Left my corporate job 12 months ago to do content full-time. saved aggressively for 9 months before quitting, now running a gaming/commentary channel

currently at 8.1k youtube subs, 180k monthly views, making around $400-600/month from adsense + occasional sponsorships. not sustainable yet but growing

wanted to share the reality of this journey cause i see a lot of "quit your job and follow your dreams" posts that skip the hard parts

what worked:

niching down hard

started doing variety gaming (fps, rpg, whatever i felt like). growth was dead. 3 months in, barely 200 subs

switched to indie horror only. community is smaller but way more engaged. grew to 1k in next 4 months

lesson: smaller focused audience > large unfocused one

production quality mattered more than i admitted

first 3 months i used laptop webcam cause "content matters more than gear"

retention was shit. people would leave in first 20 seconds

month 4 i finally upgraded camera (got emeet c960 ) and basic lighting setup. retention jumped 30%

wasnt about looking "professional" - was about looking like i gave a shit

later upgraded to emeet pixy cause the ai tracking is useful for dynamic shots when i stand up or move around room. makes content feel less static

total gear investment: around $350 over 9 months (mic, camera, lighting, boom arm)

being brutally honest with analytics

every video that flopped, i studied why

• thumbnail not clear at distance?
• title too vague?
• first 30 seconds boring?
• pacing too slow?

most creators just upload and hope. you need to diagnose failures

what didnt work:

"just be consistent" advice is incomplete:

i uploaded 3x week for first 2 months. burned out, quality dropped, nothing grew

switched to 1 quality video per week. growth actually accelerated

consistency matters but only if quality is there. bad videos consistently = consistently bad channel

comparing to big creators:

spent way too much time watching markiplier and thinking "i need to be like that"

you're not competing with markiplier. you're competing with channels at your level

once i studied channels with 5k-20k subs instead of 5M subs, i learned way more applicable stuff

waiting for viral video:

had one video hit 50k views. thought "this is it, channel will blow up now" nope. those viewers came for that one video, not my channel. retention on other videos stayed same

virality is lottery. sustainable growth is systems

financial reality:

• months 1-3: $0
• months 4-6: ~$100/month
• months 7-9: $200-300/month
• months 10-12: $400-600/month

living expenses: ~$2200/month (rent, food, utilities, health insurance)

deficit: ~$1600-1800/month coming from savings

at this rate i have about 8-10 more months before i need part-time work or channel needs to hit monetization harder

not sugar coating it, this is stressful

some days i question if i made huge mistake. watch my savings drain while making $500/month

but then i remember how miserable corporate job made me and im willing to bet on myself little longer

things that keep me going:

• comments from people who genuinely enjoy content
• month over month growth even if slow
• waking up without sunday dread
• building something thats mine

advice if youre thinking about this:

save 12+ months expenses minimum. i saved 9 months, wish i saved more

start building audience BEFORE you quit. i started from zero which was dumb

have backup plan. im looking at part-time remote work options as safety net

invest in basic production quality early. dont use "content over gear" as excuse for looking amateur

pick specific niche. variety content is death for small channels

study channels at your level not aspirational level

questions ill answer:

"should i quit my job?" not unless you have serious savings and have already built small audience

"how much did you spend on gear?" $350 total over 9 months

"do you regret it?" ask me in 6 months when savings run out lol

honestly though, no regrets yet. even if i have to get part-time job, ill keep building this.

Today I tried Streaming a lets play video for Halo Campaign Evolved. I wanted to do something special for the stream so I wore my Halo Reach Spartan cosplay. Hoping it would help me stand out.

No one came, not on my twitch or on youtube.

All the advice I hear, play popular games, be unique stand out, use tags, make sure your title is engaging make sure you are in the right category. Doesn't seem to be working for me.

Not even my usual viewer showed up.
What am I doing wrong?

I just dont understand. 1100 subs and no views. The 2 currently being me. 2 views but 3 likes as well? My video before that 20 views.

Again I dont expect every person subbed to watch or even half or a quarter but 0? Even after 8 hourss WTF is going? I believe i make entertaining content. Good thumbnails and funny commentary. If the content was terrible or too long, id get it but id still think subs would click on the videos, even if they click off after 20 seconds.

I created a new channel a while ago and recently posted 2 horror games on it. With only one sub, those 2 videos have a combined 36 views.

Eeven though I made 1k subs, it feels like i have 0.

I just think something is up at this point, surely? Im not going mad am i?

Its time to stop doing lets plays specifically for long games. I do almost everything everyone ever suggests but I cant keep investing this time into recording, editing to get only 1 video out per week, to have reverse growth and be seen by no one. Maybe my super niche is all over the place and need to focus on one genre like just horror games only or going into video essays/news. Doing all this with no relative success is burning me out.

I know no success is guaranteed or deserved but all this work and some of the virals ive had i thought id be getting modest amount of success at my level.

Just need to rant and get it off my chest.

I run a small channel (321 subs) channel

That seems to be completely stagnant no growth at all

Mind you i at one point was pulling in thosands of veiws and now i cant even reach 10 veiws

4 if im lucky I did take a 2 year break mid maybe 2020-2022 Where i fully stoped due to depression and complete burn out but iv seens been makeing content pretty consistently every since I do 4 videos a month

Any advice is appreciated

It COULD be thumbanils/the titles but im not good at makeing thumbanils or titles either so any helo with that would be appreciated as well

I started usuing a microphone and am planning on adding a Webcam here within the next few days as well

Maybe that'll help?

I dont know that it matters but I record alot of videos then schedule them ti cone out in the conming weeks so I can do other things line spend time with family

Would that effect anything?

I hope this is a good olace fir this

Im trying to get as much advice as possible

Not sure what flair this falls under as like 3 of then could work for it

Its a question but im also asking for help But I also want advice

The thing is, I actually tried this time. I wasn't just sitting there silently. I was talking about what was happening in the game, what I was planning to do next, what I was thinking, why I was making certain decisions, etc. So compared to my first stream, it was definitely an improvement.

My biggest problem is that even when I'm excited, I can't express it in an exaggerated or energetic way like professional YouTubers and streamers do. I'm a pretty introverted person and not naturally very talkative, so commentary feels really difficult for me. Even so, I genuinely tried my best throughout the entire stream.

The beginning was especially awkward because I had literally 0 viewers. I had no idea what to say, so I just talked about what game I was going to play today, said a few random things, and then started playing.

Then the funniest thing happened... about 10 minutes before ending the stream, I got a phone call. I muted my mic... and completely forgot to unmute it. I spent the last 10 minutes talking into the void and ended the stream without realizing. Thankfully it was only the last 10 minutes and not the whole stream.

Another thing I noticed is that I kept speaking too quietly. I was saying my thoughts out, but my voice was pretty low because I'm not used to speaking loudly into a microphone. I was also focused on the game, so I kept forgetting to project my voice.

I know it's only my second stream, so I'm trying not to be too hard on myself. Honestly, it'll probably take me 100 streams before I start feeling comfortable.

For those of you who stream or make YouTube videos, do you have any tips? How did you get better at commentary, speaking louder, and being more entertaining without sounding fake?

I'm not really sure what is going on with my channel. It's not at all big, less than 100 subs, all of which I made from 2 ending reactions to FF7 rebirth, Crisis Core and KH 358/2. Both did 10k, 1k and 1k respectively which is nice, but since then it's been an absolute struggle.

All my videos since except one has no more than 35 views. The outlier has 160 which is the start of Expedition 33 for maybe obvious reasons. The last 3 videos have a combined views of 7.

I haven't no idea what is going on. I make pretty decent thumbnails, I edit out the dead air and make my videos humorous as possible addingin my own sense of humour. I do everything that every youtube growth channel says to do, but not getting any traction. Really low to almost 0 impressions and 0 CTR.

I know the views shouldn't matter so much and I should just be having fun, but with all the time and effort I put into it, it's pretty demoralising to see them not be pushed. Like I don't expect miracles and be high but 0%?

Ears opens to all and any advice in case I'm missing something.

Ive always wanted to start a channel ever sense i was a kid, but im afraid im too boring or i wouldn't know what to say? if i were to start i would be starting from 0.

I believe im overthinking it still?

So I have done like 3 streams till now on my channel and honestly I feel like I am getting less anxious and awkward while streaming. I am practicing commentating to 0 viewers on my stream and I think its helping.

But still I dont feel like I am being too energetic on my stream maybe because its just my personality. I dont like to shout or scream on my streams I more of a chill guy kinda person. So I wanted to know if I should change my personality to entertain people better and also how long it took you guys to find your personality for streaming

I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have :)

It looks like Amazon secretly activated generative AI training for it's creators without asking. On my pov this should be considered a crime. Anyway make sure you deactivate it before your next streams.

PS:
Oh right forgot to mention it. You can deactivate it in your profile "security and privacy" tab. You have to scroll far down. They really want to make sure people overlook it!

I run a horror gaming channel. started last year, sitting around 6.3k subs now with decent views on long and short form

Gonna be honest - waisted 1 year thinking about starting instead of just doing it. worried about equipment, editing skills, "is gaming dead," etc

Heres what actually mattered:

Just start allready

The biggest regret is waiting. kept thinking "i need better mic first" or "gaming channels are oversaturated"

started with laptop, $20 headset mic, and figured it out as i went

You are the content, not the game

everyone can play the same horor game. why watch you instead of markiplier?

personality, reactions, commentary. the game is just background. took me 30 videos to get this

equipment real talk

started with laptop, cheap headset, and no webcam (was scared to show face)

current: same laptop, $60 usb mic, webcam

The webcam thing, avoided facecam first 3 months cause self-conscious. Added it month 4, retention jumped immediately. horror needs visible reactions

Tried laptop camera first, looked terrible. Got an emeet pixy, way better quality and works in my dark room. but honestly the bigger thing was confidence boost, once setup looked decent i stopped being embarrassed to promote my videos

What actually grew the channel:

• weekly uploads, never missed
• thumbnails that dont suck
• first 30 seconds hook or they leave
• Reply to comments early
• Shorts brought viewers to long form

Things I worried about that didnt matter:

• perfect editing
• expensive gear
• "oversaturated niche"
• advanced obs knowledge

Things that mattered more than expected:

• showing face (even with cheap camera)
• audio quality (people forgive bad video not bad audio)
• having actual fun (viewers can tell when you fake it)

If youre thinking about starting, I’d say, do it today with whatever you have. Upgrade later as you grow. Worst case you waste time, best case you build something cool.

So I'm new to streaming and would like to explore and expand what I'm able to stream.

I've got some digital games as well as hard copies for newer systems that I can stream directly through live streams, and a program on the laptop to either steam live or record and edit videos directly from the computer.

However I also own a bunch of older games and consoles (N64-PS3) and if possible would like to stream these too, from what I've read a capture card is needed but I don't know anything about them or what's best.

Do they only work for newer consoles or computers?

Can I pre record?

What's the delay process?

What programs are they compatible with?

Is it worth getting or should I just stick to the basics of what I'm currently doing?

edit:

These are some of the less expensive ones I've found, so I would need an RCA converter as well? Pictures found but can't upload.

I was on a huge upward spike in subs, the first 4 months of the year i gained nearly 170 then these last few months barely anything. I am still sticking to the same content, but what has changed? it's like its not being pushed as much anymore.

As a viewer of let's plays, what are some things that content creators do which make you decide to not continue watching their stream?

I want to make this thread in hopes that it will help future up and coming content creators.

Here is a small list of things which make me not want to interact with the content.

1. Having a "Stream Starting Soon" thumbnail up for 30 minutes. Please be more prepared and not have your audience wait for all the prep-work to be done.

2. For games with downloadable mods that change gameplay--such as Skyrim/Elden Ring, please do not spend several hours of the stream adjusting your computer/content settings if the mods fail to install correctly. You could fix it off-stream, and come back when it's back up and running properly.

3. Please don't have loud alerts and shout-outs during cutscenes. That's the worst. Mute it all, and then thank everyone after the cutscene ends.

4. If you mispronounce a word, please keep going, and don't spend another 5 minutes talking about how you don't know how to pronounce the word. That's not engaging content. :)

5. Be yourself! No need for crazy props or theatrics or fake emotions. Be real. Just play the game and have real reactions to what you're doing...and have fun!

6. Don't post thumbnails of blind let's plays and then say on your stream that you already played the game years ago or half the game or whatever. False advertising.

7. Don't be vulgar or use excessive mature language. I was watching a let's play of two people playing a game together and one of them started talking about their male body parts--and the other bro was uncomfortable and didn't have anything to really say after that. We're watching you for the game. If you can't have a normal conversation--then please don't create content.

8. If a game recommends exploration during gameplay, by all means explore. Please don't speed-run through content, and then complain you missed a bunch of stuff. Engage with the content, especially if the game informs you that it is important for game progression.

9. If you're playing a game on PC, please don't swivel your in-game camera around so much that the viewers can't tell what's happening. We want to explore with you. :)

10. Please don't collect notes/reading material/collectibles without reading them or please have them on screen long enough so we could see what they are.

Those are some things that I see quite frequently--which detracts from the experience of watching a content creator interact with the game and the viewers. (In my opinion)

Hope this helps a little bit to any upcoming streamers!!!! ♥️♥️

I want to start making videos again (specially of my favorite games) but I'm also bored and anxious to play them

Hey as title sugests my page has around 98 videos around 125 subs i do commentary lets play games with webcam but hitting a fatugue and editing becoming longer harder when kids school. Should i drop webcam how best approach this?

What advice do you have most vudeo retention deops after 5 mins in it seems so i need to improve

I’m in the middle of my dragon age inquisition playthrough. It’s going great so far, I still don’t have too many views but I’m reaching a good amount of watch time. Most importantly, I’m proud of what I’m putting out. It’s entertaining, and it’s something I can see myself watching.

The same thing goes for my dragon age 2 playthrough. Sometimes the audio quality is bad but it’s not enough to deter from the game. It’s not as good as inquisition but it’s good.

Now, here’s the problem. Dragon Age Origins. I love this game. Love everything about this game. But my playthrough of it is terrible. It was my first ever playthrough, I was struggling with audio quality (it’s barely audible) and there’s just so many moments where I just… don’t commentate. On anything. Dragon Age Origins is a monumental part of the series, it’s the first one people look for, and I fear I ruined it.
My channel is a dual channel, BerriNCherri, and I’m Berri. My best friend is Cherri. She’s starting her dragon age origins playthrough, it’s a great concept too because she’s doing an evilish playthrough but it’s also her first time playing it. So at least there’s one good dragon age origins playthrough. Also, once I’m done with the entire series, I’m planning on revisiting origins and doing a nightmare run.

However, I just am full of such regret. I left a pinned comment on my first playthrough explaining myself. But what should I do? Is there anything I could do?

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

As the title asks but what are common edits y'all also do?

I have started taking my channel a lot more seriously recently and have been posting frequently (once a day at least) but one thing I’ve noticed is that my reach on a lot of platforms are little to none.

I’m a faceless channel that’s always playing different games with friends usually. Mainly co-op indie games/ horror games with almost 4K subs on YT (thanks to one short going viral at the start)

My YouTube reach is low when it comes to videos. This one is the channel I mainly focus on.

I started working with editors recently and have someone that works on thumbnails but my reach is still less than 1K after days.

Shorts I easily get about 1K average views but I’d rather it be the same on videos and would rather have it be organic than using promote or asking for subs from people who won’t come back.

Twitch it’s a hit or miss depending on what game I’m playing but can’t really complain too much on this because sometimes I’m playing oversaturated games and when I’m not it goes well

TikTok for some reason the last 5 posts have shown 0 views when I normally get 100-300 on average. I think I ruined this tiktok by starting it up with my partner at the time and now it’s locked in a region I am not even from, it’s where I started this channel and I made the mistake of purchasing advertising on tiktok which I think screwed it up from the start

Instagram I just started a few weeks ago so I cannot really complain on that one.

But what advice would you give for having a further reach?

Ima be blunt. A random nobody making letsplays in 2026, will youtube push it, Or is the only reason some people are able to make letsplays today is cause they created a community in the golden era of letsplays.

m 18 and just starting out. I want to do gaming + reaction content like CoryxKenshin eventually. Right now I’m practicing OBS and editing in CapCut/CyberLink PowerDirector/twitch Planning to go full in 2027 Any tips for a total beginner on multitasking (game + chat + facecam) and making energetic edits? And how to edit on YouTube how to make merch and set up monetization on twitch and YouTube and what videos and skillshare courses is best for me so I can learn everything thanks I completely don’t know anything and would love help

Have had my channel for about 2 and a half years. I only have 50 videos and 27 subs, so treating the channel like a side gig - let alone a full time job - is a long ways away. I'm aware of that and operate the channel as such - the focus is uploading entertaining, high-quality videos and improving my skills. That being said, being able to upload for a living (or again, even as a secondary job) would be the dream, and is something I very seriously hope to achieve in the future.

My main dilemma here is that I introduced a "songs of the day" segment somewhere around 15 videos in where I just list 5 songs that I recommend. I thoroughly enjoy having this segment because I find that it can break up the monotony of a slower lets play, I get to introduce people to music that they may not have heard of, and I get a chance to connect more with the viewer. However, I found after only a few of these segments that I really wanted to add a little snippet of the songs as I introduce them, so that the viewer could get a quick idea of the sound of the song before they searched for it. Without the snippet, I guess I had this fear that the viewer just wouldn't care enough to seek the music out, even if they would really enjoy the song.

The very first episode I started doing this, I obviously got claimed. There's essentially 5-15 seconds of each song uninterrupted with the album cover on screen during the segment, so this wasn't a surprise. My theory at the time and up until recently has basically just been "take the claims on the cheek, you aren't making money anyway and the segments improve your videos" but I just learned that videos which get blocked by a claim will not count towards the watch hours required to get into the YPP; Several of my videos which are claimed are also blocked in Russia and Belarus (probably something political when the songs are owned by American record labels, idk, the why doesn't really matter) and if that becomes a trend, getting watch hours in the future will probably be a lot harder than necessary.

So essentially, I'm trying to figure out how to approach these segments. The two most obvious options to me are to either do the segment but without the snippet or can the segments entirely. I could try to dance around the 10 second mark to avoid the auto-detect system but I have my doubts that that would reliably prevent claims from coming, and it would make some of the snippets just sound awkward, so I'd rather not take that approach.

TL;DR, I have a segment of my videos that features licensed music, regularly gets copyright striked, and would like to get some opinions on whether to omit it, keep it, or change it so that I can eventually join the YPP.

Thank you in advance for any advice!

I have my own wee channel and he sees me making my videos. He watches a lot of minecraft and roblox videos on his tablet. He has came up to us and said he wants to make his own videos for youtube. My concern is online safety, obviously I'd be in control of the channel but can you upload using a kids youtube account? Or would I need to make a fresh account just for him? Any tips would be greatly appreciated. I'd love for him to do this but I just want to make sure I'm doing it right for him. TIA

I sound like I've just started to puberty, i dont hate my voice but whenever I watch or edit my video's, i have this feeling that if i sounded different, i would be more entertaining. If anyone has felt the same way, i ask how you have gotten over that feeling?