Starting a gaming channel on YouTube is one of the growing trends in the online world. New and advanced video games are being released from time to time and played by people from all over the world.
Some like to play these games, while others just enjoy watching their favorite gamer playing games.
YouTube gaming is one of the topics that gathers the interest of many users who use the platform. From game walkthroughs to finding some interesting easter eggs in the games, YouTube gaming got videos of all kinds. One of the highest-paid YouTubers has channels based on the gaming niche.
If you want to start your gaming channel in 2021, this guide will help you get detailed knowledge of the equipment you need to make a start-a-youtube-gaming-channel
Let’s get started then!
YouTube gaming setup list
YouTube gaming setup listFollowing is the list of equipment that you need to start your channel and make videos on it
- Gaming PC or Gaming Consoles
- Access to Games
- Screen Capture Software
- Video Recording Device
- Good Quality Microphone
- Green Screen
Find your niche, voice & target categories.
Just like initiating business, the first step in getting your YouTube gaming channel launch is to find your niche that could be based on your interest and likeness towards games.
Keep in mind that people watch YouTube videos for multiple reasons. For example, Youtubers may be thinking of following your channel to learn something. Moreover, YouTube often assists as a resource for gamers to find walkthroughs or guides when they’re stuck on a level or want to enhance their gameplay to boost up the ranks. So finding a niche and targeting proper categories are essential as far as YouTube gaming channel is concerned.
YouTube gaming equipment for beginners
To start generating quality content, you’ll have to invest in some necessary equipment. With the following key tools, you can get up and running in no time.
Gaming PC or Gaming Consoles
If you want to start a YouTube gaming channel, you might need to play a trending or latest game. For this, you will need a gaming computer or a dedicated console, play station, Xbox, e.tc. If you are using a gaming PC, you could purchase games on Steam or Epic Games, e.tc. If you are playing the game on a console, you could play games using CDs or buy games online. The estimated cost of both the computer and gaming consoles varies on the type of games you will play.
Video Recording devices
To start a gaming YouTube channel, you’ll need a good video camera. It doesn’t need to be a $5,000 DLSR camera. Select a camera that can record in 1080p. For example, many gamers use webcams or desk-mounted digital cameras to record themselves. Showing your face to viewers while playing games helps in conveying expression and emotion. You could buy a camera from Amazon based on user reviews, e.tc.
Screen capture software
In addition to the camera that shows you while you commentate. You’ll also require screen capturing software to display the game you’re playing. You’ll want to avoid pointing a camera at your monitor or TV. At the same time, you play because the video quality will be low & there will be some discrepancies between the visual and audio. If you’re playing the game on your PC, all you need to do is install software to record or stream your gameplay.
OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is famous software among YouTube gamers, and it’s free. If you’re playing the game on your console, you’ll likely need to buy a capture card suitable for your console. Capture card allows gamers to capture video signals from the console via HDMI and secure the data. This ensures high-quality recording, which you won’t get by pointing a camera instantly at your TV.
Audio recording devices
In parallel to high-quality screen recordings, clear and quality sound is also essential to ensure that your audience could hear you well. Investing in a durable, reliable microphone, whether it’s a gaming headset or a professional recording mic, is a much-needed gadget for you if you plan on commenting while you play.
Lighting
You don’t need to buy new lighting for your recording purposes, but it’s worth mentioning here. High-quality lighting can create a difference between amateur & professional-looking footage. Recording in a space with natural light or using a light directed at you will stop you from being in the shadows. Plus, good lighting can also make your show more approachable & friendly on camera.
Video Editing software’s
In modern-day content creation, video editing sets you apart from your fellow creators. A well-edited, adequately documented video made using professional video editing tools will help you grow your channel fast.
If the video contains “ahs, uhs, & even long pauses, people will get bored or frustrated, especially for recordings you’ll want to set your videos before publishing them. Roughly, YouTube gamers say it takes nearly twice as long to edit a video as it does to record it. Further, this recording to editing ratio varies based on the category of YouTube gaming video you’re creating.
Green Screen
Using a green screen is by no means necessary for video game streaming, but it can be advantageous & fun. It’s not uncommon for YouTube gamers to play games from their bedroom (especially when initiating a channel for the first time). Simply a green screen will allow you to change your video’s background so that you appear somewhere else entirely, like in the game or hanging out in the space. With a green screen, you can change the screen background to anything you want.
Key steps to start posting content to your YouTube gaming channel
Here are a few key practices to keep in mind when you first start publishing.
Uploading your video to YouTube
To upload a video to your YouTube channel, you will first need a YouTube account. To do this, you have to create a Google account then link that Google account to YouTube. Once you’ve logged into YouTube now, you can upload your videos by pressing the upload arrow button in the top right corner.
Once your video is uploaded to YouTube now, it’s time to focus on the factors that will make your video popular.
Choose appropriate titles & keywords for your YouTube gaming channel
Select an appropriate and catchy title for your YouTube channel. Since you just started your YouTube channel, it’s not a bad idea to check out what others are doing. For example, if you’re going to publish a video of yourself playing a call of duty black ops game with commentary, then you have to see other gaming YouTubers in the same space & learn their strategies.
You can also get an idea from other suggested keywords to use. For hunting some right keywords, you can use the keyword planner tool. There are plenty of free options available and paid versions that offer more details, such as the monthly search volume or competition for any given keyword.
Create custom video thumbnail
Now you need to create an eye-catchy custom image as your video thumbnail. The picture you select to feature as your video thumbnail doesn’t directly affect YouTube’s search algorithm. But it does influence a viewer’s decision to view & click your video. When more people view your video, it’s more likely that the YouTube algorithm will suggest your video to other viewers to watch. As far as creating a video thumbnail is concerned, you have to select an appropriate theme. You could use Canva to create amazing designs for your YouTube channel.
Keep in mind a considerable percentage of YouTube views comes from cell phones, so make sure that your thumbnails are visible & adequately readable. Plus, you can always go back and edit the thumbnail after a video is posted.
What do you need to start a YouTube gaming channel?
If you want to start a YouTube video gaming channel, then you need the desired video game to play. You’ll also require a gaming platform to play on, like a computer or a good console (play station, Xbox, Nintendo, etc.)
Start Gaming Live stream Channel on YouTube
Fast-speed internet and the trend of viewers consuming longer forms of video content lead to the idea of live streaming. Almost every famous gamer on YouTube does live streams of funny games, games premiers, and even playing role play games with their friends that viewers find interesting to watch.
If you want to start your live streaming gaming channel besides other equipment we discussed above, you could use live streaming software to go live on YouTube.
Live streaming is interesting for viewers as it helps the audience interact with the YouTubers via the live comment section. Viewers could also make live donations, and their name is highlighted on the screen!
You could also use this live streaming software’s to broadcast simultaneously on multiple platforms, like on social media, mobile apps, and websites. One of the main benefits of using this live stream software is that it can modify and customize live streams as per your likeness.
Here we enlisted some good live streaming software’s to stream live on YouTube:
- OneStream
- Wirecast
- XSplit Broadcaster
- Streamlabs OBS
- OBS studio
- vMix
- Lightstream
YouTube Gaming Setup for Inspiration
It’s never easy starting out. What kind of content you decided to create lies rely on what resources are available to you. The best way to succeed in this technological era is to do something you are interested in and passionate about.
You will have to experiment with what works and what doesn’t. See what gaming videos get the most views & the least views. Then keep compiling gaming videos like the ones that you are succeeding.
If you are a beginner, it’s better to start with cheap and affordable equipment. If you want some inspiration, you could watch different gaming channels on YouTube. You could take inspiration and ideas, whether it comes to equipment or building a proper gaming setup!
It’s a long road, but it is adventurous. You need grinding until you make it. We hope our Equipment Guide will set a good base for your YouTube channel!
FAQS
How to record gaming videos for YouTube
How to record gaming videos for YouTubeAs we all know, gaming is one of the most significant entertainment sources for most people. In this digitized world, advanced technology has led to the development of game recorders by which you can record the video of your desired game & share it with your friends & viewers on YouTube.
If you are looking for a good screen recorder that permits you to record your gameplay & edit the recorded gameplay video, we will suggest you try Wondershare Demo Creator.
How to start a YouTube gaming channel for free
- First, you have to find your niche, like which game you will play and show to your viewers.
- Try to find ideas for YouTube gaming content.
- Try to attain laser-focused on one video game.
- Keep monitoring your competitor’s progress.
- Never upload a single gaming video without doing the work.
- Try to become an active part of the gaming community.
How to start a gaming YouTube channel?
To start a gaming YouTube channel, you have to make sure that you work on these key elements.
- Find your niche and the type of videos you want to make
- Find relevant tools, like audio, video gadgets, and live streaming software’s for recordings.
- Create your YouTube channel and start posting your Videos
- Promote your gaming videos
What equipment do you need to start a YouTube gaming channel?
The equipment’s you need to start a YouTube gaming channel are:
- PC or gaming console (Xbox, PlayStation)
- Audio recording device (Durable microphone)
- Video recording device (Reliable camera)
- Video Editing software’s
- Good Lighting equipment’s