Thinking about starting a gaming channel on YouTube but not sure what to post? You're in luck! YouTube has a massive gaming community with loads of different genres to explore. Every month, many new channels pop up, each offering fresh ideas and energy in the world of profitable gaming niches.
Every niche comes with its prerequisites, and although they aren't written in stone, some have been proven favorable by history. So, here are 7 niches you can explore to start a gaming channel.
Speedrunning in gaming means finishing a video game, or parts of it, as quickly as you can. 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 Super Mario 64, Minecraft, and Zelda, 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. Check out popular creators like EasySpeezy and Karl Jacobst to see what it's all about!
The Let's Play style is one of the oldest forms of YouTube gaming. It is more about the charm and energy you bring than about expert gaming skills. People love watching genuine reactions and fun commentary while you play. In this niche, your personality is the main event, making your content relatable and enjoyable.
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 Markiplier and Chuggaconroy who’ve been doing it for years now!
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.
Check out PewDiePie, theRadBrad, World of Longplays, and other walkthrough channels for some nice and cozy content.
Video essays are becoming a hit in the YouTube gaming scene. Many creators are spending extra time to share detailed looks at game design, stories, and cultural impact. These longer videos often continue to pull in views long after they are uploaded. They are a great way to explore gaming niches in depth and offer value to an audience that craves thoughtful analysis.
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).
Two channels have done this very well: Space Cadet Rewind and Idyl.
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.
IGN and Game Guides Channel 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 exclusive streamers who bring in millions of views.
Get youtube live stream views by mastering specific skills to produce engaging content. You have to be aware of the entertainment you're providing without compromising quality while also interacting with the chat. 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.
Popular names in this niche are iShowSpeed, TimTheTatman, and Dr. Disrespect among others.
Want to take your livestreaming to the next level? Check out our guide on YouTube live tools that will help you create professional streams and grow your gaming audience.
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.
Gameranx and Worth A Buy are a couple of really good channels here.
Every YouTube gaming niche opens up unique money-making ideas. Livestreamers often make good earnings from Super Chats, membership offers, and donations. Many streamers earn more from direct support than from ads.
The trick is to see which money ideas match your gaming niche and the needs of your fans. Mixing a few of these ideas can help your YouTube gaming channel grow steadily.
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 always 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're still exploring options beyond gaming, check out our comprehensive guide to YouTube niches to help you find the perfect content category for your channel.
Livestreaming usually brings the best earnings with Super Chats, memberships, and sponsorships. Let's Play and tutorial channels also do well by keeping a strong connection with their audience.
Not at all. While speedrunning needs top-notch gaming skills, channels like Let's Play and review sites focus more on personality and fun.
Yes. Many gaming channels mix styles, such as doing Let's Play videos and occasional reviews. Just keep your main theme clear for your audience.
You need a good microphone, screen recording software, and video editing tools. If you livestream, a webcam and a tool like OBS will help you a lot.
Staying on schedule is key. Posting 2-3 videos per week works well for many gaming niches. For livestreamers, 3-5 streams a week can help keep viewers coming back.
A blend is best. Trending games bring in search traffic, while older titles often have dedicated fans. Some niches, like speedrunning, prefer titles with rich history.
Be yourself. A unique voice, style, or fun insights in your videos can set you apart. Whether through humor or a neat format, your personality is your best asset.
Absolutely. Many channels focus on gameplay with clear voice commentary. Walkthroughs, guides, and reviews all do well without a facecam.
In addition to being an avid movie and gaming enthusiast, Uttaran Samaddar is an experienced writer who has lent his creativity and unique perspective to various publications. He loves hearing and telling stories.
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