TLDR;
This video provides key strategies for starting and growing a successful Minecraft gaming YouTube channel. It emphasizes learning from other creators initially, focusing on documenting existing content, and then transitioning to creating original content. The video also highlights the importance of consistent effort, continuous improvement, and understanding that significant growth takes time and persistence.
- Start by replicating successful Minecraft YouTubers to learn the basics.
- Focus on documenting existing content like mods and updates.
- Transition to creating original and entertaining video ideas.
- Continuously improve your content by making each new video better than the last.
- Understand that success takes time, persistence, and hundreds of videos.
Introduction: Starting a Minecraft YouTube Channel [0:00]
Nathan introduces the video as a guide to starting a Minecraft gaming YouTube channel, drawing from his 12 years of experience. He shares his background, including growing the Unspeakable Gaming channel to over 10 million subscribers and Unspeakable Plays to almost 8 million. He notes the popularity of Minecraft content on YouTube, with hundreds of millions of viewers monthly, and mentions that many big YouTubers, including Mr. Beast and PewDiePie, started with Minecraft.
Replicating and Finding Your Style [0:41]
Nathan discusses starting his first Minecraft channel in October 2012 with zero subscribers. His initial strategy involved taking inspiration from other creators by replicating their content, including titles, thumbnails, and intros. He emphasizes that while it may feel like copying, it's a necessary step to develop your own style, which takes time and many videos. He compares this to becoming a chef, starting as a cook who follows recipes before creating original dishes.
Documenting Existing Content [3:31]
Nathan explains the importance of documenting existing content in the early stages. This involves creating videos about Minecraft mods, updates, tutorials, how-to guides, playthroughs, and showcases. He notes that these types of videos often align with what people are searching for, increasing the chances of being discovered. He shares examples such as "Minecraft TNT mod" and videos on Minecraft updates, which provided a foundation for his first 500 video ideas. He also created top five videos, documenting the best parkour maps, minigames, and XP farms.
The Secret to Improvement: Practice and Persistence [5:49]
Nathan addresses the common question of how to improve filming, editing, and thumbnail creation. He reveals that there is no secret, but rather it requires making hundreds or thousands of videos. He emphasizes that creators need to put in the work and that it took him around 400 to 500 videos to get good at these aspects. He acknowledges that this answer may not be what people want to hear, but it is the reality of becoming a successful YouTuber.
The Importance of Time and Consistency [7:24]
Nathan stresses that getting good at YouTube takes time, regardless of the content type. He shares his personal experience of taking 574 videos and 3.5 years to achieve his first million-view video. He advises that if after 575 videos and 3.5 to 4 years you still haven't reached a million views, it might be time to re-evaluate your strategy. He also notes that everyone's growth timeline is different, and consistency is key.
Creating Original Content [9:23]
Nathan discusses the transition from documenting content to creating original video ideas. He explains that while documenting is a good starting point, creating original content is where significant growth and views come from. He provides examples of his original video ideas, such as "Safest Minecraft House" and "Minecraft, But You Only Get One Block," which garnered millions of views. He emphasizes that YouTube is about entertainment, and creating unique content helps build a dedicated audience.
Learning and Improving Through YouTube [12:05]
Nathan shares how he used YouTube to learn new skills, such as installing modifications and building a custom gaming computer. He encourages viewers to use YouTube as a free resource to learn anything they need for their channel, from filming and editing to setting up equipment. He emphasizes the importance of taking the time to learn and implement these skills.
Making Your Last Video Your Competition [12:52]
Nathan introduces a key strategy for continuous improvement: making your last video your competition. This involves identifying three areas for improvement in your most recent video and applying those improvements to your next video. He clarifies that making a better video doesn't necessarily mean spending more money or effort, but rather focusing on specific aspects like music, thumbnails, or intros. He emphasizes that consistent application of this strategy over hundreds or thousands of videos leads to significant growth.
The Momentum of Growth [15:17]
Nathan highlights that YouTube growth is slow initially but builds momentum over time. He shares that it took him 5.5 years to reach one million subscribers, but only 6 months to go from one million to two million. He attributes this to the increasing momentum and faster growth each month. He concludes by encouraging viewers to use the high-level strategies discussed to build their Minecraft YouTube channel, emphasizing the importance of execution, continuous improvement, and a long-term mindset.
