How to Grow Your "Let's Play!"

[@alpenglowup]

Finally a specific question! And a very good answer. :)

[@JustDevon]

With regards to calls to subscribe and all that: I find that if I do it, it's almost always at the end of the video, doing it at the beginning is a good way to put people off. Something I've only tried 3 times, but didn't feel great about, was to do what I've seen others do and mention the % of viewers who aren't subbed. It seemed to work to a degree, but there was a bit of push back about it. Now I only have 22k subs, and I was apprehensive about it and have since stopped doing it because it didn't feel right, despite growth being something I need. When I see guys like Dream doing it in every video with over 6m subscribers, it seems to come across as a bit ungrateful for the success. Maybe it's just me. Side note: Shashwammy has some great insights about topics on this channel. Always looks at things without bias and gives a level headed and well thought out response

[@ivenalanko2462]

dream has 8 mil soon

[@JustDevon]

@@ivenalanko2462 my point exactly

[@ivenalanko2462]

@@JustDevon according to socialblade dream gets 2 mil subs in a monthon avarage

[@imja_]

Dream showing his subscriber statistic and asking for a subscribe is now kind of a meme and a joke too, a part of his brand. May or may not work for others, it's probably better to make your own recurring jokes but sometimes you can reference to others too if it fits you and your audience.

[@JustDevon]

@@imja_ fair enough, I didn't know that

[@lonesomewillyhandful8897]

I think just by loving what you're doing is success enough in its own right.

[@verminousgaming5322]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHaohHxof72oetk

[@SurpriseTea]

This might sound rather depressing, but I believe there is no solid answer to "how to be a successful youtuber". If there would be one, then *everyone* would have successful channels, which is impossible. There is no "recipe" on how to cook a youtube channel. Also, it's a hard competition. And as in any competition, some contestants just _have_ to lose. On the other hand, you can't win a lottery without buying a ticket - it's _necessary_ to do your best if you want to become a successful youtuber, but usually not _sufficient_

[@imja_]

this is a very good comment

[@user-fh1pu9os7n]

True, there is always going to be someone who cant make it.

[@themapl3791]

Two people make the same quality content, a lot of the time one will fail. That’s just how it works

[@Visengrad]

Hey! I know your channel, I saw your stuff about mob switches and possible future updates :)

[@jun1verze]

This is a good wisdom.

[@Artorvian]

My let's play series, currently, is 100% for fun and relaxing. Because I only get 50-100 views per LP, I'm not bothered about being noticed - that will change with my channel. If I'm close to a milestone, and I'm excited about reaching it, I'll post a tutorial, or something similar, but if I'm burnt out, and need something to fall back on, a LP is a great thing to have! But at the same time, I still would like to get my LP noticed. I still try to make my thumbnails stand out, and I make sure my tags are on point, and I make sure my title has something that people will search for - that's just not my *main* motive.

[@Artorvian]

Also, two things I've found, both to do with motivation and growth. Firstly, working with other creators helps a lot. SMPs are really helpful to begin with, and if you join one and don't collab, you're not going to succeed as much. You can also piggy-back off other creators to get video ideas and vice versa, which helps you produce more content and still stay motivated. Secondly, having a second channel is also a good idea. You could post livestream replays or even something completely different. If you pop in a brief advertisement of your main channel and a video does well, you might gain a sub or two. I've been posting content of a completely different nature, and it also keeps me motivated, meaning I can fall back on it if I get bored of Minecraft

[@JaydenDeppMusic]

I have plans to make a Livestream Let’s Play on LPM2 in September, I hope it goes well since it’s your amazing server and I love playing on it. :D

[@Slushee]

The comment about the SEO is very true! I do 3D printing content, and the thing that brings more traffic are searches. I think they make around 62% of traffic. Specially, it's the compliant mechanisms. There are very little videos about them, but the demand for them is big, so if you really optimize the title, description and tags for the seearch engine, you're going to come up on top. And if the thumbnail is good, you're guaranteed to have clicks on it!

[@tachyonicnewt2473]

This was a great answer, thanks Xisuma When I grow my world I will focus more on what is different about the world and community. (Big beautiful builds with hidden functional)(monthly’ish’ tournaments).

[@PhoenixIncPi]

I think the biggest problem I have with making LP videos is definitely the amount of time it takes to make a single episode; with all the work I have IRL, it's hard to make consistent videos... So I just prioritize quality over quantity, though I'm pretty sure that the KZbin algorithm actually does promote channels that upload consistently more.

[@Monleno]

Just in case you're still wondering the algorithm is based on clicks, and how long they watch the video. So posting consistently is no issue as long as you figure out how to get dragged by the algorithm, a couple popular minecraft youtubers already figured things out like this, as well as KZbin shorts 🤞🏽

[@Monleno]

I recommend just looking at what people are into and figuring out how to add your own twist, making good thumbnails *figuring out ways to make good thumbnails and titles without cringe clickbait*

[@wiiztec]

What do you mean? it just takes the length of the episode

[@broski7792]

Definitely agree with the idea of mentioning you have an upcoming video, rather than asking for subscribers. As a viewer, i have subscribed to many channels on the first of their videos, because they said something along the lines of "a follow up to this video is coming in a few weeks". Another good idea, it to inform the viewer of your older videos. If the viewer has time to binge watch a few older videos after watching the first one they come across, they're more likely to subscribe.

[@hiimz]

Hmm, X posted this right when I start a new Let's Play series... is this a sign? Lol

[@leovaldez6280]

Good luck

[@mythicalleo877]

You do you dude all the very best.👍🏽

[@Emailminecraft]

I just remembered about you hiimz while watching this video. I remember you're awesome lets plays and builds. 3 years later and here's a comment from you. Wishing you lots of luck in the future if you see this

[@Deathdealer]

Fantastic tips X! As someone who does a lot of Let's Play content I completely agree with your points. It is very difficult to grow a Let's Play on it's own in this day and age due to how saturated this niche is. In order to stand out as you said you need to do some other sort of content along side it. Personally I do Minecraft tutorials every so often and they pull in a lot of views and also subscribers. I also title and record my Let's Play videos in such a way that they could also be considered as tutorials. By doing so this has lead to over 40% of my traffic coming from KZbin search with 28% coming from external sites such as KZbin since I rank my keywords and reddit since I share videos quite a bit there. Another metric that should be considered to grow is watchtime. If a video gets more watchtime it will be recommended more often. This is why creating playlists of content that goes together really helps in terms of getting watchtime. I have a dedicated section on my channel for new potential subscribers to watch tutorials and I have set one of my tutorials as my channel trailer. If anyone wants any insight in to growth let me know. I'd be happy to assist anyone that I can.

[@TruzzleBruh]

LP Videos are so hard to make and keep consistent views. You should 100% have them near an ingame update like the nether update. Also i think im the first comment lmfao. Edit: So hard to make as in to grow from or get people watching

[@NickelNassif11]

Truzzle what I do is make every video a completely different theme instead of a million random things bc if people search for example how to make paths look prettier, I have a specific episode on it that could help someone out without it being a direct tutorial

[@aritrobhaumik563]

@@NickelNassif11 I get no subs😭 SMReith gaming is ma vhanell proff

[@onionbot2]

I noticed that the channel turned one yesterday! happy birthday xisumasays!

[@FoxBoi69]

7:30 you know how to put thumbnails together quickly. I know too. I saw it on twitter. Just scribble a ruff outline of the most important stuff, put it in a bathtub that th3pooka uses and it is done xD

[@verminousgaming5322]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHaohHxof72oetk

[@chiefdvm1671]

This was a really good topic to listen to X.... With hearing this you understand that youtube is a really tough job. You don't know which of your videos will go viral. And even if you do, you will only know when you are a veteran at youtube just like you. You know what kind of audience gets attracted to your videos. You try to mentain a balance between quality and quantity(still more affinity towards quality).

[@jpiii6051]

Hi, X. I know your Hermitcraft vids, and love this series. Dont normally comment but have to say keep up the good work!

[@hexagonalchaos]

this is really helpful, as someone with one year of experience on KZbin I would suggest just doing your best thank your viewers for support find the things you do best and the things you enjoy just make as much stuff you enjoy making as possible and something might work, KZbin is very hit or miss, so just do stuff you like and hope for the best.

[@beyond_xen]

Thank you! That was a good take on the call to action part.

[@jacudoloko]

very true what you said, I remember watching your channel for years, and only when I started watching hermitcraft I notice that I never subscribed, I never understand that until now

[@kabitabanerjee3733]

X is the best guy to go to when you need some advice and i have a minecraft YT channel and his advice gave me a lot of ideas. Thanks Xisuma

[@eaglesoar1188]

Thank you Xisuma. This video has given me some things to think about when it comes to the content I make on my channel.

[@SuperSideKian]

This is indefinitely more helpful than those self-help KZbin channels because you have the experience in the niche. Thank you, X! Have a good day

[@mrakoslav7057]

I started a somewhat unique playtrough but also, its hard to stay motivated when editing without feedback

[@matthewparker9276]

Yeah, I find the same thing. Without the feedback from the last video it can be hard to find the drive to improve on what you have and make better content.

[@imja_]

I'll check them out later, the idea really is somehow unique even though I have seen other people doing that too but not too many. I also want to check out your learning Unity in 3 days video! :D

[@skippytheraket]

Really great insight Xisuma! It is very true, even for hermitcraft itself; I personally don't watch EVERY single video from every hermit because like you said, the let's play series is too saturated + consuming too much time if for instance, a person watches every single hermit, so yeah! Thanks for ur advice :))

[@neon8406]

I was just about to start a let’s play this is exactly what I needed!

[@tripyplayz3530]

Personally i think the best way to bring attention to a small minecraft channel is making something - farm, contraption that gets noticed and used by big KZbinrs like you or mumbo or etho

[@SunnySevMC]

I tried doing a let's play but it wasn't going so well and I just prefer smps over singleplayer. It took me ages to find an smp where we could make our own "hermitcraft". :) But it is possible.

[@imja_]

[@SunnySevMC]

A friend of mine recently was invited so I asked her if she could help me get in too and she did. It's always good to have friends in the youtube community. :)

[@imja_]

@@SunnySevMC yeah ^.^

[@SeEun333]

Omg same I'm doing let's play of my sims series and no ones watching it except one other person

[@scaredyouare]

Thanks for this. I have recently started a new let’s play, and I was wandering how to grow it.

[@SurpriseTea]

It could help to view the terms "supply" and "demand" more literally - think of what _problems_ your videos are trying to solve. People usually search for _solutions_ of their problems, and they probably already have their source of entertainment. HermitCraft alone produces far more Let's Play content than most people could ever consume.

[@verminousgaming5322]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHaohHxof72oetk

[@EQOAnostalgia]

@Official Gamer LAD Yeah idk why this person thinks they have it all pinned down or something. If you make consistently good content, they will come. You don't have to be a megastar with 2.2mil subs and 1.5b views dude... most people are happy with a steady 2-5k views per. I had a solid income from this site and had a lot of fun doing it from around 2011-2015. I still upload very rarely and can bring in north of 10k views if i try, which i proved to myself with my "PS2 Online Games are Coming Back" after driving off like half my sub base preaching on Jesus. I regret nothing. I could have kept chasing what the algo assigned to me, which if you check my content was Guide videos and "What is?" series of MMORPG's and upcoming video games. I didn't want to do that, i could have, but my point is i DID have a window to blow up over here, a very large one actually and i ignored it and chose a different path. It wasn't THAT hard to open that window. Find what the algo likes, slam that click through rate, and hello success!!!

[@willehthepenguin8130]

*finally, some good frikken questions* But at 3:45 I’m a little hopeless. My channel is so small I don’t even know if I make good content because no one has told me lol

[@hiimz]

I get the "make other videos to get eyes on your let's play" but if I only want to do Let's Plays then how would this work? Hmm, maybe just innovate the Let's Play.

[@imja_]

This is a very good question/a thing to think about.

[@hiimz]

@@imja_ very true :)

[@CrazyQuilman157]

I mean, my best video is me playing the board game Mouse Trap...in a room...by myself.

[@CitrusThings]

Aw man, I've been doing it backwards Been trying to use Minecraft let's plays to Jumpstart somewhat-variety content! Good thing I bought Fall Guys!

[@imja_]

oh yeah! I had this in mind too, I wanted to start a Let's Play so I can at some point start to use it only as a background and do xisumasays or ibxtoycat style of "talk shows" and also I have hopes of getting into a youtube/stream SMP because I would love to play with dedicated people. I think I had an illusion that Let's Play would be a good way to start because so many youtubers who I like have started with them - but that was 7-10 years ago so youtube was different then!

[@childragon8656]

what does fall guys have to do with any of this

[@ChirpyMisha]

Perfect timing! I will try to apply these tips! Thanks X😘

[@Tycubecrafter]

I needed this advice so much. Thanks X!

[@flotsam3603]

I've been wanting to make videos for a long time so I recorded a few and started to learn about editing. My problem is my lack of confidence. I see other peoples videos and think mine are no good so I don't upload them. I've even deleted a bunch of my recordings. I had the same issue when I started streaming. I would set everything up then never hit the go live button. This went on for months before I got the nerve to hit it. I've gotten better with the streaming anxiety though. For those who are going to ask "then why do it", because I think it's important to do stuff that makes you uncomfortable sometimes. I would regret not trying, It's how we get stronger.

[@flotsam3603]

Xisuma, you always get me fired up and make me want to do better though.

[@WeebiDash]

Even if you think the videos terrible, you should still upload it! The KZbin algorithm loves constant uploads, and even if it is terrible, at least when you become famous you’ll have a reaction video on your hands.

[@Redd-Rabbit]

I feel the same way a lot, I am a starter channel too and Im not bad at games I can just fall into this rut of talking about what I'm doing in the moment and only that. I hope with time and more experience doing this that my true personality for this will begin to emerge. For now Im learning the ropes and will continue to upload, I just wanted to wish you luck and give you a sub.

[@cimarronMC]

Thanks man. I've been trying to get a nice channel going as a hobby, been doing a letsplay world. I do it not for money or subs but so I can maybe entertain others and maybe make them feel better. I would like to grow my channel but I'm having fun doing it and its a nice hobby to so when I have the time. I watch other videos and I try to think of what ways I can be different. I want to being back the old format of videos

[@TheEyeofMobius]

I like your advice on this. I prefer creators to not bludgeon me with "subscribe!" and the like. It causes me to tune out the video and forget why I wanted to even watch...not very engaging. I ended up blocking a popular minecrafter recently who after completing their intro jumped into accusing the audience of being mostly non-subscribers...good builder but...hard pass on the attitude.

[@rawrice6187]

Thank you. I started my own series recently (not trying to plug) but i get barely any views and havent gotten any new subs... its pretty disappointing but its nice to get this kind of advice.

[@TheHermitBrick]

I am making hermitcraft stop motion videos, and they’re getting much more views than I got on my old channel. I have like 460 subs now in 4 weeks. The reddit and stuff is a really good place to get some initial attention, and now I have got 6k views on a video from the algorithm. I did a bit of research on algorithm and growing and such, and I’d have loved to have this video when I was doing research, no 10 minute videos just for a thing you have told me in 20 seconds. Grains how to grow on KZbin video really helped me too, it are just those honest videos of people that actually know stuff that helps. Tysm for the content X!

[@verminousgaming5322]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHaohHxof72oetk

[@dylandillpickle7734]

Hey, I liked the video, there is some good advice and it's just good in general

[@knockout7833]

Ty for these words!

[@jonnyrocket6171]

I do my LP called RocketCraft and made big, extravagant builds that take many hours to create. Does that help in any way?

[@GlennSkywalker2305]

I’m do a single player LP

[@tachyonicnewt2473]

This is similar to what I do Our storage system in progress is a 64 by 64 hole Also cool ocean base

[@imja_]

To me, you just saying that you have cool builds doesn't sound super interesting, but if you have good thumbnails with those cool builds/parts of those cool builds in it that will probably make people to click the videos too. edit: I checked out your thumbnails and they weren't mostly very interesting to me (as a person who is more interested in cool builds than bed wars) except the Rocket Craft season 2??? - thumbnail what was really cool, would click that! :) So if you want to advertise your builds, make them look like it. : )

[@deltamico]

@@imja_ can not say anything else than yes

[@DreamSheezo]

We have an LP server and I tried to grow my channel in the begging and it was working a little bit when i was promoting it. But it was a lot of work to promote and now i just post videos because the people on the server are just cool. I don't rly care any more for subscribers I do it for the fun and the videos are way more cooler this way .

[@ironhoney4888]

Love ur vids x keep up the good work

[@feathersparrots1456]

Xisuma's clever way of catching subscribers

[@djmc9951]

Realy cool video even if I don't make videos, I realy enjoyed that. Keep up the good work.

[@sptheeman25]

When people start you and see people as successful as X it looks easy but is really difficult e.g golf looks easy and I play it and it is one of the hardest things i have ever done

[@thesegachannel]

Good to know

[@Hyp3rMango]

Wow thx sooo helpful!

[@gemston3oldchannel136]

This will help with my KZbin :3

[@redzetsu755]

man thanks

[@hielum1337]

thx!

[@richard.mcadam]

i have no idea why I watch this video... i have no interest or plans on making content. still was interesting so thanks for the vid X

[@ItsRetrac]

Hey Xisuma, did you ever consider uploading the audio of the xisumasays-channel as such on spotify or something simular, so one could listen to it on the go (without YT-Premium)? I know you dont want to do a Podcast but maybe that could be an low effort alternative without much added work. For me personally it would be very helpfull. Just a sugestion though :)

[@ethernel-8-336]

What is the reason for having three different chanels? Is it necessary to split if you post replays of twitch streams? I would of thought that having all in one organised chanel would be more profitable but does not seem so. Someone could explain me this?

[@RyDaCol]

Bro I miss when we called them Let's Play

[@GlennSkywalker2305]

I’m currently doing a let’s play and I’m on ep 3 gonna uploads 4

[@gemston3oldchannel136]

Good job 👍

[@gemston3oldchannel136]

I hope u get big

[@GlennSkywalker2305]

GemstoneInfinite yea my most veiws video is actually a leak from a game that hasn’t come yet

[@gemston3oldchannel136]

Glennplays_ 2305 cool

[@hithere-oi8vu]

I probably wont make any lets plays but still good info if i do so

[@kingwolf468]

I struggle with getting stuff done when I do any KZbin series. I start out with this glorious vision, but it takes so long to do that I inevitably get bored and loose the vision. Do you have any advice to help me with this.

[@funkysaltacc1796]

Thanks that will help

[@tunamc5759]

Definitely hard to keep motivation

[@calebnagos2558]

Hi xisuma my name is Caleb Nagos and I was wondering how did you grow your channel because I’m a small youtuber and I was looking for some advice since your videos are really good

[@AngryK9]

I could ask you lots of specific questions about content creation, but there aren't enough hours in the day :P

[@metadragon7500]

Do we have this as a podcast?

[@EpicVideoGamer7771]

Please talk about how we can save community captions!!! This is the video I watched on it. More details here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHTbq2WiiMqYqJY

[@skripler]

making it 2k likes

[@jjkthebest]

I think the call to like is often necessary. I can't tell you how many times I would've forgot liking your hermitcraft videos if you hadn't told me. Of course it's always better to phrase it like "if you liked this video, don't forget to hit the like button" or something along those lines. The whole "please subscribe and hit the notification bell" thing annoys me. I can get behind saying "Subscribe if you want to see more of me" but that's it. I'll never hit the notification bell because I'll go ahead and watch videos when it suits me, not the moment they're uploaded. And saying "subscribe to me" without the if clause just sounds so entitled. I'll go ahead and decide which channels I want to subscribe to.

[@Rolend666]

I hate KZbinrs that spam: like the video, subscribe and activate the bell, especially in the beginning of the video. Come on, I don't even know who you are and I should subscribe?

[@imja_]

I never like the video until the end, I want to know if it's actually good!

[@trollwholivesu7258]

I think focusing on 1 game, or the same aspect of 1 game, instead of posting content on 1, 2, 3, or more games is one of the best ways to get people to stay subscribed. If someone sees to many videos that theyre not interested in, theyre going to unsubscribe. And I think this doesn’t only apply to gaming channels. However, if you do love making content on multiple games, a second channel could be the thing for you.

[@mooshroomstudios4599]

why is it so pixelated

[@FoxBoi69]

I am writing this on a throwaway type account but i have a channel with 0 subs and i have set a goal to never ask for likes or subs or anything. I am not even telling you the name of it here. It is properbly stupid if i want to earn some extra money with yt but i wouldn‘t feel comfortable doing such things. If i had a bigger channel i‘d set up patreon and put a link in the description but just never mention it for the same reason

[@imja_]

Good luck to your project! : )

[@FoxBoi69]

imja tank you

[@dapandamau5]

sorry but i cant take tips from someone who doesn't use vsts to eliminate mouse clicks that prominent

[@soccera3072]

Hi XISUMA

[@gemston3oldchannel136]

I thought u where Mumbo for like 2 seconds because I didn’t read your name lmao

[@soccera3072]

GemstoneInfinite LOL

[@qarms3145]

I just made a video recently, and it has got 8 views😅 Maybe that video will help

[@grahamr2809]

I think I'd be less likely to subscribe to a channel who asks for a like and subscription than one that doesn't, as i know they care about the content they make, not just growing on youtube.

[@PaleGhost69]

Step 1: Play. Step 2: Repeat.

[@TheZiiFamily]

Ya overly asking for subscribers or likes is not something i like to watch and sit through every video, not to point fingers at those who do it (and i dont have enough fingers anyway) but id imagine its not good for small channels

[@charlieanderson5490]

Cpt sparkles subs are irrelevant he’s got 10 mil subs but only gets 100k views

[@OnlyOneDarjainAndTommyTheEye]

tsrif

[@harrison4709]

Chewturials

[@semiotxt]

hi

[@ruincop6465]

hi

[@ultimatedude5686]

Lotta clickbait

[@UNIMrFrog]

Hi

[@rupabaul3348]

Hello