Nayan Shelke, AKA Assassins ARMY, Shares YouTube Strategies and Valuable Insights

YouTube is one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 2.7 billion active users. Among the platform's diverse content range, gaming channels have been gaining great popularity due to the captivating gameplay and charismatic personalities of the gamers.

Nayan Shelke, aka Assasins ARMY, is among the most popular gaming YouTubers in India, with over 9.8 million subscribers. He's a gamer, entertainer, and content creator who loves what he does, and his subscribers appreciate it.

We at StartupTalky recently had an interview with Nayan, and in this article, we'll explore his YouTube journey, his insights around YouTube metrics, content strategy, and more.

Now, let's delve into his responses and learn from his valuable insights.

StartupTalky: Nayan, could you share a bit about your journey as a YouTuber and what your channel is all about?

Nayan: My YouTube journey began in 2019, and honestly, I didn't envision becoming a YouTuber back then. However, I often saw others entertaining people and thought, "Why not give it a shot?" My motive wasn't just about making money; I wanted to create videos that entertained and gained recognition. Success on YouTube isn't easy, especially at the start. While support was limited initially, my video 'Prank on My Friend' went viral, marking the turning point. Since then, I've steadily garnered millions of views and subscribers.

My channel, "Assassins Army," primarily features entertaining gaming content focusing on Free Fire. I've expanded into esports, gameplays (PUBG, Clash of Clans), vlogs, and pranks. My aim is to connect with viewers through captivating content that keeps them engaged and entertained.

StartupTalky: What equipment and software do you use for filming and editing your videos?

Nayan: For filming, I rely on the Sony M1 DSLR, priced at Rs 2.50 lakh, along with a 60mm lens that costs Rs 70,000. When it comes to editing, I use Adobe Premiere Pro. For thumbnails, I utilize Photoshop to create eye-catching visuals that draw viewers' attention.

StartupTalky: Nayan, what techniques do you use for optimizing your video titles, descriptions, and tags for search visibility?

Nayan: When it comes to optimizing my video elements for better search visibility, I take a thoughtful approach. Rather than resorting to clickbait, I focus on crafting video titles that honestly portray the content and capture the viewer's interest. I believe in the power of creativity and authenticity.

Trending topics and relevant keywords related to Free Fire hold a special place in my strategy. They're like breadcrumbs that lead interested viewers right to my content. By incorporating these keywords naturally, I ensure that my videos appear in searches that matter to my audience. This strategy not only enhances search visibility but also attracts viewers who are genuinely eager to engage with the content. It's a win-win approach that prioritizes authenticity and meaningful engagement over fleeting clickbait tactics.

StartupTalky: Which YouTube analytics metrics do you focus on, and how do they guide your content strategy?

Nayan: I closely monitor specific YouTube analytics metrics that provide valuable insights into viewer preferences. Metrics like watch time likes, and comments offer a window into how well my content is resonating. They show me which videos are hitting the mark with my audience.

Additionally, I pay special attention to audience retention. This metric helps me understand precisely which parts of my videos are holding viewers' attention the longest. Armed with this knowledge, I can tailor my content strategy to create more of what truly engages my audience. It's a strategy grounded in understanding and responding to viewer behavior, ultimately guiding me toward crafting content that consistently strikes a chord with my viewers.

StartupTalky: How do you approach collaborating with other YouTubers, and how have these collaborations benefited your channel? Have you attended any YouTube-related events or joined communities to network with other creators?

Nayan: I prefer collaborating with smaller creators, fostering community and mutual benefit. Collaborations have broadened my reach and introduced me to new audiences. I've participated in a couple of META events and joined YouTube communities to network, learn, and grow alongside fellow creators.

StartupTalky: When did you start monetizing your channel, and what monetization methods have you found effective?

Nayan: I officially began monetizing my channel in 2020, a significant step in my YouTube journey. While ad revenue certainly plays a crucial role in generating income, I've also explored other avenues that have proven quite effective. One such avenue is collaborating with brands and sponsors whose values align with my content and community. These partnerships not only provide financial support but also bring credibility to my channel. One proud achievement has been becoming a brand ambassador for respected companies like Monster and AMD. This diversification of income sources has not only added stability but has also enhanced my channel's reputation and influence in the gaming and content creation realms.

StartupTalky: Nayan, can you share your observations on CPC's evolution for your channel and any tactics you've used to improve it?

Nayan: Certainly! Over time, I've noticed a positive evolution in the Cost Per Click (CPC) on my channel. This growth can be attributed to a couple of key strategies. Firstly, I focus on using targeted keywords that align with my content. This helps my videos show up in searches where viewers are genuinely interested. Additionally, I place emphasis on creating engaging thumbnails that catch the viewer's eye, and I craft titles that reflect the content accurately. These efforts contribute to higher click-through rates, which in turn have a positive impact on CPC. The combination of these tactics has led to a favorable trend in CPC for my channel, enhancing its overall performance and revenue potential.

StartupTalky: Apart from YouTube earnings, have you explored other income streams that align with your content?

Nayan: I've gone beyond relying solely on YouTube earnings. I've delved into exciting opportunities such as brand endorsements and ambassadorships that perfectly resonate with my gaming and content creation niche. These collaborations complement my content and open up an additional avenue for generating income. By extending my reach beyond the platform, I've established diverse and sustainable revenue streams that contribute to my channel's growth and financial stability.

StartupTalky: How do you approach sponsorships and partnerships, ensuring they align with your channel's ethos? Could you share a significant partnership experience?

Nayan: Of course! When it comes to sponsorships and partnerships, I'm dedicated to maintaining the authenticity of my content and aligning it with my audience's interests. Each collaboration is carefully evaluated to ensure it resonates with my channel's values and doesn't compromise the trust I've built with my viewers.

One remarkable partnership experience was when I became a brand ambassador for Monster and AMD. This wasn't just about financial gains; it was a testament to the trust these reputable companies had in my content. The collaboration not only boosted my income but also established me as a credible gaming influencer. It's an example of how partnerships can be both lucrative and aligned with my channel's ethos, benefiting both me and my audience.

StartupTalky: From your perspective, is becoming a full-time YouTuber a viable career choice? What influenced your decision?

Nayan: Pursuing a full-time career as a YouTuber is viable, but it requires dedication, persistence, and a solid grasp of the platform's algorithms. My decision to tread this path was influenced by a combination of factors. Firstly, it's driven by my passion for what I do – creating entertaining and engaging content that resonates with viewers.

Secondly, the prospect of connecting with a community that shares my interests and appreciates my content is incredibly rewarding. So, while the journey may have its challenges, the ability to turn my passion into a meaningful career and impact lives has been the driving force behind my choice to become a full-time YouTuber.

StartupTalky: Nayan, what concise advice would you offer individuals starting their YouTube journey, including potential pitfalls to avoid?

Nayan: Starting a YouTube journey requires patience. Don't be discouraged by initial challenges or limited support. Consistency is key—create content that resonates with you and your audience. Avoid shortcuts like clickbait. And remember, success takes time, so stay committed.

StartupTalky: Finally, how do you see your YouTube channel evolving in the next few years? Do you have specific goals or milestones in mind?

Nayan: I see my YouTube channel embarking on a path of continuous growth and evolution. My immediate goal is to hit the 10 million subscriber mark, a milestone I'm eagerly working towards. Looking further ahead, my sights are set on reaching an impressive 25 million subscribers by the conclusion of 2024.

To achieve these ambitions, I'm committed to staying at the forefront of innovation in content creation. I'll be diving into new gaming trends, experimenting with engaging formats, and, most importantly, nurturing a vibrant community of passionate and dedicated viewers. The journey ahead is promising, and I can't wait to witness my channel's evolution unfold.

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