Starting a gaming YouTube channel is no easy feat. Millions of people play video games in their free time, so naturally, the competition is stiff.

 dominating the space with billions of YouTube views. The 

 channel has over 41 million subscribers. Beyond that, you have thousands of small channels worldwide to compete with!

That makes it difficult for new creators to stand out, let alone go viral. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

Is it worth starting a gaming channel in 2024? We’d say 100% 

Here’s how to grow your gaming channel fast in 12 powerful steps.

1. Focus On Your Target Audience, Not a Particular Game

If you want to grow your gaming channel, don't focus on playing one title. Centering your content around a single game is not only a serious commitment but also a limiting one.

For example, you don't have to commit to playing or talking about 

It might be smarter to chase the target audience behind that series: people who love '90s video games.

Discover the Top YouTube Gaming Niches for 2024

This a smart move because while some games become less popular over time, viewing habits remain the same, as explained in this video:

Two channels that have done this pretty well are 

. While both of them do have a main game that they upload content for, they aren't shy about venturing out to try new titles (while never forgetting their core audience).  

In the hustle of going after views and subscribers, it's easy to forget the mother metric that covers all: 

. Having decent watch time on your channel usually indicates that all bases are covered, and people are enjoying your content.

One of the biggest insights from the past year is that viewers have a massive appetite for lengthy videos. We interviewed a small channel called 


, which gained over 100,000 views on a two-hour video essay about a game called 

. Watch the full video below to know how he did it!

 takes it a step further by compiling several of his long-form videos into 10-plus-hour marathons. These videos rack up hundreds of thousands of views in an era where bite-sized content is king. The videos are binge-able and seamless for the viewer, who receives a better experience than what they get through 

3. Get the Right Equipment for Your Gaming Channel

What equipment do you need for a gaming YouTube channel? A few items will make your videos more enjoyable:

: Many gamers add voiceovers to their videos, especially when actively playing a game. Invest in quality audio so viewers can follow the action.

: As you play games, you need software to capture the action on your console's screen (PS5, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, etc.).

: This can be a DSLR camera, mirrorless camera, or webcam. You’ll need one to record yourself playing games.

: Don’t leave viewers in the dark. Create a well-lit shot if you plan to show your face!

: Lots of gamers use a green screen for live streaming. It removes the background behind the streamer so only their body shows up against the gameplay.

A man playing a video game with lots of equipment like lighting, a gaming computer, and more

4. Choose the Right Name for Your Gaming Channel

Naming your channel is one of the most important things you’ll do on YouTube. Regardless of your niche, try to follow these best practices as you narrow down your list of options:

If possible, let your name reflect the game you play or the genre you're part of.

Stick to 70 characters or less when naming your channel.

Naming Your Gaming Channel: A Few Examples

Many gamers name their channel based on the game(s) they play. It's not a requirement, but it does help you come up with a unique YouTube name for your channel.

If you want to go in a different direction, such as building a personal brand, then be creative with your channel name. You can use your first and last name or a different moniker to let your personality shine through.

Many gamers love to post "let's play" videos on YouTube, and we honestly can’t blame them. They’re fun to make and easy to edit, unlike other types of videos on YouTube. All you have to do is record yourself playing a game while sprinkling in some commentary for your audience!

The "trap" here is making the same content that's already out there. After all, the let's play space is crowded and competitive. It's hard to get decent views from that type of content unless you're a large, established channel. 

The good news is that small channels with a knack for original storytelling can find success in this niche. We recently talked to 

, who explained how preparation and having an established intent is extremely crucial in a saturated market. Watch the video below to learn more.

6. Join a Gaming Community to Find YouTube Video Ideas

Brainstorming video ideas is the most challenging part of growing a YouTube channel. But the solution is simple: Don’t try to go it alone. The best way to start a gaming channel is in the company of other gamers.

4 Honest Reasons Why You're Running Out of YouTube Video Ideas

To start, try joining an online community like Discord. Find a group centered around the games you play or the genres you enjoy, and then pay attention to what people say.

These three points can lead to exciting video ideas!

Before you create a gaming YouTube channel, make a pact with yourself to upload consistently. You should post at least once a week to build and grow an audience on YouTube.

Why this number? YouTube has gotten good at serving content to the right audience. So, whether you post four videos a month or one video a day, YouTube will recommend your content 

So, don’t burn out by following an insane posting schedule. Go slowly. That way, you’ll understand how YouTube fits into your life, whether that’s striking a balance between school, work, or family time.

8. Make Your Video Introductions Brief and Entertaining

. If someone lands on your video but doesn't get past the first 30 seconds, that sends a negative signal to 

. It indicates your video may not deliver on its promise and shouldn't be recommended to more viewers.

To ensure this never happens, create a strong introduction for each video. Instead of showing your game’s menu screen as you talk, get to the meat of your content. Move your character(s) around the game’s landscape as you explain the point of today’s video.

The goal is to make it impossible for someone to click away. The title of your video makes a promise to viewers, and you should deliver on that promise early and often.

9. Create Enticing YouTube Thumbnails and Titles

Video titles and thumbnails are what genuinely bring in viewers. They convince people to click on your content, so this powerful pair should be optimized 100% of the time.

A video title isn’t just for display; it can also help you climb YouTube search results. If you can find popular keywords on YouTube that aren’t too competitive, you’ll be one step closer to creating fantastic, click-worthy titles.

After that, your video’s thumbnail should encourage more clicks.

YouTube Thumbnail Guide: 9 Ways to Boost Click-Through Rate

To do your best in this area, keep the graphic simple but eye-catching. It should be easy for viewers to understand in seconds, like this one:

10. Turn Gaming Trends Into YouTube Videos

A trending topic presents a huge opportunity to 

. You can take advantage of pop culture, holidays, gaming news, or anything that adds something positive (but relevant) to your channel.

And, of course, we’ve got a tool for that.

, check out the most-viewed videos tool within the extension. It’s a helpful little gadget that lets you see trending topics within your niche.

In the extension, you can quickly access the tool via the real-time stats bar. Here's what that looks like:

If you click the drop-down menu and select 

When you think you have your next video, type some keywords into this tool to describe the general idea. You may discover that no creators have posted about the topic in months! 

Depending on how many views per hour the topic is getting, you might have an opportunity to compete with older videos on YouTube.

11. Research Video Topics Before You Press Record

Before you make a video, brainstorm some title options. This may seem weird at first, but trust us: You need this hack. You’re better off brainstorming titles and seeing which keywords are popular for that topic so you can increase your video's reach.

How to Find YouTube Keywords that Grow Your Channel

Plus, this plan forces you to make the best video without even knowing it. First, you’ll optimize your content for YouTube’s algorithm by finding valuable keywords. Then you’ll run some YouTube searches to see what other creators posted. All of that research will tell you if the video is worth making, and how you can improve upon what's already out there.

 are for people who enjoy bite-sized entertainment. They’re great for making funny videos, quick explainers, or anything that doesn't require a long, traditional video.

They’re also perfect for the gaming community.

 YouTube Shorts capture those hilarious, gut-busting moments that happen during gameplay, like when a character tumbles off a ledge or there's an unexpected glitch. Even when you have nothing funny to share, you can film 60-second tutorials.

When you’re ready, post a few Shorts to your YouTube channel. We've seen gaming channels grow with this content, and we’re not talking about small spurts here and there. It’s possible to 

gain 1 million subscribers in three months

As a gaming creator, you have plenty of options for monetizing your content as your channel grows:

 of live gaming content was viewed on YouTube. Through live streams, you can earn from 

 and Stickers. And, of course, you can use the video-on-demand version of the livestream to earn more money through advertising revenue.

Another way to make money from your YouTube gaming channel is to enter affiliate programs. This means that you recommend products to your audience and earn a commission when they purchase through your affiliate link.

that allows viewers to join your channel through monthly payments and get extra benefits like badges and access to exclusive content.

 by Statista, in 2022, revenue from the worldwide gaming market was estimated at almost $347 billion. The mobile gaming market generated an estimated $248 billion of that total.

Starting a gaming channel would usually require a high-end PC that could cost you anywhere between 

. But, if you can use the tools at your disposal correctly (and keep at it), you can make back the money plus some!

 how to start a YouTube gaming channel, there's only one thing left to do: Start creating!

Gaming is a competitive YouTube niche, but there's still room (and time) for new creators to grow successful channels. All it takes is 12 powerful steps.

12 Tips for Starting a YouTube Gaming Channel in 2025

Getting monetized on YouTube is a goal every creator wants to reach. It helps them start side hustles,

, or create a business selling products in physical stores. These days, the possibilities are endless!

But with so many options, how do you monetize YouTube videos in a sustainable, long-term way? 

There are several ways to do it, from joining the "standard" program that pays advertising revenue to making money through sponsorships. Let’s start with a beginner's guide on the basics of YouTube monetization.

The most common way to monetize videos is through the 

 (YPP). Reaching partner status is an upgrade for your channel, as it helps you monetize your community, and, if you reach certain milestones, make money from video advertisements.

YouTube pays creators through the Google AdSense program, but it takes a while to understand how the system works. For now, just know that when a viewer watches/clicks an ad within your video, 

. That revenue is then split between you and YouTube, where you get 55% of the money, and YouTube takes the other 45%.

Before you can join the YPP, you need to accomplish a few milestones first.

, and more, here are the minimum requirements to join the YPP:

3,000 public watch hours in the previous 12 months 

 3 million public YouTube Shorts views in the last 90 days.

YouTube Relaxes its Monetization Rules: Only 500 Subscribers Needed!

Minimum requirements for fan funding through the YouTube Partner Program

, here are the minimum requirements do that:

4,000 hours of public watch time within a 12-month period 

 10 million public YouTube Shorts views within a 90-day period.

graphic of how to get monetized on YouTube 

The good news is that once you're in the YPP, you're in. Even if you entered the program with 500 subs and 3,000 watch hours, you don't need re-apply after hitting 4,000 hours and 1,000 subs. You'll simply unlock the revenue tools you didn't have before.

Once you’ve met all of YouTube’s requirements, you’re ready to apply to the YPP! You'll do this on the YouTube Studio's "earn' page, which also tracks how much watch time you have and how many subscribers you've gained. Simply apply on this page when YouTube gives you the green light.

YouTube's earn page that tracks watch time and subscribers

Not sure where to find this in the YouTube Studio? 

If you apply and are rejected for the first time, you’ll have 21 days to appeal the decision. Then you'll have to wait another 30 days before re-applying.

If you’re rejected a second time, you’ll still have 21 days to appeal, but you can only re-apply after 90 days.

While this may seem harsh, it’s a balanced approach because YouTube is prioritizing new applicants over repeat ones. Use the time to fix anything unsavory on your channel, such as multiple 

 or videos that violate YouTube’s Community Guidelines.

 for as many videos as possible. You can do this while uploading new content, but it’s safer to wait until 

 you upload videos (at least a few hours). 

By then, YouTube will have processed your content. You’ll know if the system found something that could demonetize the video, such as 

Here’s how to enable ads on a YouTube video and make money:

Choose which ads you want to display on the video.

, even if you monetize them. The best way to fully monetize a video (and keep it that way) is to create content in the PG to PG-13 range.

YouTube AdSense is beneficial, but it’s not a reliable form of income for creators. Advertisement rates go up and down, so it’s hard to make the same amount of money each year with video ads.

. CPM (cost per mille) refers to the amount of money advertisers pay per 1,000 video views on YouTube. The rates vary depending on your channel’s niche, audience demographics, and more.

YouTube CPM - 7 Factors Affecting Your Channel's Revenue

Want to earn a stable income on YouTube? Here are additional ways to make money from your videos.

1. YouTube Sponsorship Deals, Brand Deals

With YouTube brand deals, you'll make money by featuring a product or service in your videos. You can work with multiple brands if you want, which leads to more money for your channel and less stress about earning AdSense revenue.

Unlike the YPP, you don’t need 1,000 subscribers and lots of watch time to profit from these deals. Having more subscribers is helpful, of course. But consistent views and an impressive collection of videos are more important. You’re ready to seek out YouTube sponsorships once you have both.

11 Companies Matching YouTubers with Amazing Brand Deals

. So don’t worry about channel size when looking for sponsors. There are brand deals for small channels, mid-sized channels, and mega influencers who dominate YouTube. Everyone has a chance.

When you’re ready to dive in, read this post about 

Did you know you can make money advertising product links on YouTube? It’s called affiliate marketing, and it's an easy revenue stream to set up.

Sign up for various affiliate programs with different brands/companies.

Get custom product links to share with your YouTube audience.

Earn a commission when viewers buy stuff using your link.

how to do affiliate marketing on YouTube.

 For beginners, we recommend signing up for the 

 program. You’ll get access to hundreds of custom links for everyday products, and adding those affiliate links to YouTube videos (in the description section) will help you earn commissions.

Always add relevant affiliate links to your videos

. If you do a tutorial for a GoPro camera (for example), ask viewers to use your affiliate link when purchasing the product.

According to Amazon, affiliate commissions are up to 10% of each product sale. So if you spend some time promoting the links, you’ll make a nice chunk of money.

With 500 subscribers and 3000 hours of watch time, creators can unlock this feature and monetize directly from their audience through three main avenues:

 provide exclusive perks like loyalty badges and private streams to your fans, offering a customizable way to earn money on YouTube. Prices for memberships can range from $0.99 to $100 per month.

Read this post to learn more about Channel Memberships and how to qualify for them.

are another way to monetize YouTube live streams. These are “donations” or “tips” ranging from $1 to $500 that viewers send creators during a live stream.

You’re in an excellent position to receive Super Chats if:

1. You’re a funny or entertaining person.

2. You host live streams on YouTube regularly.

3. You have hardcore fans who are vocal in the live chat section (where Super Chats are donated).

In fact, that's how Travis McPherson, customer success manager at vidIQ, made 

 feature allows viewers to buy digital goods like stickers to show appreciation for your content. Promoting this feature in your videos can encourage more use of Super Thanks.

How to enable Super Thanks on your channel?

Creators across all genres received some 

 news late last year. As of February 2023, the YouTube Shorts fund is officially gone! Shorts creators can now sign up for YouTube's Partner Program and start making money from ad revenue. All you need is:

1,000 subscribers and 10 million eligible public Shorts views in the last 90 days.

1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid public watch hours on long-form videos.

Let's go through the revenue-sharing model for YouTube Shorts. First, this new approach splits advertising revenue in three directions: between creators, music publishers, and YouTube itself. Money is pooled, calculated, and distributed as shown:

Overall, Shorts monetization for creators is based on the number of views they got, their location, and the music tracks they used.

66% of the revenue goes to music publishers and 33% to the creator.

 For one music track, it's a 50/50 split. 

If no music is used, the creator keeps all their revenue. Creators generally retain 45% of their share from the creator pool after accounting for music usage.

 when you want to become a serious creator. 

But one day, you may want to monetize outside of the platform. 

Here are seven lucrative ways to make money beyond YouTube.

A phone surrounded by money and showing the Youtube logo 

If you’ve ever wondered how to monetize YouTube videos, this guide is for you. We’ll explain how to make money from video ads, brand deals, YouTube affiliate links, and more.

YouTube Monetization: How to Make Money from Videos in 2024

Are you looking for Black Friday deals this week? As a content creator, this is a great time to look at your production equipment and see if anything needs upgrading. For example, it might be time to invest in a DSLR camera if you started your YouTube channel with a smartphone. Or maybe your microphone is a bit old and worn out!

No matter where you're starting from, one thing is true: 

Some YouTube equipment is more critical than others.

 Small creators can drastically improve their videos with better audio, lighting, and visuals before most other upgrades. 

Even still, you probably don't want to pay $1,000 for a camera that was marked down from $1,200. So, here's the best YouTube equipment available at an affordable price!

Looking for the best camera under $500? These four entry-level options will upgrade your videos by leaps and bounds! On the list, we have DSLR cameras, point-and-shoot options, and even action cams.

The Lumix G7 has everything you need to create aesthetically pleasing videos. It offers 4K recording, at 30 fps, with a maximum focal length of 84mm. If you have to film in various conditions, you'll also love the weather-resistant design. With a 3D Lens with a 16 micro four-thirds system, you'll never miss a shot in action! Overall, the Lumix G7 is a point-and-shoot camera that goes above and beyond.

Featuring a powerful 24.1 MP CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4+ image processor, this DSLR delivers sharp, vibrant photos and Full HD videos. Its 18-55mm lens offers versatility for everyday shooting, while built-in Wi-Fi makes sharing your creations seamless. Perfect for beginners and enthusiasts, the Rebel T7 combines quality, ease of use, and connectivity in one sleek package.

Action cameras pack a lot of power in a small package, and the Osmo Action 4 is no different. You get 4K video recording, a waterproof design, and a vivid touch screen for previewing your content. The camera also comes with RockSteady stabilization. Whether you're mountain biking, skateboarding, or capturing any high-movement activity, the footage looks incredibly smooth.

The GoPro HERO13 is an action camera with 5K recording and 27-megapixel resolution. It's famously small, a huge advantage for vloggers, sports enthusiasts, or anyone who needs light-weight equipment. And, if you're into water sports, the Hero12 has you covered with waterproofing technology. The camera also has HyperSmooth stabilization to smooth out bumpy rides on motorcycles, ATVs, and other wheeled vehicles.

Black Friday Microphone Deals (Under $250)

The best microphone for YouTube is one that fits your budget and produces clear audio. Start your search here with our list of Black Friday deals on microphones.

Looking for a quality microphone that fits a tighter budget? The Blue Snowball matches that description, especially for the current sale price of $39! But don't be fooled by its affordability; this is a plug-and-play mic that doesn't compromise on sound. The Blue Snowball is incredibly user-friendly, and you can use it for voiceovers, livestreaming, or basic music recordings.

This microphone is a favorite among content creators for its crisp sound quality and ease of use. It's a USB microphone that plugs right into your computer, which is pretty convenient. Best of all, Blue Yeti has several recording options, including cardioid, bidirectional, omnidirectional, and stereo. This means you can record just about anything, from solo podcasts to interviews, music, or even a roundtable discussion. Overall, the Blue Yeti is one of the best USB mics on the market.

Compatible with PC, PS4, PS5, and Mac, the HyperX Quad Cast features four selectable polar patterns for versatile recording, an anti-vibration shock mount, and an internal pop filter for crystal-clear audio. With built-in gain control, a stunning red LED indicator, and seamless performance on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Discord, the QuadCast elevates your voice to the next level.

The Shure MV88+ Video Kit is your ticket to quality sound, all for under $300. It features a smartphone condenser microphone, which works for Apple and Android users. The full kit includes a Manfrotto PIXI tripod, a clamp for your phone, a mount, plus iOS and USB-C cables. This is the perfect solution for hands-free recording!

What's the best lighting for YouTube videos? If you're on a budget, these four options will upgrade your visuals significantly!

The cheapest light source on our list, the Godox M1 is a compact LED panel. It features RGB color options, allowing you to choose from a spectrum of colors to set the perfect mood for your videos. The M1 also has multiple lighting modes, including standard bi-color options, such as red-green and yellow-green.

The Panel Go has a slim, lightweight design that fits into almost any camera bag. But what makes this panel stand out is the ability to adjust color temperature and brightness. With those features, you can easily tweak the lighting to match your environment. Additionally, the Panel GO comes with a built-in battery, which is rechargeable via USB-C.

The BOLING Pocket LED is an excellent pick, especially if you want to light your videos for less than $100. Like other options on the list, it offers a full spectrum of colors, the ability to adjust color temperature, and a few brightness options. But this light stands out because it's specifically for 

 and has a 360-degree mount for that purpose.

We hope you found something on this list to enhance the visuals, audio, or lighting of your YouTube videos. After all, the more quality you put into your content, the more views you'll see in return!



Speaking of views, here's how to go insanely viral at the end of the year!

Cameras, lenses, and more equipment on a table

Did you know there are tons of Black Friday deals for content creators? Here are the best YouTube cameras, mics, and lighting for a discount!

11 Pieces of YouTube Equipment on Sale for Black Friday

Before you post a video on YouTube, it helps to do some 

. This task reveals essential things about your video, like the popularity of your topic and the words people use to find videos like yours.

Knowing these details will help you get more views, especially now that YouTube is bursting with competition. You can use specific keywords to attract the right audience and ensure you get thousands of relevant, long-term views. And those same keywords will tell 

 what your video is about, ensuring that it appears on the right search pages.

So if you want more views, set your camera down for a while (we’ll come back to it, I promise!). For now, let’s explore the power of YouTube keyword research.

You probably hear about keywords all the time. But what are they?

On YouTube, a keyword is any collection of words people use to search for videos.

You use keywords all the time if you watch YouTube often. In fact, anything you type into the search bar is a potential keyword that helps YouTube show you the right video.

Just look at how many searches pop up when we type “iced coffee recipe.” YouTube uses

 search term to pull additional yet relevant searches we might be interested in.

A list of suggested YouTube searches for the original term "iced coffee recipe"

Discover the best keywords for your YouTube channel! Use our tips to build an effective YouTube channel keywords list, boost views, and rank higher fast.

Posts Written By Lydia Sweatt

12 Tips for Starting a YouTube Gaming Channel in 2025

YouTube Monetization: How to Make Money from Videos in 2024

11 Pieces of YouTube Equipment on Sale for Black Friday

How to Find YouTube Keywords that Grow Your Channel

4 Tips to Grow Your Channel with YouTube Shorts

12 Best YouTube Thumbnails Ideas People Love to Click On

YouTube Shorts Thumbnail: How to Upload Them for More Views

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