How to Start a Gaming Channel in 2026

GET AN EXCLUSIVE vidIQ DISCOUNT HERE 👉 https://link.vidiq.com/DTZb0eS Thanks to @AustinJohnPlays for sharing his time and advice! @GameTheory says "Let's Plays are dead" https://youtu.be/zRCMtpzV2m8?si=NiERiOmEOUHE5HxU Starting a new gaming channel (or any YouTube channel) is never easy. Fortunately for gaming channels, there is a universally fun element to it, in that you get to PLAY video games on the internet. The thing is though, actually *playing* the games is probably the thing that takes most successful gaming creators the least amount of time in their production process... Whether you're starting a new gaming channel in 2026, or you're hoping 2026 is the year your gaming channel finally takes off, you're in the right place. This year's edition of my "how to start a gaming channel" series looks to correct some of the outdated advice you've been hearing for years. This video's goal isn't to focus on the best titles or deep dive analytics. Instead, I'll be going over the various types of gaming channels that exist on YouTube and what makes each one successful. By the time you're done watching this video, you should have a clear understanding of "category" your gaming channel is in, as well as what "niching down" REALLY means in 2026 on YouTube. ⏱️⏱️VIDEO CHAPTERS⏱️⏱️ 0:00 How to start a gaming channel in 2026 2:19 How to start a let's play channel in 2026 4:06 How to grow your live stream in 2026 6:47 Gaming videos have CHANGED in 2026 8:57 How to start a "news, reviews and guides" gaming channel in 2026 12:15 Advice from Austin John Plays on starting a new gaming channel 14:15 The fastest growing gaming niche on YouTube 🔔 Subscribe for more tips just like this🔔 https://www.youtube.com/vidiq?sub_confirmation=1 💡What are those lights in the background?💡 https://geni.us/goveeglidelights - (Yes this is an affiliate link!) CONNECT WITH US! ======================================== https://www.facebook.com/groups/vidiq/ https://twitter.com/vidIQ https://www.instagram.com/vidiq/ https://discord.gg/g4HMeFe https://www.tiktok.com/@vidiq.tiktok ======================================== vidIQ CUSTOMER SUPPORT: support@vidIQ.com ======================================== #moresubscribers2025 #moreviews2025 #GrowYourChannel