Popular YouTube Gamers Kids Can't Get Enough Of

When kids love a video game, it's not enough to just play the game. They want to watch other people play the game. When that craving sets in, they turn to YouTube, where they can choose from hundreds of videos of gamers playing and commenting on games (called "Let's Play" videos). In the world of YouTube gaming, a gamer's commentary is just as important as his or her skills. And that's where things get a little dicey.

A YouTube game channel lives and dies on the host's personality. Some personalities -- for example, Stampy, the British Minecraft-playing cat -- are sweet and totally fine for kids. But others, such as Swedish gamer PewDiePie, who was found to have anti-Semitic images and ideas on his videos, are brash, rude, and very edgy. Some YouTube gamers also offer videos, including music, skits, and rants that have nothing to do with games.

While YouTube can be a great resource for game tips, insider info, and news, it's a mixed bag. It's a good idea to have some awareness and oversight of what kids are watching. And be aware that YouTube gamers maintain active online presences on social media. We've identified some of the most popular gamers on YouTube and provided some tips on trying to keep the experience as fun and safe as possible for kids.

Tips

• Make sure they're getting a good balance between playing and couch-potatoing. Kids can learn a lot from playing certain video games, especially building games such as Minecraft and Roblox. But if they're watching, not playing, it's hard to say it's really educational.
• Keep an eye on what your kid is watching. You may be careful about which video games your kids can play. But on YouTube, they can watch gamers play all sorts of games, including possibly age-inappropriate ones such as Call of Duty. Even YouTube gamers who mostly upload "safe" Let's Plays may play the occasional mature game.
• Check the related videos. The videos listed to the side of the main YouTube channel may not be age-appropriate, even if they appear next to an age-appropriate video. Learn some tricks to make YouTube a little safer.
• Be aware of edgy language and content. If your kids like video games, they will get exposed to strong language and age-inappropriate content while they're hunting for YouTube videos. It's pretty unavoidable. You can somewhat limit the inappropriate stuff by turning on YouTube's Restricted Mode (found at the bottom of every YouTube page).
• Note the ads. Nearly every YouTube video -- especially ones on the most popular channels -- has an ad. And even if the channel itself is age-appropriate, the ads may not be. YouTube is offering a $9.99 subscription service called YouTube Premium that eliminates ads.
• iBallisticSquid
• Stampy
• EthanGamer
• DanTDM
• Markiplier
• PopularMMOs
• Captainsparklez
• Jacksepticeye
• PewDiePie
• Vanoss Gaming
• Yogscast Lewis & Simon

iBallisticSquid: iBallisticSquid is David Spencer, a real-life friend of Stampy (below) and a fellow Briton. The two often play Minecraft together. Spencer has more kid-oriented YouTube channels, including SquiddyVlogs and SquiddyPlays, where he offers playthroughs of more games, such as Roblox and Rocket League. He actively cultivates an audience on his popular Facebook page, iBallisticSquidNugget.
Target age: Little kids

Stampy: Also known as Mr. Stampy Cat and stampylonghead, this British cartoon cat voiced by Joseph Garrett is most popular for his Minecraft videos, which he uploads every day. (Find more kid-friendly Minecraft YouTube channels.) He plays a wide variety of games, including Pokémon: Moon and Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Stampy has branched out into books and TV.
Target age: Little kids

Ethangamer: This young British gamer plays kid-friendly games such as Minecraft and Roblox as well as mobile games such as Vlogger Go Viral. He's so popular, there's a special "hangout" on Roblox where his fans can get together.
Target age: Tweens

DanTDM: This 20-something Brit specializes in Minecraft videos but also plays tween-friendly games such as Roblox and Happy Wheels. As one of the most highly subscribed YouTubers, he also has a series on the site's subscription service, YouTube Red, and a national tour where kids can see him live. He sometimes lets out a swear word, but he bleeps them in editing.
Target age: Tweens and teens

Markiplier: Best known for his gaming videos, Markiplier has branched out into comedy, music videos, and animation. He plays a wide range of games including scary games such as Five Nights at Freddy's and Among the Sleep. He also has a presence on social media, including Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Target age: Tweens and teens

PopularMMOs: Almost entirely devoted to Minecraft, PopularMMOs explores a huge range of Minecraft "mods," (downloadable add-on games). Pat, the host, does a great job of explaining strategies and concepts. He also has a popular website (popularmmos.com) where he offers one of the biggest collections of Minecraft mods and maps, which users can download into their own games.
Target age: Tweens and teens

Captainsparklez: Captainsparklez, otherwise known as Jordan Maron, offers a wide range of Minecraft videos but also some mature Let's Plays such as Call of Duty: Black Ops II Zombies and Grand Theft Auto 5. Maron has other channels where he vlogs and plays music.
Target age: Teens

Jacksepticeye: With his signature greeting "Top of the mornin' to ya, laddies," Jackscepticeye is one of the most popular gamers on YouTube. His upbeat personality makes him seem benign, but he tends to swear and play violent games such as Resident Evil and Sword with Sauce. Jacksepticeye actively engages with his audience on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and Instagram.
Target age: Teens

PewDiePie: Even non-gamers have probably now heard of PewDiePie, who was one of the first YouTube gamer personalities to start making big bucks online. In 2017, he became famous for posting anti-Semitic content, which cost him his lucrative relationship with Disney but seemed to only galvanize his fans, who felt he was unfairly targeted. His channel mixes mature Let's Plays, rants, and offensive content. PewDiePie branched out into apps, shows, games, and books.
Target age: Teens

Vanoss Gaming: The host of this channel is so popular, game companies give him games to play in advance of their release to generate excitement about them. Most of the games he plays are mature (including Ghost Recon Wildlands, Grand Theft Auto 5, and Call of Duty: Black Ops III Zombies).
Target age: Teens

Yogscast Lewis & Simon: The zany hosts behind this popular channel play lots of games that are age-appropriate for kids and tweens, including Minecraft. While their commentary is mild, they sometimes play teen-oriented games such as Grand Theft Auto 5. They've branched out into vlogging, music videos, and other content.
Target age: Teens