Apologies for the delay. I've been logged in for most of the day and I started writing out the reviews but I ended up having to re-record the outro to our upcoming Experience episode. Now that it's over with, let's begin.
@AbstractTheater
A virtual high-five to you as well!
First things first, you need to fix the channel link in your profile so people on this forum have a quicker way to view your channel. I found this channel a lot easier in comparison to TheTNGMen but it was still a hassle. For reference for anyone who is interested, the channel link is thus: channel/UC4GV5_ex742Y_i9Xdou-nJA
Your channel banner doesn't fit aesthetically with everything else you have on the channel. Your logo should be used as the basis for your entire channel - the colours, the font/typeface styling, the whole lot. Your thumbnails are spot on in this regard. All you need to do is apply it to your channel header and all of your social media to keep your brand consistent.
As requested I'll only look into your latest 2 videos. Using music licensed under Creative Commons is a big plus. Kudos to you on that one. You'd also be surprised how many YouTube channels exist that have trouble doing 60fps video for gaming so you're already ahead of your competition.
From your CS:GO #1 video you're already aware of your audio issues, not so much for your microphone but for the skype call audio. Mixing the audio levels so they're audible would be a big plus but again, you're already aware of it.
As for the content of the videos themselves, the only major critisism I have is that there are long periods of down time with no commentary. It's great that you're showing the entire match but there should be more engagement not just with your audience but with your teammates/friends you're playing with. Trust me, I know it's difficult to hold a conversation while concentrating on playing but it's a skill you'll need to develop. There's also no need to put a "Constructive Critisism is welcomed!" disclaimer in the videos and your title/end card needs to be extended to the full width of the video.
Other than that, a great start to your channel. Keep it up and keep it consistent and it'll do fine.
@LowJax
Channel header/banner needs some work and the text in your logo needs an overhaul. Gradients for text does not look great at all. Furthermore, it's difficult to tell what your logo/avatar is from a distance as it's all dark and the colours blend together. Your avatar should be clear and representative of your channel/brand as it appears in every video and comment you create
Your ending card needs a lot of work as gradients in those colours don't work at all. Thumbnails also need a bit of work but not as much as the ending card and channel header.
Obviously you've been inspired by Markiplier and Jacksepticeye and if that's what you want from your channel, go for it. It's important to remember that above all else your channel should be about you. Be inspired but don't try to copy them, which judging from your videos won't be a problem. Don't try to force comedy or force vulgarity as it doesn't come off as funny and it doesn't feel natural.
Audio mixing is all over the place and is the biggest issue that needs working on. I'm noticing you have a pop filter (at least I think that's a pop filter) but it seems your microphone isn't anywhere near or pointing to your mouth. It makes your voice come out soft and muddy and turning up the volume makes it clear there's a lot of background noise bleeding through. Turning up the volume to hear your voice was a big mistake as the outro/ending card music was blaringly loud in comparison.
Get your microphone closer to your mouth (without it appearing on camera), record a sample of room noise so you can reduce it in post and mix the audio so it's all level.
@Gametrap
The thumbnails for your latest two videos are spot on, however your channel art should use the same font/typeface to keep the brand consistent. Overall I'm noticing at least 3 different fonts/typefaces on your channel - one for the channel art, one (or 2) for the thumbnails and one for the ending title card. Keep all three consistent and it'll look a lot better.
As for the content of the videos there really isn't much to say. You've got some decent audio gear and it shows. Your voice is clear, easy to hear and the overall audio is mixed perfectly. FIx the few visual issues and keep the uploads consistent and your channel will do well, hell it already is.
@TCDesigns
Overall branding is great. Everything is consistent - from the colours, fonts/typefaces to the overall visual style. Great job on that. You're also using royalty free music which is also a big plus.
Content wise you might want to consider getting an extra light or two to make it easy to see your drawings. Apart from that I have no real major critisisms about your channel. You're definitely on the right track and if you keep the uploads consistent your channel will do fine.
@Idec Sdawkminn
Looking beyond the banner and thumbnails you've already mentioned, your channel seems to be doing quite well for the content you're creating. 8,000+ subscribers is nothing to sneeze at and you should be proud of that accomplishment.
The only aspect I'd need to critisise is the use of copy written content, although that's the entire point of your channel. Simply applying 'inverse' to the video and running the audio through a filter will only avoid the Content ID algorithm for so long. It also won't take long for someone from a major record label to look through your videos if they end up going viral to send a few cease and desists your way.
Your channel does have potential though. Instead of running the audio through a filter you should think about composing, or getting in touch with a musician who can compose on your behalf, music based on licensed audio. Take your Barbie Girl video as an example. A filter on the audio doesn't exactly make it 'scary.' Slowing down the tempo, removing the funky beat and replacing it with something like a heart beat and getting a vocalist to mimic a childlike nursery rhyme, THAT'S scary.
Doing it this way means you avoid Content ID and you'll end up with unique content that will make your channel stand out from the rest.
@LostTrigger
Art for your avatar and channel banner is great, although you should think about incorporating art from your intro sting into it, along with your thumbnails and the outro. Consistency is key here. The intro sting is absolutely fantastic and it's a shame that the art, colours and that overall style aren't being used within the channel banner, avatar outro stings and all of your social media. What you have with the intro sting in your new videos needs to be expanded upon. THAT should be your brand.
Audio in your later videos is also really top notch, although you need to invest in a pop filter to knock out those plosives (you can hear the 'pop' like sound whenever you say words starting with B and P). Audio mixing needs work too; your Humble Bundle roundup video had your audio fading out too early with the outro blasting in volume after, and your Left 4 Dead 2, Soma and Killing Floor 2 videos had your audio peaking.
Clean up the audio issues, take the art, colours and overall style from your intro sting and apply it everywhere on your channel and social media and your channel will do well.
