A channel review, for a channel review! =)

[BIGtheRED]

I'd love a review! I'm constantly looking for ways to improve my channel.

For ya'lls channel:
My first impressions are very good! The graphics are great, I really like the top banner, and incorporating your faces is a really good idea. I'd perhaps adjust the colors of the red, purple, and blue text just because it's a little tricky to read at first. (Not as easy as the yellow and green, since they're brighter and stand out more.) I'd consider, or at least try out, moving the image over or up a tad since the green one is blocked by your Twitter, but it's not a big deal.

The idea of using a recap as your auto-playing video is great too! Gives a nice overview of who you guys are and what you do, and can be renewed every month. (Unlike a channel trailer.)

I'd perhaps make a playlist that's a bit more welcoming to new visitors. Something has has a few videos that best represents what you do. I know the recap has some of that, but recaps aren't the same as full videos. I think it'd be a good idea to have both. Gives new visitors an easy place to go next after they watch the recap.

For your about page, I HIGHLY recommend moving, "Just a group of idiot friends..." to the top, since the first line of the about page is visible to people who hover over your username. I'd definitely take advantage of that!

You guys are off to a nice start though. Keep it up!

Ohai!!
Very first thing; when I clicked on your link, I expected something else. I didn't realize that A) you were a girl, and B) that this was a drawing channel. Nothing against any of those things. Just that, your channel name seemed to exert a different image. You've probably gotten that a lot. Feel free to disagree. Anyhow... on to the channel review...

I LOVE the content. Drawing, sketching, markering, tutorials. You have your specialization down, and it feels like your branding sells itself. Your banner is all art you've done (I assume), you have a LOT of great content on drawing, your video production seems good, you have a really good vocal presence (a little hiss in the background, but I come from a music production/sound engineering background, and I know not everyone has the whole sound-proof room and uses plugins to improve sound quality). The format is simple; most of your videos is sped up footage of you doing the art, your voiceover, and catchy music. Not bad! Seems like most of your channels attention is coming from volume; doing more of the same to different drawings, and spanning more/varied content for people to find your channel. ... You might even consider showing your face more on some of those videos, although your vlogs pretty much have you up there already. For the live stuff, what kind of camera are you using? The live content could probably use some more HD quality, but only if thats how far you want to invest.

All in all, it looks great! =)[DOUBLEPOST=1457157482,1457156770][/DOUBLEPOST]

Thanks for the advice man! I been messing with different ideas on my channel art. I'll have to keep tweeking it around a bit to see what I can make but I appreciate critique. Hey I may shout you out in one of my future videos if you want, as well!

Awwesome! Could always benefit from a shout-out. =D
I can get some people to sub ya back.

 

[LLproductions01]

Thanks for doing this man! I'm excited to hear what you think!

As far as your channel goes I think you've got the branding down really well. The name "Confidence Crew" has got a nice ring to it and the intro is great. The video quality is awesome and the commentary (for the most part) is good. A couple of the videos I checked out had pretty generic/monotone commentary that made the video a bit boring to listen to. I like the idea of having multiple youtubers collaborate under one channel and I think your channel is doing it right aside from the videos sometimes not connecting well enough. For example one guy posts commentary videos where someone else is posting Biking and reaction videos. Besides that I dig your stuff, keep it up!

 

[kami]

Ohai!!
Very first thing; when I clicked on your link, I expected something else. I didn't realize that A) you were a girl, and B) that this was a drawing channel. Nothing against any of those things. Just that, your channel name seemed to exert a different image. You've probably gotten that a lot. Feel free to disagree. Anyhow... on to the channel review...

I LOVE the content. Drawing, sketching, markering, tutorials. You have your specialization down, and it feels like your branding sells itself. Your banner is all art you've done (I assume), you have a LOT of great content on drawing, your video production seems good, you have a really good vocal presence (a little hiss in the background, but I come from a music production/sound engineering background, and I know not everyone has the whole sound-proof room and uses plugins to improve sound quality). The format is simple; most of your videos is sped up footage of you doing the art, your voiceover, and catchy music. Not bad! Seems like most of your channels attention is coming from volume; doing more of the same to different drawings, and spanning more/varied content for people to find your channel. ... You might even consider showing your face more on some of those videos, although your vlogs pretty much have you up there already. For the live stuff, what kind of camera are you using? The live content could probably use some more HD quality, but only if thats how far you want to invest.

All in all, it looks great! =)

Haha, I get that a lot LOL.

Thanks so much though! I really appreciate it. (And yes, the banner is all art I've done. ) I currently use a Samson Go Mic but I've been debating on upgrading. I'm not sure how worth it it would be if I don't have an area to help sound proof. So I guess it works for now. I'm very inept when it comes to sound production xD

I like the idea of showing my face more, but I'm not 100% sure how to go about it. (I've seen someone green screen themselves and do their commentary that way. I've seen people talk at the end of the video. I guess I could brain storm a bit, haha.)

I use a Nikon D3300. I have it purposely set to 720, but it can do 1080, it's just a larger file size to deal with. My biggest problem is the lighting. I have one super bright lamp, but it doesn't seem to do the job. I've tried using multiple lamps but they cancel each other out some how. (It's the weirdest thing.) I think that would help with the quality. If you have any recommendations, I'd be happy to hear them

Thank you again though!

 

[BIGtheRED]

Haha, I get that a lot LOL.

Thanks so much though! I really appreciate it. (And yes, the banner is all art I've done. ) I currently use a Samson Go Mic but I've been debating on upgrading. I'm not sure how worth it it would be if I don't have an area to help sound proof. So I guess it works for now. I'm very inept when it comes to sound production xD

I like the idea of showing my face more, but I'm not 100% sure how to go about it. (I've seen someone green screen themselves and do their commentary that way. I've seen people talk at the end of the video. I guess I could brain storm a bit, haha.)

I use a Nikon D3300. I have it purposely set to 720, but it can do 1080, it's just a larger file size to deal with. My biggest problem is the lighting. I have one super bright lamp, but it doesn't seem to do the job. I've tried using multiple lamps but they cancel each other out some how. (It's the weirdest thing.) I think that would help with the quality. If you have any recommendations, I'd be happy to hear them

Thank you again though!

Gotcha! The Samson Go Mic is not a bad way to go, but it suffers the same issue that all condenser mics suffer; the sensitivity. It picks up on every little detail, which isn't a bad thing, but that means it will pick up on background noises, ambiance, computer and other mechanical noises, and whatever is going on outside the room. This is typically where I would recommend something to dampen the sound, although that it really hard to do if you're using it as a desktop mic. I'd you're not into decking out everything in soundproofing, you can take a simpler route and look at buying sound proofing foam (or a material which is sound retardant), and put it on a flat surface that you can make mobile (wood, poster board, etc.), just as long as you put it behind/around the mic so you can drown out the extras. ...

For instance (just because I'm being a Chatty Cathy right now. LOL) , I have a Sterling Audio condenser mic which is mid-high end studio quality (for professional sound/voice recording). Since I don't do hip-hop or EDM production anymore, I use it for my voiceover videos. I don't have a soundproof room, so... I use what works: I go to my shirt rack in my closet, split it down the middle, and position the mic in between. Then, I take a combination of sound-proof foam AND extra quilts/blankets I own and cover the back of the closet, and right above the shirt rack (sometimes along the sides to, depending on how large the closet is. As long as I kill as much reverb as possible). Sometimes, I use only blankets. (if you jump over to my channel and search for the "Kanye Est caught pirating!" or "Sony trying to Trademark 'Lets Play'" videos, you can hear the example. No background noise.).

For a lot of your videos, with the music in the background, it helps mask background noise, but your vlogs have plenty of hiss. ... This is just an observation tho, and its all up to you if thats something you want to change.

For the camera... honestly, you have a better one than I have. I have a Canon Rebel T3i. Hoping to upgrade soon. ... Honestly, I think doing everything in 1080 is well worth the effort. Once again, you're only limited by what equipment you have and how fast your computer runs with larger files.

For lighting, I try to use a lantern or two with a white bulb and a white cloth or shirt over them to soften the light. If you have a super bright one, any white cloth will do to soften it.
I actually built my own lightbox!! =D That was a fun DIY project. All you need is a square-ish lamp shade, a white cloth/white-T, a utility lamp, tin foil, cardboard, and some duct tape. All that you can get at a thrift store or department store.

 

[Kacper]

AHAA!! The tables have turned, my friends!! What will become of THIS adventure?

In all seriousness, I am part of a five-person gaming channel (Confidence Crew). We all know each other, and we all mainly do gameplay footage (funny moments, reactions, ; some are group videos, some are independent, some are bigger titles, and some are indie games we've never heard of before. Its a pretty eclectic channel, but that might be part of its downfall. SO, I was initially hoping to entice one or more of you fine people into providing a review to the channel, and let me know what to think...

And then I changed my mind.... because you know what? That's selfish, and that's not how I roll.

So, instead of sitting here an requesting a channel review, and waiting for someone to float along on the winds and happen to land on my request, I propose this:

1) I/we are willing to provide our own review of any of YOUR channels (max 1). How we think of the format, channel branding, intros/outros, are things interesting, how your tagging/SEO is, production, content, etc. etc. etc. ... Everybody could always use more feedback, and we'd be willing to provide it.

2) AND, in exchange for that, we would like you to do the same for us. Let us know what you liked/disliked, what can change, what you think was interesting, our branding, SEO, production, content, etc.

If you are interested in exchanging reviews, feel free to post below.
You can either post your review of our stuff here, and then we/I'll PM you with ours.
OR, you can PM me, and we can start a dialogue. We're fine with reviewing yours first if you're feeling cautious.

Matt

Your Picture and channel art are good
I like your intro
The commentaries are entertaining
Very energetic in the gaming videos!
Your latest video has sexy a** mic quality
Outro is good
Yeah I honestly really like your channel, You deserve more subs cause you make some quality content so I subbed!

 

[highqueenamy]

I like the intro its quick and to the point and doesn't lose the viewers attention but I would look at maybe changing the colors as it looks a little weird. Also on the topic of the intro some music that is different from the video that matches the pulsing of your channels name would help a bit. Quality is great of the video and the content. I can see you care about making videos as you are obviously putting money in to your channel even though your subscriber count isn't anything crazy.

 

[kami]

Gotcha! The Samson Go Mic is not a bad way to go, but it suffers the same issue that all condenser mics suffer; the sensitivity. It picks up on every little detail, which isn't a bad thing, but that means it will pick up on background noises, ambiance, computer and other mechanical noises, and whatever is going on outside the room. This is typically where I would recommend something to dampen the sound, although that it really hard to do if you're using it as a desktop mic. I'd you're not into decking out everything in soundproofing, you can take a simpler route and look at buying sound proofing foam (or a material which is sound retardant), and put it on a flat surface that you can make mobile (wood, poster board, etc.), just as long as you put it behind/around the mic so you can drown out the extras. ...

For instance (just because I'm being a Chatty Cathy right now. LOL) , I have a Sterling Audio condenser mic which is mid-high end studio quality (for professional sound/voice recording). Since I don't do hip-hop or EDM production anymore, I use it for my voiceover videos. I don't have a soundproof room, so... I use what works: I go to my shirt rack in my closet, split it down the middle, and position the mic in between. Then, I take a combination of sound-proof foam AND extra quilts/blankets I own and cover the back of the closet, and right above the shirt rack (sometimes along the sides to, depending on how large the closet is. As long as I kill as much reverb as possible). Sometimes, I use only blankets. (if you jump over to my channel and search for the "Kanye Est caught pirating!" or "Sony trying to Trademark 'Lets Play'" videos, you can hear the example. No background noise.).

Thanks for explaining all that! Very interesting! I've definitely noticed that while working with this mic, haha. I appreciate the "Chatty Cathy" since I really like that idea. I might try playing around and see how I can get improvements.

For a lot of your videos, with the music in the background, it helps mask background noise, but your vlogs have plenty of hiss. ... This is just an observation tho, and its all up to you if thats something you want to change.

If it's a live recording (no time lapse), I'm using the mic from my camera. Anything voice over is the Samson.

For the camera... honestly, you have a better one than I have. I have a Canon Rebel T3i. Hoping to upgrade soon. ... Honestly, I think doing everything in 1080 is well worth the effort. Once again, you're only limited by what equipment you have and how fast your computer runs with larger files.

If you do Let's Plays, you need a good computer, if you're doing traditionally drawing time lapse videos, you need a good camera, haha! I invested into this bad boy last year and it made an incredible difference in quality. (I previously had a Pentax WG1 and ugh xD) I'll test out a 1080 video and see how it goes, but last I recall, it was definitely testing my computers capabilities. But I agree, if I can get it to work, it'd be worth it!

For lighting, I try to use a lantern or two with a white bulb and a white cloth or shirt over them to soften the light. If you have a super bright one, any white cloth will do to soften it.
I actually built my own lightbox!! =D That was a fun DIY project. All you need is a square-ish lamp shade, a white cloth/white-T, a utility lamp, tin foil, cardboard, and some duct tape. All that you can get at a thrift store or department store.

Never thought to soften the light, that'd be an interesting thing to try out. That sounds like a neat DIY!

Thank you again for helping me out! I super appreciate it!

 

[BIGtheRED]

Thanks for doing this man! I'm excited to hear what you think!

As far as your channel goes I think you've got the branding down really well. The name "Confidence Crew" has got a nice ring to it and the intro is great. The video quality is awesome and the commentary (for the most part) is good. A couple of the videos I checked out had pretty generic/monotone commentary that made the video a bit boring to listen to. I like the idea of having multiple youtubers collaborate under one channel and I think your channel is doing it right aside from the videos sometimes not connecting well enough. For example one guy posts commentary videos where someone else is posting Biking and reaction videos. Besides that I dig your stuff, keep it up!

Thanks dude. I agree with some of the monotone. Its something that should be improved upon for future vids.

First off, LOVED the V-Neck Tuesday video.
Its a good video to start with. Even so, if you're going for branding, you might still benefit from a channel intro video. Something short that says who you are, has clips of some of your videos, etc etc.

For other things in the branding category: Your banner up top is nice (link, video game related), but it doesn't have your channel name, logo, or a unique design; its kind of a filler. I'd maybe recommend having someone do a custom banner. Your videos don't have a splash into, but that's up to you if that's something you would want to do.

You've definitely taken advantage of the Top 10 trend on Youtube. Some of your videos, while dated, have a LOT of views, and you have a bunch of subs from that time. Its good that you started the channel back in the day when you did, because any improvement you make or new content will add will definitely put you an advantage (given how search engine algorithms work).

One things that you might want to look at is improving your SEO a bit. I mentioned it to a few of the other reviews that Youtubes search algorithm usually searches by Title -> Description -> Tags, and having a bunch of one-word tags isn't as effective now (people usually search with phrases like "top 10", "top 10 n64", "top 10 n64 games". Try putting some of these at the top of your tags list, and make sure your descriptions are at least a paragraph, and contain some of these keywords.

Aside from that, Its all good! You're definitely no stranger to youtube! =P[DOUBLEPOST=1457454388,1457397910][/DOUBLEPOST]

Your Picture and channel art are good
I like your intro
The commentaries are entertaining
Very energetic in the gaming videos!
Your latest video has sexy a** mic quality
Outro is good
Yeah I honestly really like your channel, You deserve more subs cause you make some quality content so I subbed!

Thanks KAS! I really do appreciate it.

So, my honest review:

Love the logo. Its simple, and kinda sets the color scheme too (black and yellow).
The banner is... well... kay. I like what you were going for. It could be more detailed, but it works.

I like how you approach a lot of your videos; commentary over still pictures. This works out really when when you are telling a story, because it keeps the viewer engaged.
I liked your Youtube comment section rant. Spot on, dude! XD XD
The mic quality is good.
Your story telling is good.
Your reactions during gameplay is funny.

A few things that I think should be improved on:
- You might be going for the "full-uncut game playthrough" kind of videos, so for me to tell you to cut out dead air might be against what you're hoping to do, so instead, I'd say you should do the opposite, and instead of cutting out dead air from your future videos, you should try to fill more of that space with commentary.
- The SEO is the same story. The previous review I did has the info you're looking for on that.
- One of your videos has... like... no sound. Its the How To Get Revenge video. Its just pictures with no sound over it. (I wonder if ContentID had something to do with that.)

Keep it up man.
Do more videos, put out more content, and keep grabbing for subs.
I'd like to see more rants/stories, and more game reviews/reactions.
I subbed your channel.[DOUBLEPOST=1457456123][/DOUBLEPOST]

I like the intro its quick and to the point and doesn't lose the viewers attention but I would look at maybe changing the colors as it looks a little weird. Also on the topic of the intro some music that is different from the video that matches the pulsing of your channels name would help a bit. Quality is great of the video and the content. I can see you care about making videos as you are obviously putting money in to your channel even though your subscriber count isn't anything crazy.

Thanks highqueenamy!
I agree with the color scheme. Specifically the banner. We change it up every now and then, so it'll get revamped at some point.
And out channel is still new as of four months ago, hence the sub count. Have been learning how to Youtube along the way.

Your Youtube is world-class!
Like... over a 100.
I can't believe that the woman from Chips Ahoy! is the daughter of Dracula. Thats amazing!
And I agree... Apple is the best thing Jesus came up with in his holy nerd basement.
Did you know he used broken parts from defective iPads and iPhones to built BB-8 from Star Wars VII?

It's true!! BB-8 is a product of Apple!! =D
And Rae is actually a Klingon from Star Trek, and she thinks Divergent is terrible.

...
XD XD XD XD I keed! I keed!


There is a crap ton of sarcasm in your videos and channel, and I think its awesome!
The videos are minimal, but it looks like that's what you were going for.
Same thing about the SEO. (see my previous posts. lol)
Have you thought about recording your voice over anything?
Love the logo.
You could really take advantage of doing more fact videos. Maybe even a Top 10 video or something.
Also, the drawing of the alien was kinda cool.
I'll sub!

 

[Kacper]

Thanks man, and the video with no sound got a copyright claim from a ''NON COPYRIGHTED'' song that I used smh.... So I replaced the audio song with one of those s****y ones that Youtube gives you and for some reason youtube just removed the whole audio, Gonna try to fix it now :'( Thanks for the review

 

[BIGtheRED]

Thanks man, and the video with no sound got a copyright claim from a ''NON COPYRIGHTED'' song that I used smh.... So I replaced the audio song with one of those s****y ones that Youtube gives you and for some reason youtube just removed the whole audio, Gonna try to fix it now :'( Thanks for the review

No problem!
Yeah. I figured it was something like that.

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I'm down to do more, everyone!
Bring the reviews, and I will hit you back!