Is there no more room for Let's Play/Gameplay channels?

[ProjectJamesify]

This thread has become one amazing discussion. Thank you all for bringing your opinions!

This is the point I'm at right now. I will keep doing Let's plays/Gameplay commentaries, because I feel like I have a good shot at making it in that genre. Most importantly, it's what I enjoy doing. But in addition to that, I will try some new and different things.

 

[Lizzeelive]

I believe that there is a chance to grow as long as you make good content. If you are a gaming channel, I understand tue pain of the slow growth and all of that, but it doesn't mean it isn't possible. There is always going to be a way to grow on YouTube. Make good content, stay consistent, and love what you do!

 

[PolusGaming]

As a new YouTube gamer who does Let's plays I am starting to see how hard it is to get noticed or even to get people to watch your videos. I always watch Lets play series on the big youtubers and they look so similar. I think its bout finding that slight difference in your own videos that makes your channel stand out. For instance I know I essentially have 10 seconds to catch someones attention and keep them in my video. So in the beginning of each video I do a minute long recap of the previous episode, I edit it to make it look like a television show. So far its been working for me (only started this channel three days ago)

 

[ProjectJamesify]

As a new YouTube gamer who does Let's plays I am starting to see how hard it is to get noticed or even to get people to watch your videos. I always watch Lets play series on the big youtubers and they look so similar. I think its bout finding that slight difference in your own videos that makes your channel stand out. For instance I know I essentially have 10 seconds to catch someones attention and keep them in my video. So in the beginning of each video I do a minute long recap of the previous episode, I edit it to make it look like a television show. So far its been working for me (only started this channel three days ago)

Mate you're right on the 10 seconds. Usually it's about 15 to hook the viewer in. Should you then really do a minute long recap of an episode they haven't even seen?

But, then again, that's not the point here. The point is what you're addressing, how to get noticed. Because just like any other YouTuber out there, I am convinced my videos are good. Then again, nobody watches them... So perhaps it's just really - really hard to get going as a gaming YouTuber (let's play/commentary) nowadays.

 

[YetAnotherGamer]

While it has become very difficult to get noticed it certainly isn't impossible. I imagine a lot of things just have to go your way, and you have to make videos that will get watched by playing the newest and hottest games or making some type of guide or something. It seems really hard to do it without advertising yourself as well, it doesn't seem like random people who click on your videos are going to get hooked on your content.

So ya, I agree that it's just really difficult to start a successful gaming channel nowadays. I've heard some of the top gaming youtubers say they just got lucky, and maybe they're right.

 

[MechaJake]

You're right in that it can be hard to start a gaming channel these days which is why I would recommend doing other types of videos that aren't just lets plays. Try doing a tips and tricks video, funny sketch or maybe a super sarcastic review. Like people are saying, lets play videos can be pretty straight forward to make so maybe take a stab at another type of video that might bring in more viewers while keeping a couple lets play videos going in the background.

You might be able to attract more attention from other kinds of videos while slowly building an audience for your lets plays.

Anyway, just a thought.[DOUBLEPOST=1476633949,1476633775][/DOUBLEPOST]Also I just noticed that your banner says "Daily Uploads" and from what I can tell, you are pretty far off from that. I don't mean to be mean or anything but if you can't keep up with daily uploads then I would avoid advertising it on the banner. People will look at your videos page when checking out your channel and definitely before subscribing so it's probably best to avoid false promises.

 

[Bixbe]

Some gaming channels are still coming out of the wood work but most of them take years to grow a decent audience think of pewdiepie. he started to gain an audience once it was 2011-2012 he started in 2010 same with markiplier he only recent reach internet sensation status. he started youtube in 2010 but only blew up in 2013. gaming channels just take dedication and time to grow.

 

[Spectre677]

Most big channels React, Cartoonz, Bryce Games etc all have at least 2 years+ under their belt as a channel some even more than that and a channel with 1million+ subs doesn't mean they gained 500k in their first year they more than likely struggled but got a surge around the 18 to 24 month mark when they have plenty of content on their channel and had become more well known.

 

[ProjectJamesify]

You're right in that it can be hard to start a gaming channel these days which is why I would recommend doing other types of videos that aren't just lets plays. Try doing a tips and tricks video, funny sketch or maybe a super sarcastic review. Like people are saying, lets play videos can be pretty straight forward to make so maybe take a stab at another type of video that might bring in more viewers while keeping a couple lets play videos going in the background.

You might be able to attract more attention from other kinds of videos while slowly building an audience for your lets plays.

Anyway, just a thought.[DOUBLEPOST=1476633949,1476633775][/DOUBLEPOST]Also I just noticed that your banner says "Daily Uploads" and from what I can tell, you are pretty far off from that. I don't mean to be mean or anything but if you can't keep up with daily uploads then I would avoid advertising it on the banner. People will look at your videos page when checking out your channel and definitely before subscribing so it's probably best to avoid false promises.

You're totally right mate, thanks for the ideas. Also, the Daily Uploads was true when I put it in there and it will be soon again. Thanks for letting me know

Some gaming channels are still coming out of the wood work but most of them take years to grow a decent audience think of pewdiepie. he started to gain an audience once it was 2011-2012 he started in 2010 same with markiplier he only recent reach internet sensation status. he started youtube in 2010 but only blew up in 2013. gaming channels just take dedication and time to grow.

Time and patience I guess, you're totally right man.

Most big channels React, Cartoonz, Bryce Games etc all have at least 2 years+ under their belt as a channel some even more than that and a channel with 1million+ subs doesn't mean they gained 500k in their first year they more than likely struggled but got a surge around the 18 to 24 month mark when they have plenty of content on their channel and had become more well known.

It just seems like more and more gaming channels are starting to struggle in the beginning. What if those 2 years are going up and have already extended to 4 years? Then again, I'm sure it's much more about the raw quality of the videos and getting discovered, than just time. So I think the poll turned out great!