even feel like it's working against you. This is entirely normal. However, as you persevere, learn, and develop as a content creator, your channel will gradually align with your goals and aspirations. Overcoming these initial hurdles and challenges is an integral part of your growth and development, ultimately shaping your channel into what you envision it to be.
For those who are determined to enhance the quality of their videos in the early stages, despite what I mentioned earlier, here's my recommendation:
Invest in Equipment: If you're determined to elevate the quality of your videos in the early stages of your YouTube journey, there are several strategic investments you can make. While you certainly don't need the most expensive or high-end equipment available, upgrading your setup can make a noticeable difference in the overall quality of your content. Consider investing in a good-quality microphone, camera, and video editing software. These three elements can significantly enhance the audio and visual aspects of your videos. A high-quality microphone ensures clear and crisp audio, while an upgraded camera captures sharper images and better lighting, ultimately improving the overall viewing experience for your audience. Additionally, having access to professional video editing software allows you to fine-tune your videos, making them more engaging and visually appealing.
Engaging Thumbnails and Titles: Your video's thumbnail and title serve as the initial point of contact with potential viewers. It's essential to recognize that these elements are crucial in capturing the attention of your target audience. Craft eye-catching thumbnails that not only look visually appealing but also effectively represent the content of your video. Ensure that your thumbnails are relevant, intriguing, and entice viewers to click. Similarly, your video titles should be compelling and descriptive, offering viewers a clear understanding of what to expect. Tools like Canva can be incredibly useful in creating visually appealing thumbnails that align with your content's branding and style.
Scripted Content: Planning and preparation are key components of creating high-quality content. Rather than diving into a game and recording aimlessly, consider scripting your content in advance. This doesn't mean you need to follow a rigid script word-for-word; instead, outline the key points, topics, or moments you want to cover in your video. This approach allows you to maintain a structured narrative and ensure that your commentary is engaging and entertaining. For those recording playthroughs, consider adopting a thematic approach. Reacting to in-game events, discussing your opinions, and sharing your thoughts can add depth to your content and keep viewers engaged throughout the video. Effective planning and scripting enable you to provide valuable insights and a more enjoyable viewing experience for your audience.
Editing: The editing process plays a vital role in refining the quality of your videos. When reviewing your footage during the editing phase, be attentive to elements such as dead air, awkward pauses, or repetitive content. Trim or remove these sections to maintain a smooth and engaging flow in your videos. Additionally, consider adding overlays, subtitles, and graphics to enhance the viewer experience further. Overlays can emphasize certain moments or add context to your commentary, while subtitles make your content accessible to a broader audience. By investing time in editing, you can create polished videos that not only capture your audience's attention but also leave a lasting impression. Editing is the final touch that can elevate your content to a professional level and set you apart in the competitive world of YouTube gaming.
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Chapter 3: Audience Engagement
Building a successful gaming channel extends beyond merely creating videos; it hinges on your ability to forge meaningful connections with your audience. Engaging with your viewers is pivotal in establishing a loyal community that will support your channel's growth. In this chapter, we'll delve into various strategies and approaches to effectively engage your audience. To be candid (honest), I'm not flawless in any of these aspects, but I'm on a journey of growth, much like you! Let's embark on this growth journey together!
Consistency: One of the fundamental aspects of audience engagement is maintaining a consistent upload schedule. Consistency not only benefits your channel's visibility on YouTube's algorithm but also instills trust and reliability in your viewers. When your audience knows when to expect new content, they are more likely to return for each upload. Consistency forms the foundation of a healthy and growing viewership.
Call to Action: Set a clear upload schedule for your gaming channel. Inform your audience about it through a dedicated video or a social media post. Encourage them to subscribe and turn on notifications to never miss an upload. Feel free to stay updated with my YouTube channel and receive notifications by exploring my social media links in the footer below. Consider it a friendly reminder, or perhaps, a shameless plug!
Interact with Your Audience: Interacting with your audience is a cornerstone of community building. Respond to comments on your videos, engage in conversations, and foster a sense of connection with your viewers. Encourage feedback and actively listen to your audience's opinions and suggestions. Engaging with your audience goes beyond the numbers; it's about forging genuine relationships. This one-on-one interaction is invaluable in strengthening your channel's community and fostering loyalty among your viewers.
Call to Action: Commit to regularly responding to comments on your videos. Encourage viewers to share their thoughts and questions. Host Q&A sessions or community polls to encourage active participation.
Collaborations: Collaborating with other YouTubers or gamers within your community is an excellent strategy to broaden your channel's reach. Collaborative videos introduce your content to a new audience while offering fresh and exciting content for your existing viewers. Seek out creators whose content aligns with yours or who share a similar gaming interest. Collaborations not only expand your channel's exposure but also provide a fun and engaging experience for both you and your audience. Thriving in isolation is an insurmountable challenge. In fact, Mr.Beast (I reference him as an example due to his remarkable success, embodying what many YouTubers aspire to achieve) emphasizes the necessity of having like-minded friends on your journey. If your goal is to go it alone without the intention of not only advancing yourself but also others, your prospects in the competitive YouTube landscape are significantly less promising.
Call to Action: Reach out to fellow YouTubers or gamers for potential collaborations. Share your collaboration ideas with your viewers and ask for their input on who they'd like to see you collaborate with.
Live Streaming: Incorporating live streaming into your content strategy can be a dynamic way to engage with your audience in real-time. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube Live enable you to interact directly with your viewers, answering questions, sharing experiences, and creating a sense of community. Live streaming offers a unique opportunity to showcase your personality and gaming skills while fostering a more intimate connection with your audience. Consider hosting regular live streams to complement your pre-recorded content, providing a well-rounded viewing experience for your audience.
Call to Action: Announce your upcoming live streams well in advance, and encourage your viewers to join you during the live session. Interact with your audience in real-time by responding to their comments and questions during the stream.
Audience Engagement is Key: In the realm of YouTube gaming, audience engagement is paramount. It transcends the act of content creation, forming the heart of a thriving gaming channel. Whether you're just starting or looking to revitalize your existing channel, remember that your viewers are not just passive consumers; they are active participants in your gaming journey. By embracing consistency, genuine interactions, collaborations, and live streaming, you'll foster a dedicated community that not only supports your channel but also embarks on this gaming adventure with you.
Call to Action: Choose one of the audience engagement strategies mentioned above and implement it within the next week. Share your experiences and any noticeable improvements in audience engagement with your viewers! You can also email me or message me at my socials linked at the bottom of the page.
Chapter 4: SEO and Promotion
In the fiercely competitive gaming niche, mastering Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and effective promotion strategies is pivotal to your channel's growth. Here's a deeper dive into these crucial aspects:
Video Tags and Descriptions: When optimizing your videos for search engines, consider using relevant keywords in your video tags and descriptions. Conduct thorough research on trending topics within your niche and incorporate these keywords strategically to improve your video's chances of ranking higher in search results. Since we've already explored the concept of niches, remember to align your video tags, channel tags, and "About Me" section with your chosen niche. This cohesive approach reinforces your channel's identity and helps attract viewers genuinely interested in your content.
Social Media Promotion: Leveraging social media platforms can significantly boost your video's visibility. Share your videos on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and others to reach a broader audience. However, avoid spamming your links; instead, engage in discussions and build relationships within gaming communities and forums. Collaborate with fellow creators or friends to share your content genuinely, and remember, the key is to add value and not overwhelm others with self-promotion. If you have any questions or need advice on this strategy, feel free to connect with me on my socials!
Collaborative Promotion: I know I stated this above, but it’s important! Collaborations with other content creators remain a potent way to cross-promote each other's channels. By partnering with like-minded creators, you can tap into their established audience, exposing your content to potential new subscribers. As we've previously discussed this concept, remember to approach collaborations with authenticity and shared goals. The connections you forge through collaborations can become invaluable assets in your YouTube journey. By the way, don't view your friends as mere assets. You'll experience greater personal growth and benefits by offering your support and assistance to them, rather than constantly seeking favors from them.
Thumbnail Optimization: Thumbnails serve as your video's visual bait, enticing viewers to click and watch. Get the thought out of your mind that click-bait is bad, because it’s not. Click bait is what gets people to click on your thumbnails!
If you want your thumbnails to get clicked, it needs to do a few, if not, all of these things.
1. Eyes follow eyes. Peoples’ eyes follow other peoples’ eyes. If you’re looking at words on your thumbnail, your viewer will look at the words on your thumbnail. If you’re looking at some crazy monster in your thumbnail, your viewer will look at the crazy monster in your thumbnail. It’s that simple.
2. Emotion inflics emotion. Us as humans have emotions and are able to identify emotions on others. If you have a particular facial expression or some sort of explanation that shows emotion in your thumbnail, others will relate and linger on your thumbnail.
3. Make your text easy to read. If your text is too small, too big, or has too many words, people will scroll past your thumbnail. Your viewers should be able to read what the text says while simply passing by your video.
4. Inspire curiosity. Your thumbnail should tackle a question or topic that forces to viewer to click to find the answer.
5. Have contrast. No, I’m not talking about the setting that makes your pictures look better, I’m talking about a conflict between topics. Myran Golden explained it with a title to one of his videos: “Why Evil People Are Rich.” Evil is a bad thing, but Rich is a good thing. Why does bad equal good? Does this mean good people are poor? The list goes on and on.
6. Have conflict. Let’s use the same example to explain. It’s not just the contrast between “Why Evil People Are Rich”, it’s the conflict! We know good can’t be bad, and bad can’t be good. Now you need the explanation of the video to satisfy your aching mind.
7. Follow the rule of threes. Thumbnails that are too cluttered or complicated will often get overlooked where as simple and concise thumbnails get all the clicks. A simple trick to keep yours nice and neat is to only add three main visual hooks. Here’s an example:In this thumbnail I have the text, Myself, and Toad getting attacked. Your background won’t usually count as these three things, but depending on how cluttered your background is, it may be distracting.
8. Use a question word to make a statement. This one is so simple, it doesn’t need elaboration. It’s straight forward! This forces the reader to, not only ask that question in their head, but to ask even more questions in their head until they finally click on the video the find out the answer!
Design visually appealing and clickable thumbnails that accurately represent your video content. Thumbnails are your initial introduction to potential viewers, so invest time in creating eye-catching visuals. A beneficial practice is to establish a recognizable and unique thumbnail style that sets you apart. Incorporate distinctive elements, such as a specific font, your face, a character, or your persona, to ensure viewers instantly recognize your content. The goal is to build a visual brand that viewers associate with your channel, making it more likely that they'll click on your videos. Remember, YouTube is a platform that encourages creativity and imagination, so don't shy away from exploring various creative avenues to make your thumbnails stand out.
By implementing these SEO and promotion strategies, you'll enhance your gaming channel's visibility, reach a broader audience, and increase your chances of standing out in the competitive YouTube landscape.
Chapter 5: Adapt and Evolve
In the ever-evolving gaming landscape, your ability to adapt is key to maintaining relevance and fostering channel growth. Here's how you can navigate the dynamic gaming industry successfully:
Stay Informed and Stay Ahead: In the gaming world, staying informed is non-negotiable. Keep your finger on the pulse of the latest gaming news, trends, and game releases. Creating content around trending games or relevant topics can significantly boost your channel's visibility. Be the first to introduce your viewers to the hottest games, and they'll look to you as a trusted source for the latest in gaming.
Fearless Experimentation: Don't let the fear of change hold you back. Be willing to experiment with new content formats, games, or styles. Sometimes, it's the unexpected experiments that lead to breakthroughs. Your audience will appreciate your willingness to diversify your content, keeping your channel fresh and exciting.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Leverage the power of analytics. Utilize YouTube Analytics to delve into the performance of your videos. Pay special attention to viewer retention, watch time, and audience demographics. This data is a treasure trove of insights that can guide your content strategy. Identify what works and what doesn't, then adjust your content accordingly. In my journey, I've noticed that certain types of videos perform better, and I've decided to focus on that niche to maximize growth.
Consistency in Evolution: While adaptation is vital, maintaining some consistency in your evolution is also essential. Your core identity and the elements that make your channel unique should remain constant. Viewers are drawn to channels with a clear identity and personality. As you evolve, ensure that your core values and branding elements remain intact to retain your loyal audience.
Conclusion
Building a gaming channel on YouTube may be challenging in a saturated niche, but it's entirely possible with dedication, creativity, and hard work. Find your unique angle, prioritize quality, engage with your audience, optimize for search engines, and be ready to adapt to industry changes. By following these strategies, you can rise above the competition and create a successful gaming channel that resonates with gamers around the world. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to message me on any of my socials!
Thanks for reading! Stay strong and fly on Falcon Force!
