JUMP START Your VTuber Channel in 2026- A Guide on Growth☆

[00:00] Stop browsing

[00:01] VTubing servers,

[00:02] subreddits,

[00:03] and online communities for the answer.

[00:05] These places are

[00:06] stunting

[00:07] your

[00:07] growth.

[00:08] You see, I've been gaining more traction after learning these tips

[00:11] from creators outside of VTubing.

[00:13] So today,

[00:13] I'm going to clear up misconception about growth,

[00:16] teach you the basics of content creation,

[00:18] and create a tangible direction for your VTubing career.

[00:20] We will mostly cover VTubing on YouTube

[00:23] and information in this video can be applied to other social medias.

[00:26] Let's get started.

[00:27] First thing first,

[00:28] stop blaming luck

[00:30] for your slow growth.

[00:31] I see this so often where people ask for advice

[00:33] and it's followed by

[00:35] "The algorithm hates me."

[00:36] "The algorithm sucks."

[00:38] "The algorithm won't push my video"

[00:39] Yada yada yada

[00:40] Zip it.

[00:41] Zip it zip it zip it. I don't want to hear it.

[00:42] The problem is that

[00:44] these creators give up agency of their own success to outside factors.

[00:48] The only thing that holds anyone back

[00:50] is a gap in knowledge about content that people actually want to watch.

[00:53] According to YouTube Liason,

[00:56] the official link between the platform and creators,

[00:59] YouTube has gotten really good at recommending videos to the right audience.

[01:02] In the past, videos were pushed out based on likes, view counts, and comments

[01:06] which led to random clickbait video going viral.

[01:09] Nowadays,

[01:10] these aren't the most important factor in recommending a video.

[01:13] Our home feed shows big and small videos because two major factors matter now:

[01:17] Watch time and satisfaction.

[01:20] When a viewer watches a video all the way through,

[01:22] it tells the algorithm that the video is real interesting.

[01:24] What if you watch a video out of curiosity

[01:26] and end up disliking it?

[01:28] Well that video goes through more checks.

[01:30] Are they returning viewers?

[01:31] Are your videos keeping people on the platform longer?

[01:34] Occasionally, you'll see surveys like this on screen as well. . .

[01:37] though I've been informed that this feature is not universal.

[01:40] This is all set up in a way so that the audience can feel good about what they watch

[01:43] and in turn associate good things with the platform.

[01:46] When I uploaded my first video on this channel, I thought it was a flop.

[01:50] For about 45 days, nothing really happened.

[01:52] But during that time, YouTube was quietly testing it with different audiences.

[01:56] All of a sudden, it started pouring in the views.

[01:58] Don't lose hope if your content doesn't take off right away.

[02:01] Sometimes, it just needs a bit more testing to get the right viewers.

[02:04] In the end, the algorithm isn't some mysterious beast.

[02:07] It's really all about your audience.

[02:09] If you shift your focus from trying to please the algorithm

[02:12] to actually engaging with your audience,

[02:14] you'll have a much better chance at success.

[02:16] Remember,

[02:17] the algorithm is a just a reflection of how well your content resonate with the people watching it.

[02:23] Let's talk about different types of video format on YouTube.

[02:26] The truth is

[02:28] YouTube livestreams are the awkward middle child between videos and shorts.

[02:31] Livestreaming was originally created to compete with Twitch,

[02:34] but as time went on

[02:36] TikTok became a bigger threat to the platform.

[02:39] Like many of you, I started streaming because that's what all the big VTubers are doing.

[02:44] When it comes to choosing among livestreams, shorts, and videos

[02:47] it's better to focus on 2 of the 3 media

[02:49] *especially* if you're an indie VTuber.

[02:51] Try out each one to see what you like or dislike.

[02:53] This way you can avoid burnout and really focus on making quality content.

[02:59] This is the most important part of the video.

[03:01] I spent countless hours researching what content goes viral

[03:04] and honestly, it's not that complicated.

[03:07] It's all about packaging your interest in a way that's appeal to others.

[03:11] YouTube is moving towards valuing quality videos more.

[03:14] You don't need to crank out five videos a week,

[03:16] you could just make one good video every few weeks.

[03:18] Doesn't that sound better?

[03:20] One of the coolest channel I've come across is called Lines in Motion.

[03:24] They've only made about 30 videos in four years

[03:26] and they usually post a new video every three months.

[03:29] Even though they don't upload often,

[03:31] each video is packed with great info and amazing editing

[03:35] that leaves you feeling...

[03:36] satisfied.

[03:37] In the bigger picture, you probably won't be the next Lines in Motion right away.

[03:41] Their video shows mastery of skills that many of us are still learning (myself included).

[03:45] Instead of trying to make five videos a week or one video every six months,

[03:49] find a rhythm where you can create a few videos every 30 days.

[03:53] That way, you'll get better with each upload while staying consistent with the feedback.

[03:57] As an indie VTuber, you're just one person.

[04:00] Channels that put out a lot of long form videos alongside streams or shorts

[04:04] usually have a team behind them.

[04:06] I often see new VTubers mistakenly try to copy the release schedule of bigger VTubers.

[04:12] It's just not possible.

[04:13] So what makes content "quality"?

[04:16] The key to quality content is less about your editing skills,

[04:19] and moreso understanding that your audience wants something that

[04:22] fulfills a need or brings value to their lilfe.

[04:25] Here are some common categories that help channel grow

[04:28] while providing value to these viewers.

[04:30] Entertainment.

[04:31] This is the most common category for VTubers.

[04:34] It requires a good level of charisma and humor to attract viewers.

[04:37] If you're good at storytelling, you can also excel in this route too.

[04:40] Education.

[04:42] If you have a subject or topic you're interested in teaching others,

[04:45] like art, science, or even something niche,

[04:47] this type of video is recommended.

[04:49] Transformative.

[04:50] This type of video changes someone's outlook or idea about something.

[04:54] Common examples are video essays often focusing on topics like

[04:58] motivation, relationships, health, or relatability.

[05:02] This is often why fanart and song covers tend to do better than original content.

[05:07] The idea that it takes on a new form of what you're already familiar with.

[05:12] These are rather broad category, and I will cover some more later on in the video,

[05:15] but these are going to be what you'll find a lot of videos to fall under.

[05:19] When you're deciding between niche and variety,

[05:22] think of it like a sliding scale.

[05:24] Focusing on niche can bring in more views,

[05:27] while variety gives you more freedom.

[05:29] Most creators burnout by sticking to one type of content,

[05:33] and other creators get frustrated when they try too many things and don't see growth.

[05:37] Instead of going to either extremes,

[05:39] you need to find a balance that lets you grow,

[05:41] but gives you enough flexibility to change your content when you want to.

[05:45] Many years ago, I was looking for a tutorial for a note taking program called "Obsidian."

[05:50] This one video I came across had more than 100,000 views.

[05:54] It had information I needed when suddenly. . .

[05:57] there was a VTuber on screen!

[05:59] John Mavrick is an example of a VTuber

[06:01] that niched himself quite well around a single note taking app.

[06:05] Each of his video has pretty significant views

[06:07] with his top video having 400,000 views all together.

[06:10] Many VTubers are NOT going to be John Maverick,

[06:13] but it is a potential path for some.

[06:15] More likely than not, you're going to be someone like S.S. Isa.

[06:19] She has song covers, ASMR, memes, variety. . .you name it.

[06:23] The best scenario is when you become the main reason people watch your content.

[06:28] When YOU become the niche they're interested in.

[06:30] Variety is a valid means of growth,

[06:32] but you have to grow INTO the brand and personality for it.

[06:34] That's just the truth.

[06:36] That doesn't mean you have to be extroverted or loud--

[06:38] It's just entertaining.

[06:40] Navigating the balance between sticking to a niche

[06:42] and branching out can be tricky.

[06:44] Think of your content growth as moving both up and out

[06:47] Let's say you start by making videos about Genshin Impact guides.

[06:51] You can grow a lot by focusing on just that,

[06:53] but if you start feeling bored you might want to branch out a bit.

[06:57] Instead of guides, you could just make videos about Genshin lore,

[07:00] maybe make videos on analysis,

[07:02] damage showcases, or updates.

[07:03] However, if you're thinking about completely switching gears,

[07:07] like moving from Genshin to Valorant,

[07:10] that could be risky.

[07:11] Your current audience might not be interested in Valorant,

[07:14] and it'll take time to build a new audience.

[07:16] As you shift your focus,

[07:17] you'll likely still keep some of the original audience while attracting new viewers.

[07:21] This is the sort of difficulty you'll start to encounter as you grow larger in size.

[07:26] Have you ever wondered how some YouTube videos keep bringing in views

[07:29] months or even years after they're posted?

[07:32] Creating evergreen content is the key to building a YouTube channel that grows on autopilot.

[07:37] They're a type of video that stays useful and interesting no matter when people watch it.

[07:42] So rather than focusing on explosive, viral videos

[07:45] Creating content that steadily grows is more consistent and achievable for many of us.

[07:50] To create videos that stay relevant,

[07:52] focus on topics that have long term relevancy.

[07:55] This are going to be tutorials,

[07:57] educational materials,

[07:58] song covers,

[08:00] video essays,

[08:01] ASMR sleep aids,

[08:02] exercise videos. . .

[08:04] just to name a few.

[08:05] By sticking to video topics that don't change very much,

[08:08] your videos will continue to be useful to viewers long into the future.

[08:11] The opposite of evergreen content is trends.

[08:14] These are going to be memes, flavor of the month games, news, or updates.

[08:18] There are VTubers who can grow and take advantage of these trends,

[08:21] but the timeframe for their relevancy is going to be a lot smaller.

[08:24] So, they're sort of forced to push content more often.

[08:27] Although I encourage creating evergreen content,

[08:29] you can also mix evergreen content with current trends for even better results.

[08:33] This approach can attract more viewers,

[08:35] while still providing timeless value on some of your other videos

[08:38] creating a feedback loop for all your channel.

[08:42] With all things considered,

[08:44] content creation can be overwhelming for first time creators.

[08:47] To give a bit more direction for your channel,

[08:49] I suggest grabbing a pen and paper for the last part of the video.

[08:53] At the top of the page,

[08:54] Write down no more than five inspirations for your channel.

[08:57] I wholeheartedly believe that if you want to succeed as a VTuber,

[09:01] at least one of them has to be a non-VTuber.

[09:05] The best VTubers come from those who innovate outside of VTubing

[09:08] rather than following the formula to a T.

[09:10] Next to your inspiration,

[09:12] write down your "unfair advantages"--

[09:15] The kind of skills or knowledge that you uniquely possess over most people.

[09:19] To those of you who don't think they have anything,

[09:21] You most definitely do.

[09:22] Image you're at your grocery store.

[09:24] You 100% do have the skills and knowledge

[09:27] on something over 90% of people there don't have.

[09:30] You can add things you're obsessed with like specific games, tv shows, or genre of music (among other things).

[09:35] These are going to be the foundation for your channel.

[09:38] If you like a particular game,

[09:40] think about expanding beyond pure gameplay footage.

[09:43] Try to really thing about creative ways to repackage your video.

[09:46] If, for example, you wrote down League of Legends,

[09:48] maybe you can make tutorials,

[09:50] challenge videos,

[09:51] breakdown guides,

[09:52] commentate over the history of League of Legends,

[09:55] maybe interviews too.

[09:57] Lastly,

[09:58] create a one year plan for yourself.

[10:01] You can toss a random number for your sub count, but...

[10:04] that doesn't really matter as much as the next part of it.

[10:07] Write goals that are achievable and based on factors you can control.

[10:12] If you don't feel like you can make merch within the next year

[10:14] because you lack the art skills, funds, or knowledge, then disregard it.

[10:17] HOWEVER.

[10:19] If you're willing to be the kind of person that is

[10:21] willing to learn or build the skills or get funding for it--

[10:24] then write it down.

[10:26] One of the most consistent thing about my one year plan so far

[10:29] has been putting forth unique and interesting streams.

[10:32] I'm just a regular VTuber much like you.

[10:34] Heck, I put together a Hot Ones Interview with myself

[10:37] using google image and photoshop.

[10:39] Nothing too crazy.

[10:41] These three questions will help guide your vision in your VTubing journey.

[10:44] When you get lost or don't know what to do,

[10:47] look to these ideas as a source of inspiration.

[10:50] At the core of content creation,

[10:52] Things. Take. Time.

[10:54] If you're truly starting out for the first time,

[10:56] try many things and learn lots of things.

[10:59] To succeed on YouTube,

[11:00] you have to take these concepts and prepare to learn and improve your video making skills as well.

[11:05] This is only the start.

[11:07] If you need help making your VTuber model, check out these videos here for more information.

[11:11] Feel free to support me by subscribing to my channel

[11:13] or checking out my livestreams here on YouTube.

[11:16] Your support means a lot.