Why Buy A Console Anymore

• Why It’s Captivating: Testing Triangles takes on a dauting question that’s been creeping into every gamer’s mind this generation. Do we even need consoles anymore? With gaming PCs getting cheaper, cloud gaming on the rise, and exclusive titles becoming less exclusive, the video explores whether the days of dedicated gaming hardware are numbered.

• What Stands Out: Instead of just taking a side, this video dives deep into both arguments, breaking down what consoles still do well and where they’re starting to fall behind. The pacing keeps things engaging, and the use of side by side comparisons, industry trends, and a little bit of history makes it feel less like an opinion piece and more like an exploration of where gaming is headed.

• Takeaway: The console vs. PC debate isn’t as simple as it used to be. It’s not about which one is “better” anymore. It’s about how and where we play. If you’re making content about gaming trends, this is a great example of how to tackle a big industry shift without making it feel like just another hot take.

Canva(Free Version) and Your Phone

• Why It’s Great for Everyone: A strong thumbnail can make or break your video’s performance, and you don’t need Photoshop to create one. With just Canva (free version) and your phone, you can craft eye-catching thumbnails that boost clicks without spending a dime.

• What Makes It Special: Instead of relying on stock images, using a well-lit, expressive selfie taken with your phone makes your thumbnail feel more personal and engaging. Canva’s free tools let you remove backgrounds, add bold text, creative elements and enhance contrast—all without a paid subscription.

• Pro Tip: Make your face larger than you think it should be. Close-up, high-contrast expressions grab attention faster than distant shots. Also, avoid putting text in the bottom-right corner—it’ll get covered by the timestamp on YouTube.

The Historic Downfall of Star Wars on Disney+

• Why You Should Watch: The Gold Man takes a deep, but easy-to-follow dive into how Star Wars lost its magic on Disney+. This isn’t just another “Disney ruined Star Wars” video—it actually breaks down the key creative and business decisions that led to fan disappointment, making you see the bigger picture.

• What’s Remarkable: Instead of just listing problems, this video actually connects the dots between corporate decision-making, audience backlash, and creative missteps. The editing keeps things fast-paced and engaging, and the analysis is fair, not just doom-and-gloom negativity.

• Takeaway: If you’re making a video essay about a franchise decline or industry shift, don’t just rant—build a case. Use historical context, audience reactions, and real data to make your argument feel solid, not just emotional.

The Patreon Myth—When Memberships Actually Work

• Why It Works: Patreon is often seen as the ultimate way for creators to get consistent income from their audience, but it’s not a magic solution. The truth? It only works if your audience is already engaged. Many creators start a Patreon too soon, only to realize that managing it is more effort than reward when fan interest is low.

• Example: Creators like Nerdwriter successfully use Patreon because their audiences actively seek out more content from them. Their supporters feel like they’re getting exclusive insight rather than just donating. In contrast, smaller creators often struggle to justify tiers and rewards, making Patreon feel like an obligation instead of an asset.

• Takeaway: If you’re thinking about launching a Patreon, test audience demand first.

Best Method: The “Fan-First” Membership Approach

A smarter way to start a membership is to focus on value before commitment. Instead of launching Patreon right away, gradually introduce the idea while keeping engagement high.

1. Start with free exclusives – Release a bonus behind-the-scenes video or an extra segment and see how your audience reacts.

2. Create a simple tier – If people respond well, start with just one low-tier option ($3–$5) instead of multiple complicated rewards.

3. Let the audience guide expansion – As engagement grows, poll your members to shape the content instead of over-promising too early.

This approach ensures that when you do launch a membership, it’s built on real demand, not just hope.

Why Mid Video CTAs Are Winning the Engagement Game

• Why It Matters: YouTube’s algorithm prioritizes engagement, and mid-video CTAs (calls to action) are proving to be far more effective than waiting until the end. Why? Most viewers don’t finish videos, meaning end-screen CTAs often get ignored. Encouraging likes, comments, and subscriptions earlier increases interaction and boosts recommendations.

• Takeaway: Engagement signals (likes, comments, shares) are key ranking factors on YouTube. A well-placed CTA at a peak moment (right after an interesting insight or emotional hook) can significantly increase interactions without disrupting the viewer experience.

• Quick Action: Check your audience retention graph in YouTube Studio. Identify where viewers are most engaged and add a CTA at that moment in your next upload. Instead of saving it for the last 10 seconds, place it naturally at a high-retention point.

That’s all for this edition of The Video Essay Newsletter.

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