So, you want to become a gaming creator on YouTube but are still undecided on what to upload? Well, the good news is that you’re spoilt for choice! On YouTube, gaming has a sizeable audience and plenty of niches to choose from. With that kind of popularity, it's not surprising to see gamers growing new channels every week.

Every niche comes with its prerequisites, and although they aren’t written in stone, some have been proven favorable by history. So, here are 6 niches you can explore to 

Speedrunning in gaming means finishing a video game, or parts of it, as quickly as you can. And while exploring specific in-game mechanics and glitches is something viewers love to see, you need to be a highly-skilled gamer to get good speedruns consistently.

By extension, choosing the right game becomes the most important decision here. Since you’ll likely be spending hours, maybe months on the game, it's wise to pick something you enjoy playing casually. There are many popular options to choose from like 

which are classics in this genre. Once you’ve established yourself as a credible speedrunner in one game, you can explore more games.

It's no coincidence that speedrunning collected over a billion views in 2021

The Let’s Play niche has been popular in YouTube gaming for many years now; some might even say this is where gaming on YouTube started. Contrary to speedrunning, raw skills are not as vital in this niche. A successful Let’s Play creator is engaging and entertaining while also contributing some of their expertise to the video.

Let's Play channels have all kinds of viewers. While some users like YouTube Shorts with some commentary, others prefer receiving 30-minute videos every day. But regardless of the content you make, it needs rich storytelling and your creative vision.

Need inspiration? Check out the OGs in this niche like 

Have you ever been stuck on a particular level in a game and looked for a way out on YouTube? Most likely, you sought help from a video game walkthrough. These videos show less experienced players how to win faster and better. 

Plus, walkthroughs give viewers a sneak peek into games that they aren't able to purchase yet. In addition to letting viewers unwind, they may be a useful resource for gamers who want to understand exactly what a game delivers and whether its plot is compelling.

, and other walkthrough channels for some nice and cozy content.

Recently, we've noticed that long, descriptive content based on certain games (or categories of games) is gaining traction on YouTube. Most of these are video essays and documentaries; they require creators to spend more time on their content and focus heavily on production.

If you're someone who truly enjoys the experience of a video game and can translate that through stories and anecdotes, go for it! Share your own unique experience (which no one else can replicate).

Gameplay walkthroughs can help you with temporary problems, but guides and tutorials allow you to dig deeper. A content creator in this niche not only requires some nice mechanical skills but also extensive knowledge of a game.

The primary goal of gaming tutorials should be to help viewers win. In general, a tutorial should address a concern that someone else could have, such as how to navigate a challenging level or comprehend a weaponry system.

 do a great job of making engaging and creative gameplay guides, so check them out!

A few years back, almost everyone thought of Twitch when it came to gaming livestreams. But YouTube is keeping up with that giant and even has 

Livestreaming in general requires specific skills to produce a good video

. You have to be aware of the entertainment you’re providing without compromising the quality of your content while also interacting with the chat. It's a plateful, but the rewards can be exceptional. Livestreaming is one of the best ways to establish a brand on YouTube now and it’s only going to get bigger.

5 Tools You Need to Improve Your YouTube Livestreams Today

If you like games but don’t want to play them on your channel, this niche is where you’ll find your footing. Viewers will show up to get an idea of what they want to play next or discover new titles on the way.

That's because watching video game reviews is one of the best ways to determine whether a game is worth purchasing. And, of course, the best place to watch them is on YouTube! It's a platform with millions of creators who have a wide range of opinions. 

You can also share gaming news to keep your pool of content wider. Remember, the key to standing out here is cultivating and expressing your own opinion to set yourself apart.

 are a couple of really good channels here.

As mentioned above, these aren’t the only gaming niches to pursue — just the most popular. You can break these down even further and venture off into hundreds of sub-niches that exist today or are waiting to be created. There will

 be something unique to explore, so stay sharp.

For more tips, watch this video explaining how four different gaming channels have mastered their craft and continue to grow on YouTube!

To sum it all up, the niches above have been reliable for a long time, and that’s not going to change anytime soon.

If you want to learn more, here are the 47 best niches on YouTube.

If you're looking for a suitable niche in the YouTube gaming sphere, you've come to the right place. Read on to discover which channel topic is right for you!

Discover the Top YouTube Gaming Niches for 2024

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.

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 2024

the top gaming creators on YouTube pulled in over 300 million subscribers collectively.

 With numbers like that, it's safe to say that interest won't be declining any time soon; viewers will embrace gaming content for years to come.

Maybe that's why creators in the vidIQ community choose to leverage this popular niche. To prove that point, here are the top 15 gaming channels from the last month that outperformed everyone else!

Ready, Set, Game: Discover the Top YouTube Gaming Niches for 2023

 creates content around car simulation games.

is an FPS gamer who plays multiple titles.

is a content creator who likes animal survival games.

 does gameplay walkthroughs on popular titles.

uploads content on time simulation games.

creates gameplay videos on puzzle-based games.

 plays a variety of games and uploads walkthroughs.

 makes entertaining videos based on puzzle games.

makes tips and tricks videos as well as memes on popular games.

creates entertaining gaming content on several titles.

Congrats to every gaming creator who had amazing subscriber growth last month! 🥳 If you want to see your channel grow, don't forget to 

 and get robust tools, data, and video ideas.

Plus, check out these top YouTube channels to discover even more creators:

Saluting gaming's newest YouTube stars! This list showcases 15 creators from the vidIQ community who defied the 'saturated niche' myth to grow their channels!

15 Fastest-Growing Gaming Channels on YouTube [December]

We know that viewers have always flocked to gaming content on YouTube, be it for the community, the entertainment, or to simply get better themselves. In fact, there are over 

1,000 gaming channels on YouTube with over a million subscribers

, and that's only going to increase. Why? Because it's exciting when new games are released, and most live streams on YouTube are actually gaming content!

This might lead you to believe that gaming is an oversaturated niche with no opportunity to stand out. But, in our experience, that is not true at all. So, here are 15 gaming creators from the vidIQ community who’ve nailed it in the last 30 days. Let's celebrate them!

The 37 Best YouTube Niches, According to Viewers

is an FPS gamer (first-person shooter) who mainly plays 

 uploads videos about different mobile games.

 also plays FPS games, the primary choice being 

 makes funny gaming edits through YouTube Shorts.

 makes well-edited videos playing different games across genres.

 makes YouTube Shorts playing mobile games.

 is a MOBA player (multiplayer online battle arena) posting gameplay videos.

 video creator who plays other games too.

Saluting gaming's newest YouTube stars! This list showcases 10 creators from the vidIQ community who defied the 'saturated niche' myth to grow their channels!

15 Fastest-Growing Gaming Channels on YouTube [August]

One of the most popular channels to start on YouTube is a gaming channel, and it’s not hard to see why. In 2020, viewers watched 

 of gaming content. Titles like Roblox, Minecraft, and Fortnite entertained viewers worldwide and continue to make the genre popular.

But if gaming is in-demand, why do some gamers fail on YouTube? And more importantly, what should you do if you fall into that category?

Instead of talking about views and subscribers, we’ll share a different perspective. Today, we’ll address the hidden, unexpected reasons your gaming channel isn’t growing.

1. Treating Your Gaming Channel Like a Hobby

If your gaming channel isn’t growing as quickly as you’d like, reflect on the 

 you bring to content creation. Do you think of gaming as a hobby, or are you treating YouTube like the business it is? Because once you reach a certain level of success, you can earn a 

Gamers who do well on YouTube accept this fact early on. They treat their channel like a business so that one day, it will actually become one. They get serious about posting schedules, sticking to their niche, and testing content to see what performs best.

One mistake gamers make is thinking they can grow their channel by buying equipment. They’ll spend thousands of dollars on a gaming computer, microphone, top-of-the-line camera, or fancy lighting.

But all along, they forgot to develop fundamental YouTube skills:

These skills will take you far on YouTube – not your gaming setup. So if your channel seems to be suffering, spend a little time sharpening your YouTube skills.

, you probably played video games for fun. Those were simpler times, where instead of making content 

 a game, you used the game to unwind after a long day.

Does that change when you're playing for an audience? It just might.

Instead of immersing yourself in the experience, you now have YouTube on the brain. And when you finally decide to play a game for fun – no streaming or uploading – a tiny voice whispers, 

In reality, turning every session into a video 

. You’ll have no choice but to take extended breaks from YouTube and risk the growth of your channel.

is so important as a gamer. Here are some tips to do it the right way:

 on your channel, and save the others for when you want to relax or unwind.

Decide when you’ll make YouTube content and when you’ll play games for fun.

To sum it all up, your gaming channel will thrive if you treat it like a business, become an expert at content creation, and work smarter instead of harder.

You can learn more by watching the video below:

Want to grow your gaming channel in 2022?

This one mistake ruins your chances, so avoid it at all costs.

Gaming is a competitive YouTube niche, but it’s also popular with viewers. So why do gamers struggle to grow on YouTube?

Why Do Thousands of Gaming Channels Fail on YouTube?

Are you a gamer looking to start a Minecraft channel? We’ve got exciting news for you and the thousands of subscribers you’re about to gain. Regardless of what you may have heard, it’s 

 too late to become a Minecraft creator. The game is 12 years old and shows no signs of losing its popularity – not even in 2021.

Why It's Not Too Late to Create a Minecraft Channel on YouTube

 about launching a successful Minecraft channel on YouTube. Farzy is a Minecraft creator himself and has more than 140,000 subscribers and 33 million views. His channel is only five years old, which makes him a stand-out creator among aspiring YouTubers.

Want the secret to Farzy’s success? Here’s how he grew his channel in one of the most competitive YouTube niches.

1. Create a Niche Within a Niche for Your Minecraft Channel

If you follow our YouTube advice, you’ve heard this tip before. Succeeding on the platform is almost impossible without focused content, so 

 For Minecraft creators, it’s not as simple as saying, “Because I only play one game on YouTube, my channel has a strong focus.” You have to dig deeper and get 

 specific to stand out as a Minecraft creator.

“There are a lot of segments in the Minecraft community,” Farzy says. “There are people doing SMPs, which is survival multiplayer. There are people doing redstone videos. So I’m not just doing all of Minecraft on YouTube. I took an exact slice of that game, and in there, it’s me being the entertaining let’s play content slash tutorial content.”

Want to create a successful Minecraft channel? Choose one thing to focus on within the game: build challenges, speedrunning, new worlds, or anything you want. Then make your titles and thumbnails reflect those parts of the Minecraft universe.

2. Pay Attention to Which Videos Get the Most Views, and Make Similar Content

Imagine logging into YouTube to find one of your Minecraft videos 

. What would you do after seeing something like that? If your answer is “

investigate the cause and make similar content

,” that’s the right thing to do. More than anything, measuring the success of popular videos and repeating what works is a reliable way to grow your Minecraft channel.

After all, that’s what Farzy did. Three months ago, both newer and older videos on his channel received some love from 

. It didn’t seem to matter if the videos were weeks old or published years ago. YouTube was recommending his content to viewers, and he decided to capitalize on that.

“I had a big spurt of views from normal traffic sources – lots of them,” Farzy says. “What I did from there is I just tried to double down on that content. So making more engaging tutorials. Making let’s play content that has an inherent value…. And the growth has just skyrocketed.”

3. Strike a Balance Between Minecraft Let’s Plays and Tutorials

Is it wise to upload Minecraft tutorials and let’s play videos on the same channel? According to Farzy, it depends on how you balance the content. When you first start a Minecraft channel, tutorials that are 

 help you stand out. By answering questions people have about the game or showing them how to overcome different challenges, you can certainly get more views.

It’s the opposite with let’s play content. This section of “Minecraft YouTube” is saturated and less prevalent than it used to be. Nowadays, top creators with thousands of subscribers dominate the niche.

 create let’s play videos. You just have to be smart about it. 

Starting a Minecraft channel in 2021 is still worth the effort. After all, Minecraft creator Nick Farzy gained 33 million views in five years. Could you be next?

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