Alright, listen up, squad. TikTok, that video platform we've all been hooked on, has shut down in the US. For a lot of us gaming content creators, that's kinda like losing your favorite weapon mid-raid. Now, it might be a temporary thing, but at the moment - there is no TikTok for US users. Even if a solution is found (via the incoming president, Donald Trump), it’s a good idea to take a look at your content creation channels and think on how to make sure you won’t get hit. Just like in any game, we gotta adapt. Luckily, the gaming world's got a ton of platforms and creative strategies to keep our grind going. This isn’t game over - it’s just a new level.
What we’re saying is don't panic! It's time to strategize and broaden your horizons.
It's not like we’re short on options, right? Time to scope out some new options:
Twitch: This is the OG for gamers looking to stream live. Think of it as your main stage. You’re not just dropping 15-second snippets, you’re engaging in real-time, building a genuine connection with your fans. You can stream your gameplay, host Q&A sessions, or even team up with other creators for some co-op action. Twitch’s monetization tools like subs, bits (basically tips), and ad revenue can help you keep the lights on.
Set up a consistent streaming schedule so your viewers know when to tune in. Consistency is key to building a dedicated audience.
YouTube Gaming: The king of video content, still holding the crown. You can dump all sorts of videos here, from live streams to carefully edited gameplay. Those sick quick plays can turn into full length walkthroughs or strategy guides. YouTube has monetization options you can enjoy, such as ad revenue, channel memberships and Super Chat during streams. Also, YouTube has Shorts, which allows you to continue to make quick videos, if that was your thing.
Discord: Not exactly social media, but this is your ultimate HQ. Create a server to interact with your community directly, share exclusive drops, and spark some serious discussions. You can also stream gameplay directly to your server members. It's all about building a tight-knit community while you're branching out elsewhere. You can easily monetize such a server by using LootLabs link locker to provide exclusive access to additional content.
Create dedicated channels for different topics (general chat, game-specific discussions, looking-for-group).
Instagram Reels: If you really like short videos and don’t feel like letting go, Reels is the place to be. Share your highlight clips, behind-the-scenes shenanigans, or some quick tips. Pair Reels with regular posts and stories for a complete content package. It’s got a decent discovery system if you use hashtags properly. Editing is also rather easy with the in-app video editor.
Don’t forget to use trending audio to increase your reel’s reach. Engage with the comments to build a connection with new viewers.
TikTok is all about the quick hit, but gaming goes beyond just short clips.
Long-Form Content for YouTube: YouTube is where you go deep. Turn those quick TikTok clips into in-depth tutorials, walkthroughs, or some solid commentary. Longer content gives you more monetization power and more value to your audience.
Live Streaming on Twitch or YouTube: This is where you really connect with your viewers. Showcase your gameplay, host some community tournaments, or chat about the latest gaming news. Live streaming = Maximum engagement.
Interact with your chat, be yourself, and make sure your setup is solid to make the stream enjoyable for your viewers.
Blogging for Gamers: Okay, it might sound a bit old-school, but blogs are powerful. Share your detailed guides, reviews, and deep dives into the gaming world. Blogging also helps with your search engine visibility and lets you build a massive content library. You can monetize your blog through content locker and gaming ads - as offered by LootLabs.
Make sure to research keywords to get your blog posts to the top of search results. Use engaging language and visuals to keep your readers hooked.
TikTok’s situation is mostly a US thing, meaning it's still going strong in other regions. The US is an important geo, that’s not a secret. Losing this segment is harsh, but that doesn’t mean everything is lost.
If you’ve got viewers outside the US, tailor your content to their culture, gaming preferences, and even language. It's all about making that connection worldwide.
Team up with gamers in other countries where TikTok is still up and running. Collaboration = more reach.
Discord, Reddit, Steam – these platforms are global. Get involved, stay relevant, and keep your name out there.
Gaming isn't just about videos. Diversifying can make your brand more versatile:
Podcasts: Discuss the latest news, review new releases, and share some deep insights via podcast form. Spotify or Apple Podcasts are great spots to distribute your episodes.
E-Books or Guides: If you're a master of a specific game or genre, write a guide or an e-book. That’s a new avenue for content and income.
Interactive Content: Host online events, like tournaments or AMA sessions, to keep your community engaged. Promote these events on Discord or YouTube.
Adaptability is part of the gamer code. We adapt to new game mechanics, new strategies, new everything. This situation is no different. Even if TikTok comes back, this gives you an opportunity to reconsider your options and UGC channels. Stay proactive, keep creating, and you won’t just survive losing TikTok, you’ll come out stronger.
