For all of you gamers out there, how would you like to be paid to play your favorite videogames? Or how does it sound to have a following, one in which people marvel at your ability to smash your opponents? If you’re neck-deep in the gaming community, it’s safe to assume you’re aware of YouTube gamers. These are the idols of the community; personalities or talents (often both) that gamers follow by religiously watching their content. They bring life to the games we all adore, breathe humor into everyday gaming dynamics, and showcase talents we aspire towards.
If you’ve been inclined to become a YouTube gamer, or think you have the chops for it, then know that the road to fame and success is arduous and long, but certainly rewarding. If every gamer could become an instant YouTube success, then there’d be a lot more of them out there. Thing is, becoming a YouTube gamer takes a lot more than having skill within the game(s) itself.
Start A YouTube Channel
You can’t be a YouTube gamer without a YouTube channel. This much should be obvious. Thus you’re going to have head on over to YouTube and:
- Sign into your account (create one if you don’t have one preexisting)
- Go to your profile and press on the settings icon
- Click on ‘create a channel’
Your Brand and Your Appearance
What sets a YouTube gamer aside from others is their branding. What sort of layout have they chosen? Is their design cohesive? At least initially, it’s best to try and focus on a niche. Perhaps even the design you choose is relevant to the videogame design that you’re showcasing. Rather than painting with broad strokes and trying to incorporate a whole host of games, why not focus on a single game? Better yet, a single aspect of a single game? In this initial phase, you’re going to want to position yourself to build a brand atop your platform.
Video Style
Brand and style are often mutually exclusive… but not always. Typically, a YouTube gamer’s video begins with either:
- An Introduction
- Immediate gameplay
Brainstorm ways to either create your own style or expand upon these two common introductions. It’s commonly thought that an intro video, one you make yourself or hire content creators to make, is a fantastic way to establish your brand, style, and overall identity. It’s even more effective if you can tailor each intro to the contents of the individual video. These are the initial dynamics you need to think about before you begin releasing content, as they will help to ensure your YouTube channel is successful and lucrative.
Software & Hardware
Truth is: the best way to be unique is to just be yourself. But outside of your style and brand, you’re also going to want to integrate the best software and hardware for video recording, broadcasting, and streaming. You want your videos to have stunning visuals and crisp audio. Research software and game capture cards. Learn how to stream on twitch. Download free broadcasting software—in which there is tons—and toy with the interface and functions to better understand the technology. Once you think you have a grasp on the setup you’re going to need for your specific channel, buy the frontend and backend equipment.
Create Some Mock Videos
Now that you’re ready to roll out content, run some test trials to further flesh-out your style. Do you have an interesting accent or form of speech? Have you been considered funny or witty in the past? Try communicating over your videos, then try them with only in-game communication. Make sure you’re recording them correctly and that, after all the files have been rendered, the video is high-quality. You don’t want to run the risk of releasing content you won’t be proud of, as you have but one chance to captivate an audience member.
Finalize Buildout
While this can come later, it’s important to think about audience engagement and social media. Consider creating an account on different social media platforms for your YouTube gamer channel. You can include a link to your YouTube channel on your social media accounts and provide a deeper insight into who you are as a person through these outlets.
People that follow your channel will, over time, become curious about who you are. By developing a social media presence, you not only provide this insight but expand your following and viewership by tying both YouTube and social media together.
