YouTube is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world today. In fact, it’s the second most visited website on the internet, with about 2 billion active users per month.
YouTube can be anything from a fun hobby to a lucrative career, depending on your drive, dedication, and niche. And if you’re trying to make money on YouTube, one of the best choices of niche is gaming.
That said, you have to know how to start a YouTube gaming channel before you begin. Having a gameplan and following through is vital to the success of your channel.
To learn everything you need to know to start a gaming channel as soon as today, just keep reading!
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Types of YouTube Gaming Channel Content
The phrase “gaming channel” is really just an umbrella term for the niche of YouTubers who film gaming videos. Within this niche, there are several different types of content. Some YouTubers choose to hone in on one type of content, while others upload multiple to their channels.
The route you go depends on your interests and strengths, but the types of content often found on gaming channels include:
- Commentary channels
- Comedy channels (either within the game or about the game)
- Informational channels
- Tutorial channels
- Gameplay channels
As you can, creators provide a wide variety of content on their channels. The common denominator is that all of the content is either about video games or feature gameplay on-screen during the video.
What You Need to Start a YouTube Gaming Channel
The main thing you need to start a YouTube channel is a winning personality. Your content will draw viewers in, but your personality is what will keep them coming back for more.
That said, there are a few pieces of equipment that you need to get started on YouTube, and a few more if you’re going to start a gaming channel.
The basics of starting a YouTube channel include the following:
- A camera
- A microphone (preferred)
- A computer
- Video editing software
- External hard drive
- High-speed internet
You’ll need at least some of the following extras for your gaming content. The type of gaming you’re doing will determine the specific pieces of equipment you need.
- A gaming console or computer
- Mechanical keyboard
- Controller
- Gaming mouse
- Capture card
- A gaming chair
- Screen recording software
Don’t feel pressured to buy the most expensive equipment right out of the gate. If you can fit high-end equipment into your budget, great. If not, there’s no shame or harm in using your phone camera to start out.
If you can only invest in one thing, make it a laptop or desktop computer designed for gaming. The best laptop for gaming will depend on your preferences and the type of games you’re playing, take your time to weigh the pros and cons of each before you decide.
Another benefit of being patient with your equipment purchases is that you’re more likely to find some great gaming laptop deals. You never know, you might be able to afford a better computer than you ever thought possible!
Tips for Success on YouTube
Now that you’re thinking about the type of gaming channel you want to be, and you’ve made a list of the equipment you need to be on the lookout for, you’re ready to take the next step in the planning process.
Listed below are 7 tips and steps that you need to consider both before you launch your channel and long after you’ve started producing content. Though there will likely be more things you add to your list of to-dos, this one should get you headed in the right direction.
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Choose a Niche
We’ve already gone over the types of gaming content typically found on YouTube. And while it’s true that you can have multiple types on your channel at once, it’s a good idea to start with one.
Focusing on a specific niche won’t give you the widespread popularity you might be looking for. However, it will help you with the initial launch and growth of your channel. You’ll also be able to collaborate with other YouTubers in that niche, growing your channel through their audience.
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Collaborate With Other YouTube Creators
Continuing with the idea of collaboration, it’s very important to lean on other, already established creators, particularly when you’re first starting out. Reach out to other YouTubers in your chosen starter niche and offer a collaboration.
In your message, include that you would promote their channel on yours in exchange for their promotion of your content. Because even in the ultra-modern age, there’s nothing more effective than word of mouth advertising.
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Find Your Voice
While working with other creators is a vital part of being a YouTuber, in order to become a gamer on YouTube and find success, you need to find your voice.
It’s okay to take ideas and inspiration from some of your favorite creators. But at the end of the day, you need to be unique to stand out among the crowd.
Now, you can be a more enthusiastic or animated version of yourself, but you should always, always be yourself. If you’re being fake or trying to be someone you’re not, your audience will pick up on it and you won’t do as well as you could being genuine.
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Produce Regular Content
Producing regular content is important for two reasons. First of all, you need to strive to keep your audience interested by providing them with a reliable stream of content. Second, the YouTube algorithm favors those who post regularly, meaning your videos will be more likely to be promoted by YouTube if you’re consistent with your uploads.
If you’re starting a YouTube channel as a hobby, it’s okay to post once a week. However, if you’re trying to make money from your channel, you’ll need to post at least two or three videos per week.
Some creators post every day, but remember, quality over quantity. It’s better to post three high-quality videos per week than seven videos that are average at best.
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Prioritize SEO
As with any online endeavor, you can’t excel without using SEO. SEO, or search engine optimization, is perhaps the most important ingredient for YouTube success. For good SEO on YouTube, the main things you need to do are title and tag your videos well.
Your tags should include the game title, the type of content, and other vital information. Think about what you might search for to find similar content and include that in your tags.
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Customize Your Channel
Along with establishing your voice, you’ll also need to customize your channel. This means creating custom channel art, both for your profile picture and header, as well as a standard intro and outro for your videos.
All of your art and content should suit your voice and brand. Don’t feel that, just because you have a gaming channel, you have to make your colors black and green and make everything look high tech. If you enjoy flowers and pastels, incorporate them into your design!
When in doubt, remember that everything around your channel should be authentically you.
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Encourage Audience Engagement
You’ve probably heard of a CTA, or call to action, to encourage audience engagement on a blog post or other online creation. Well, your videos need a call to action as well.
At the end of each video, encourage your audience to like and subscribe. It’s also good to ask your subscribers a question and instruct them to give their answer in the comment section.
Among the positive comments and likes, you’re bound to get a few dislikes and negative remarks. If the negativity begins to get to you, take a break – your mental health is more important than your channel.
That said, do your best to roll with the punches! All engagement is good engagement. YouTube doesn’t care if a comment is positive or negative, all they’re looking for is the comment count in general.
Learn How to Start a Youtube Gaming Channel Before You Begin
You certainly could jump straight into starting a YouTube channel without any prior research. However, you’ll find that you’re much more successful if you know how to start a YouTube gaming channel before you begin.
Now, it’s completely normal to finetune your approach and upgrade your equipment as you progress, but it’s best to have a plan for at least your first few months. After this trial period, you can assess and adjust as necessary. With this guide, however, you’re ready to start your channel today!
For more tips on finding success on social media, take a look at our blog!