I want to reiterate how much I appreciate all of you who do support my patreon and my books. You guys don't know how much that motivates me. The thought of helping and inspiring people through these creative works gives me such purpose in my life!
Hey esper, I hope the support you've received from this video has been inboldening to your efforts. I know as an artist the self doubt of your work is a struggle, but you are truly a skilled artist with worth while and qualify content. Keep your head held high friend, UA-cam is a slow burn at first for everyone I've ever seen but the light at the end of the tunnel will be there. Give yourself some grace on all of this. I highly recommend you try to give yourself more concrete deadlines and limit your expectations of yourself
I actually prefer disembodied voice over creators being onscreen. Most channels start out pretty good where they are voicing over their videos, but then later they do a face reveal and then it seems that they think they have to be onscreen as much as possible. I need and want to see what you are talking about, not you talking about it.
I think you have a problem focusing on a key target audience (so it goes up and down) and creating your own brand to stand out more. And you got all of it mixed into one channel - like some is more PC players, others are targeted for both PC and DMs, and then you got DM stuff. You got a big mix of content. This sort of stuff happens. I love your content as many creators don't really go into the detail and expertise you do with your experience. I am not really looking at DMing right now, so much of that when you post I avoid and go weeks or months before I see another video of yours. But, if I did I would like use your expertise to get going, show to my friends, or people I know who need help getting going. WoTC just gives crappy modules, so you get too many robotic DMs in 5th. I haven't seen something like that in your videos - I could be wrong, but that is sorely lacking for many new DMs. You could create seperate channels for each (put those old videos in those channels relating to it) and link them to others which might make your videos get extra looks, and see what works better for you by the views, comments, and interactions. This could place more work on you and I don't know your free time. But, would give you an idea where you should focus your brand and develop it more. Hope this helps.
I am 100% here for Lore, history, thoughts, Rankings (due to YOUR comments on them). I also bought Espers Emporium (I'm a backer, even), I also receive your Newsletter, it is awesome. I am not here for active campaigns, though
@@esperthebard Yes, the only thing I'd add to that is I am here for the interactive campaigns, though. With campaigns, (you play with friends) if you can't do it like Crit. Role, don't do it. However, interactive where we don't watch you play, but we the viewers play with you. That Eldrich Castle was fun! Not going to be for everyone, but fun for many!
What drew me in was the creature lore/mythology. You are blessed with a great "radio" voice and your articulation is amazing. I also enjoy your world building videos.
You are not alone with the wonky analytics, my friend, I think a lot of us are experiencing this. At times, UA-cam can be a crushing grind for creators with just enough reward to keep us making more content. Glad to see you will be connecting with your audience more, because the best reward of having a channel is the good friends and folks we meet along the way. Keep up the great work, cheers!
I've started looking into this. It's kind of shocking. There are channels that have been around for a very long time, with like 1-3 million subs, but nowadays only get like 5-10k views per video.
I love your channel and your RP Miniature stories saved me during the pandemic, I would constantly listen to them. Thank you for all your hard work and I really appreciate it
I can give some insight, I spent like an entire year listening to your tier and lore videos to sleep. Not so much anymore. Never even played D&D but i used to read the adjacent books and games growing up. I think you're an awesome creator but theres probably a ton of people like me that aren't hardcore players. In a way your subscribers might not be a valid indication of the actual fanbase. Like when you DM the hardcores will watch and you'll get 1-2k views, but your old tier lists will get waaaaaay more. Hope that insight helps in some way, you seem like a good dude.
Here's the thing-I still make tier lists. I never stopped. But the views on them have been super inconsistent over the past like 3 years. Some do well, some do so-so, and some basically kill me (imagine working a whole week but your job pays you nothing). This is the sort of thing I'm trying to sort through.
@@esperthebard I don't have any suggestions, but I just want to chime in that we are slowly working through your back catalogue and enjoying them a lot. Unfortunately there are only a few quality focussed channels on youtube that can sustain themselves. It's not what the algorithm and tiktok generation find most attractive.
FWIW the tier lists brought me here like with many people. But going over my watch history the videos I watched are your D&D Lore videos (Formorians, Most Evil God, Redesigning the Outer Planes etc) and second, your videos on the 'State of TTRPG/DnD" such as your "Problem with Races" of DnD. One of my favorite videos of yours was your "Monster Sensitivity Training" video a while back. It was very fun and amusing and I shared it as much as my favorite tier/ranking videos of yours. Looking on your video history, it seems like I've seen about half of your videos these past few months, but I think I do actually have to seek them out instead of them popping up in recommendations IIRC unless its really trendy. I'll admit I don't watch much of your 'Adventure livestreams' and the like. I'd love to purchase more focused books. I don't mind size, but I'm not a big fan of encyclopedic compendiums. I'd purchase a Esper's Monstrous Manual or Guide to Dungeons or Esper's Mythology or Outer Planar Setting book very quickly.. .and the bigger the better. But I'm not a fan of books combining a little bit of alternative hero classes, some campaign setting stuff, a few deities and magical items, a modest monstrous compendium etc. Mainly because as a DM there's only certain things I'm in the "market" for so to speak and for example, I'm always looking for new monsters, new planar settings... new faiths etc. If you read this, I hope this helps and doesn't hinder.
I find your content of very high quality. I actually like that most of your content is not time sensitive, it doesn't matter if it is a new or an old video. Often when we have an hour to spare, we decide to "watch an Esper the Bard video". I find your insight and views on D&D content to be insightful and eloquent. I like it that you aim high. I respect you a lot. I understand that if the channel doesn't pay the bills, you will have to look at new options. I will see if we can contribute a little. I don't have suggestions, unfortunately our world often values volume over quality. Thank you for all your existing content and I hope whatever you do works out.
From my experience viewing this channel starting from around the mid-4e days, I have noticed you have remained consistent in some aspects and evolved in others. You've already mentioned the "disembodied voice" over still images, and yes, the days of slideshow presentations on UA-cam are over. There are tons of new ways videos are being made every day and many resources you can find online to help you. Here's a couple that I watch that may serve as inspiration... I've been watching Tales Arcane and I think his videos are very engaging despite them being talking head videos while images of maps pass by slowly in the background. The information is brief and clear, and the inspirations that I've taken from them have been many. You can still have visual aids pop up on the screen to show what it is you're talking about such as if you wanted to show how a GM can set up a goblin ambush on a battlemap, or discussing the appearance of several creatures in a tutorial on how to design monsters. Anto from Icarus Games is another one of my personal favorites. I like the challenge videos he's done and even the video series where he documents his creation process is fun and interesting. His videos have, in part, helped shape how I worldbuild. As for your videos, I've seen a couple of your tier lists... but I don't find tier lists too terribly interesting anyway, so I'm sorry to say that I skip them. Though your knowledge on many aspects of D&D and especially monsters is vast. How you utilize them (and how others can) could be the subject of several videos. I think an army of monsters you design would be a terror to behold. Your art is absolutely fantastic. I was impressed way back during the channel's start. It had that advanced yet imperfect look that made it unique. You've clearly improved since then, so now there is a mastery of sorts. You can make tons of videos showing your map creation process, character design process, etc. while offering tips and advice on how to get better while offering words of encouragement. Tools and guidelines on making new content is what I am always looking for and from what I understand, has a lot of value. Some of my favorite videos from your channel have been the interactive D&D games. Trials of the Neophyte, and Eldritch Castle are a lot of fun to watch. You could probably do one a year. It would be entertaining and you'd get a lot of engagement with your audience. Though I understand it would probably require a great deal of planning. In conclusion, I find your storytelling skills to be fascinating. You were actually the very first D&D channel I found in the days where D&D was rather obscure. 4e was something I had trouble grasping and your "tutorial" adventure (for lack of a better word) on how to run a 5th edition game with The Last of House Valosa was a big inspiration to me to start playing 5th edition. I gained a lot of confidence watching that video and it even inspired some homebrewed rules of my own that I am using for my Dark Sun campaign. Esper, you can go incredibly far, and I think you have some amazing ideas! I'm very glad that you have taken the time to make this update video. It shows your willingness to ask and listen to feedback from your community. I don't comment a lot on videos, but when I do that's because I have something to say.
It boggles the mind that the narrated adventures aren't more popular. Honestly one of the best RPG entertainment experiences out there. I hope you're able to conquer the algorithmic dungeon, and claim the 250k gp of subs milestone!!! Monstrous Heroes is gonna be amazing, y'all! Huge boost to character and campaign options for you! Let your your whole gaming community know about these awesome opportunities for fun!
The two recent videos where you drew the cosmological map and the god symbol with the bits of lore were really interesting to me. I love talking about worldbuildong and why we choose to incorporate the things we do. The campaign book sounds great too! I’d love to read more about Ichoros.
When I need info on a specific monster I come to you specifically for it. I wish I could say I watch your channel for other things but I don't. I'll check out what else you do! The book, Kickstarter, and all that other stuff you talked about I had no idea about any of it.
sometimes we like how its set up, because its articulate, factual, we didnt come here to get your personal opinion, we like it ofc, we came here to learn, so dont over think it, you do great work!
I only recently found your channel but I always look forward to your videos. They feel refreshingly authentic and it strikes me that your content comes from experience, not speculation. Keep carrying that torch!
I'm always here, and I love to rewatch your videos for amazing encounters. I hate to think you're struggling when you have some of the best D&D content. Especially your Bardcast VODs. They are great for while I'm at work. I may be a Minority, but your content always helps me, and I wish I could do more to help you in return ❤
I have to say, it would totally behoove you to release more books rather than longer books. Your content is amazing, and it feels like we’re getting more when it comes along quicker, even if it technically isn’t more!
That's actually the plan for the next bit. Instead of super complex books that I have to work overtime for 2 years to create, I'm going to try some adventure modules that I can produce in just a few months. Thanks for the great comment!
I have been subscribed to your channel 3 times at least - and UA-cam has unsubscribed me every time, for whatever reason. I've had to go looking for your channel each time, to resub. I'll keep doing it, because I enjoy your content, despite UA-cam trying to make it vanish.
Super excited for the Ichoros setting book! I always thought you’d make an amazing setting! I know I’d kill to see something like that for your old Novura setting. Or maybe a series of videos that break down parts of the setting? I still listen to your old narrated D&d adventures and short stories. I also miss your reviews of other rpg books like the Tiwidu source book. Maybe a monster ranking video for a 3rd book you really like? Sorry for rambling! No matter what you decide to do I will be here to see! Good work as always Esper!
Hyped for Ichoria! And I enjoy all kinds of your content, regardless of you being in front of the camera or narrating over picture slideshows. You're by far my fave YT channel!
5:00 to 7:10 This is why I show up for your videos. You see the deeper meaning and you outline it for us. It's not just about the clicks and the memes and the jokes with you, instead you bring the heart, and I just want to say thank you for that.
Dear Esper, You are my favorite D&D channel! I can't speak for the rest of your viewership, but (constructively) I have noticed an increasing and a very negative approach in your videos over (at least) the past 6 months. In my 40 years of experience in dealing with the public, you can count on several things from your customers and your clientele: "They will be very predictable at being unpredictable, if not fickle." If you have the ebbs and flows of high and low tides, you're actually an appreciated establishment. The question is, "How do I make my business explode with customers?" (Or in your case, viewing subscribers.) Here's a guideline I strongly recommend for any business and YT IS a business. 1) Know your clientele. (likes, dislikes, etc. 2) Supply a unique or rare commodity that you can excel at. 3) Networking. Connecting to people inside AND outside your main platform to increase potential customers by word of mouth. 4) Vigilance at diligence. 5) Recognizing and understanding why upswing and downturn patterns in your business occur. And probably the most important 6) ABP Always Be Positive. Psychology plays a HUGE role in a business. Not to manipulate your clientele, but to motivate your clientele. People pick up consciously and subconsciously on the vibes people give off. Not all communication is verbal. Usually how you say something is perceived far greater than what the message is itself. Always be aggressive, but positively aggressive. 7) Love who you are and what you're doing. 8) Sometimes take 1 step back so you can make 2 steps forward. Take a little break to fully recharge your vocational battery. The Enterprise can't always be on Red Alert and function at peak efficiency. 9) Listen to your customers. You will NEVER make all of them happy, but make the most you can enjoy being your customer. 10) In moments of confusion, take a deep breath and reread 1-9. the answer will be in 1 or several of these points. It's your channel, do what you want, but know we love what you do and thank you for doing it. Mark
The newsletter is very high quality. I really like the list videos, and the video you did about Home Alone being about the hero's journey. I think your DM tips about how to make and keep combat interesting are very good. EEE has the best monster design of any monster book I've ever read.
I personally love the ranking videos whether they are monsters rankings or subclass rankings. Either way I’m a huge fan of whatever content you are putting out.
Hey man you helped me a lot when i first got into D&D and wanted to learn about it, I stayed because of your great narration and the amazing topics from your videos. Since then its always a great time when I see you in my feed. I do hate how inconsistent the algorithm can be in giving creators a spotlight to their audience. Im just a lurker, but I do hope the best for you and the channel.
I came to your channel years ago on ranking monsters videos and lore videos. I subscribed because lore videos and a story video you put out that had a wonderful and insightful world to it (maybe in the middle of a lore video? It’s been a long time). You are “The Bard” so we are here for your stories and telling a of things. Your monster emporium is awesome! Your insights are creative and have led to changes in the way monsters and classes get used. Keep up with your poetic monologues!
Personally I love the format. The disembodied voice of the storyteller is a great driver of imagination. You can easily imagine a character like Elminster, Volo, Professor Snape, or other character telling you these stories.
I'm always glad to hear from you! I think that the advice that other creators are giving you seems really sound. Your books have an amazing amount of content and I think you might get more traction if you published more frequently. So dividing a book like monstrous heroes into multiple works would be a more efficient way to get people using your content. And once people are using your content they could be doing things like writing modules that use it. I can't wait for monstrous heroes! And I would love to see more shorts detailing more of the monsters in that project.
I love all your content. Especially the nature of the "Stats" series and the lore videos. I love long form "let's play" with full length game sessions. Though I understand big long videos are risky because the juice has to be worth the squeeze. I listen to long form D&D and other ttrpgs while I work, along with science and history lectures.
I have followed your Channel for a long while and enjoyed all of your content. Your one of the people that got me back into D&D after years away, I was a big first ed, and Second ed player & DM in the 80's and 90's played a little 3 and 3.5 and 4th but 5th drew me back and so did your content . I loved your Halloween vids and so much more your an amazing creator. So in closing thank you for some very amazing times spent in the wee hours listening to you and all my best wishes for your channel.
As a fellow creator. I feel everything you’re saying. As a forever GM and creator, I’m mainly here for your world building and GM focused content. I’m rooting for you and hope you reach the stars and blaze a trail for those like me to follow.
Can confirm, I watch all of your videos whenever I see the, but even with notifications turned on I don't see many of them as they go live. I still think you're great anyway though!
Hey, Esper! Please keep on being you. Your creativity and aplomb are what motivates me as I would imagine many others. I might be a reticent, bashful fan, but I so enjoy your enthusiasm for RPG! And remember as a Bard... "the prophetic invocation and styles of compositions"... Keep it up my friend...
I have watched for some time while I like the content I think the issue is the consistency. When you upload there are more random topics to expect some of which even as a fan I am indifferent to. Variety is great but most successful channels and dnd channels have somthing they consitantly upload. Comparing your last 4 uploads (excluding this one) they very wildly in subject and length. The other dnd channel I watch Dungeon Dudes very consistantly makes 30+ minuite list or review videos 2 times a week with some occasianal topic changes. Now I am not expecting the same thing for every channel but I think the variety (which I still appreciate) makes for a lack of consistant core fans that boost the views and watchtime. When watching your uploads it verys wildly on how many views It has in comparison. I do still love the content and wish you the best, most of what I suggested comes from Mr Beast he has made some podcasts talking about his strategys and success which even if you don'tlike his content he knkws how to get an audiance. Wish you luck and success man.
Due versus narratives! Example, red dragon vs. giant. Capitalize the MonsterVerse movie coming this March. I truly appreciate your context, but perhaps you may have reached your cap of fans? Perhaps expanding your DnD into other universe (godzilla, starwars, LOTR, etc.). Many DnD fans like other stuff, and it's always fun to come up with hypothetical secerios.😊
Just letting you know, ur probably my fav dnd channel, ur also incredible at setting tone and is really deep and thoughtful in ur analysises which i appreciate
❤ I've been a long time follower on my personal page for years with your old ranking vids, now I'm trying to become a table top creator myself so seeing you still going is motivating. Keep to the grind stone for that keen edge dude😊
I have always enjoyed the experience of your channel and I wish outside of linking videos to my friends and saying hey watch this guy it's awesome, I wish I could do more to help out at the moment. You are one of only 3 people that I come to for inspiration for DnD and ideas for role-playing games. Thank you for the awesome service you have provided us all.
Esper, my amateur opinion is what sets you part is emphasis on finding meaning, and connecting the game to deeper concepts. The other difference from other UA-camrs is how authentic and personal the tone is here. Other ttrpg channels feel more "produced", or more packaged as a product. That unfortunately is what the channel needs to get the success it deserves, as long as it can strike a balance between that, and your own vision.
I loved the artshowcases. A quick lore to who made it, why it got commissioned, what it is and why you like it. They are faster, but still have your narrative, engaging style I really like
The lore and rankings content is what the algo pushes to me (and its what draws me most to the channel). Your perspectives on the creatures is so interesting man!
You know what I love about you, Esper… your constancy, man, you are always posting… though I confess I am not watching the videos cause they are just not into my field of interest - nothing with you. Eu não entendo nada de UA-cam, mas vou começar a acompanhar pra dar uma força, meu amigo. Tu provavelmente não lembra de mim, mas eu lembro de ti e te considero pacas!
While I have been subscribed to your channel, after watching this video I made sure to ring that Bell as well. I am a big fan of your work and I hope to be able to see more of your videos in the future
Personally I'm a big fan of high fantasy and your channel and your voice always sparks my imagination when thinking of different types of monsters, classes and archetypes in fantasy. Although saying this I'm not a Dnd player at all. As a viewer I really struggle to think of advice I could give you so my advice would be to try and get in contact with successful Dnd youtubers, or at least observe their channels to try and glean what they're doing to be successful. I know its not all that helpful but I truly hope you make it through this.
I just found your channel, and I love your stuff, man. You have a a great manner of speaking, and a really good voice. I'm subscribing, I hope to see more.
Something that I have always really appreciated about your videos is your narration. You come across as being passionate about the material you r are talking about. I started watching your content back in the 4e days and I have to say your quality has been great throughout while consistently improving. While you do just have still images with your narration over it, its a minimalist approach that I think works well. Your videos are not over produced in any way. It leaves you to focus on where you excel, great narration. For me I put your voice overs among the best on youtube. It's always a pleasure to watch your videos. At the end of the day choose what right for you. Keep making videos you like making. You don't want it to become more of a chore than a passion.
I'm gonna make 2 comments, this first one is just why I enjoy your content and channel and the second will be whatever suggestions I have. I love your channel dude, you got a nice voice, I used to listen to your playlists to fall asleep too, especially the older ones when you did funny voices. I personally enjoy that kind of stuff. You have given me so many creatures to use for my very first campaign and inspired me as well! Never give up Esper! The YT algorithm sucks but I think you're aces!
Your strength is in your voice, your ability to tell a story, world and character building, and communicating thoughts about conceptual material. I love your content when it goes beyond the surface of the game (which is much of it). Your world-building videos are amazing and thought-provoking. I generally think ranking videos are boring - but yours are different, because you also consider the lore and talk about how it can be improved. It's more than just "yeah this monster has cool abilities." You go deeper than that. The lore videos are great, too. I'm very disconnected from the official D&D lore. I've been playing in home-brewed games almost exclusively my whole gaming life, but when I watch your videos I get inspired with ideas and concepts that I can apply elsewhere. And when you dig into the problems of D&D - the magic system video, for example - you do an exceptional job. It's not about rolling the dice. What makes magic - well, magical? How can you produce that feeling at the table and allow magic to instill a sense of wonder? And that's what I think separates you from other people who do TTRPG content. Many of your videos aren't really about TTRPGs. Well, they are, obviously. But only on a surface level. They seem to be more about telling stories. That is your strength. You bring things to the table that, quite frankly, very few people are even capable of offering. The sad part is the content that I really love the most doesn't seem to get as much traction. For example: Examining Home Alone through the lens of Joseph Campbell's work and the D&D alignment system. Amazing video. I loved it. And I can tell how much thought and care and time was put into it. But only 1.8k views. Your character monologues? Like "The Best Thing an Orc Can Say." They're short, so they're easy to consume, they're well done, they're fun, the give ideas. They're applicable beyond D&D. The great thing is that someone can be playing a game, and, well, it's time for The Big Bad to say something! Well. Load your video, press play. But only 8.5k views. I don't get it. These should be hits. I can't imagine how frustrating that must be. Much of your content is thought-provoking. And I wonder if that's part of the problem. People want the quick hit, the fast answer, the flashy fancy amusement park experience. That's not really what you offer (the tier list videos being an exception - that's a popular thing many people seem to enjoy). They don't care about making magic feel "magical," they just want to roll fireball's 5d6. Sometimes it feels like you've been slaving away all day to create an amazing, five-star, world-class feast, and when you put it on the table, someone reaches for the ketchup and squirts it all over the plate. They just don't understand what's in front of them. I love my dog, he's great, but if I took him to The Hermitage Museum he'd wander around and end up peeing on The Kolyvan Vase. Okay maybe that wasn't the best metaphor, but I think you get the idea. :D And fighting the algorithm? Hell if I know, man. Everyone complains about it and rightly so. As something near-zero-effort to try, have you considered uploading your content to Rumble? It has a 'follow my UA-cam account' feature so once it's set up you can set it and forget it. Not sure what the pay structure is like.
Esper, I have watched/listened to your videos for a number of years. I have never commented on any of them, as it's not really something I do with any creators I watch. However, I just wish to express my (as well as my wife's) support. Your videos are great. I also would like to say I deeply recognize your feelings on the need to carry the torch for the mythopoetic. It is imperative that we keep our stories in the forefront and maintain that connection with the past in order for the future to enjoy and expand upon them. Do not lose hope. The modern landscape for "content" is bleak, and it punishes good and creative creators. Spare money is hard to come by where I live, so I cannot afford any patreons, which may also be the reality for many. The algorithm is also terrible, which is the case across all social medias. We pray that this will come to pass. Keep moving forward and I thank you for your efforts.
If I may make a suggestion (more of a request) a DM workshop series might do rather well. I've actually tried working on a couple of campaigns myself; one involving the players gathering men and material to upgrade an old derelict keep in preparation for a siege and another which I've dubbed the Drow Partisan campaign where you work with some Drow trying to break away from Lolth conducting raids and such against a better equipped, better trained, numerically superior and heavily entrenched enemy. Unfortunately I'm rather stumped at how to turn these ideas into a functional campaign so they've been shelved indefinitely
I came to the channel for the teir lists. I then listened to some of the lore videos which were great. Your teir lists are the best videos on the channel. They just are, regardless of how much effort you put into the other videos. I’d try combining your teir lists with what you like doing the most. Maybe rank the 5e premade adventures, and throw in a couple of your own adventures into the mix? The algorithm would churn that out. Other ideas: delving into dnd setting by setting, starting with very popular settings like Ebberon and forgotten realms. When people see those videos are fantastic, they will want to watch the videos of less popular realms such as planescape. You could then make a video on your personal setting. I think people like monster teir lists with a huge monster in the thumbnail. I think you should do a legendary monster teir list, which would be awesome. Finally, it’s hard to be a creator when your audience doesn’t match what you actually want to do. Should you care, is the question? My answer is not if you have the monthly teir list video, which could be about anything. Hope this helps. I love your videos.
I can relate about the task splitting. I have been making a massive Fantasy RPG for the last few years, but last year I decided to split it into 4 books, and I've finished the first one's body (still waiting on cover art tho). When it's done, I may send a digital copy to you, as you really have influenced how I write RPGs, specifically Monsters.
Hey Esper --- Im getting into my first campaign in a while, and while I was talking with the other players, we ended up talking about creators that we like in the D&D space, and you were the first person I thought of. I've been a fan and follower for a long time, and just wanted to say that regardless of whether you're videos consistently reach a certain threshold of views, your passion and love for this hobby bleads theough everything you've put out. I think you have a great ability to articulate the depth and differences between the various monstrous entities that make up the D&D bestiary ---- you're capable of making those monster descriptions and stat-lines feel like more than numbers and words on a page. I really think you may have some success talking about some of the same groups you've discussed in tier lists, but instead of using that format, I think you could really make some awesome long-form content that talks about particular figures in the lore, how maybe you've incorporated them into your setting. I don't know if that's helpful, but I do hope if nothing else that you know that you've made a real imprint on this community, and I'm here for whatever the future holds. Cheers to you, and to here's too many more tales from the bard 🖤
I am here for the sound of your voice combined with your creativity. Therefore I mostly enjoy your solo plays and your lore videos, where you are talking and let your creativity flow. I also, most of the time, listen to youtube videos while driving, so visuals are not as important to me as the sound. Wish you the best of luck for your channel and your personal life and goals. ❤
I find your "disembodied" videos are among your very best. Your knowledge of lore and ability to tackle the topics it rouses with your own philosophy, experience and insights, it's genuinely your best content. The disembodied element magnifies rather than detracts from it all, as far as I'm concerned -- a bit like having an erudite sage giving a welcome lesson. I'm talking about videos like your "Most evil Demons?" and "D&D Monster Rankings," and so on. These are truly fantastic and are what keep me coming back to your channel. Beyond that, you should consider branching out and putting some of your content on Rumble. It already exists, you've done the work, and it's the sort of thing that has little good competition on that platform so far, but also rewards and treats creators much better than UA-cam.
According to a different creator, there is this problem that old channels can encounter. It is possible that a lot of your subscribers are either no longer interested in your content or are simply inactive. If youtube pushes your video to all your subscribers and only a small amount of them watch it, the algorithm interprets that as a bad sign and stops recommending your video. Apparently there is an option when uploading a video to youtube to notify all subscribers. You might want to experiment with not notifying subscribers as the video will then only be recommended to users interested in your type of content that are active on youtube.
Video Idea, Ask Views to send in comments that hold some of the Lore from there games and then talk about it in the same way you talk about offical lore and such and shout out viewer who made it
I'm here mostly for the lore videos only. Never heard of your books before, I would not mind checking it out specially if there is like a free chapter to decide if i would buy it or not. Good luck out there friend, i trully enjoy your content
Hello there, I'm pretty new among your viewers since I discovered your channel few weeks ago (began to be a D&D DM for a bunch of friends, used to be a GM for some Warhammer and L5R campaigns so far ^^) Thanks to this video, I realize you have a Patreon, I will get into this very soon, the maps look like a true deal to me, with everything else. 😊 Also, I saw few days ago that you created a very cool book, Emporium of Esoterica if I remember it well... I can't wait to be able to buy it ^^ Finished my diploma in December so atm I'm looking for a job, but promise I'll buy it, it def looks super cool :3 Also, be sure that what you do is really really cool, you helped me to discover many many things about the D&D universe. I can't wait to see your future projects. Keep going ❤ ^^
Love your videos man. One thing you might try is to add more sound effects and especially add hardcoded subtitles, it does increase the viewing time from my experience. Also activate the multi language subtitles so more people see it around the world. Last thing is people love behind the scenes stuff, like how you create or prepare to write your book. Keep at it legend 💪
I am reminded to return to channels often by wasting time watching shorts. I think shorts might help? When it comes to your speaking quality, you are definitely the best.
I enjoy your channel. I particularly enjoy the adventures you develop in the short format (the neophyte, etc.) I’m not big on watching live group play as my pet peeves get triggered (players taking far too long to optimize their turn). I find value in what you do, thank you for your passion translating into something great. Sadly I’m not a patron of any UA-cam channel due to a lack of resources. Sorry!
I watch almost exclusively my subscription videos, that's the reason I subscribed to them after all, about once a day I go through my subscription list and save videos I wanna watch, after that it may take a few days to actually watch, only so much time in a day. Though you seem comfortable with face, maybe a face Vtuber model, so it's not just a voice from the void The remembering the past is the primary reason I won't touch BG 3, it seems to throw the previous iterations in the trash
I didn't know you had a patreon! I just subbed. I also LOVE these maps. These alone are worth every cent. It's good to see your face more in the videos! A video Idea I would like to see is a general overview of the underdark and the kind of things you might find there. I'm trying to run out of the abyss but I realize I don't even know much about the underdark.
I think, unfortunately, most platforms are trending towards more short-form content, and perhaps finding ways to incorporate that into your channel would drive people toward the longer-form stuff you excel at. I only recently found you (after binging a bunch of Baldur's Gate stuff just in case this insight into what got your channel recommended to me helps), but I appreciate all of the efforts you have put into this channel, especially the recent D&D setting redesign stuff!
I don't play D&D but I love your videos regardless. The lore and your delivery of it is very intriguing. Wish I was able to contribute more than just my youtube sub 😞
I guess I'm different from others. I go to the Subscriptions page/tab, and go through each video in order. I feel like this helps make sure I see the people I want to see, and they get the views they deserve.
I also think good vids you do are trying to answer an interesting question like “who’s the most neutral god?”. Questions that would be fun would be some like “Are clerics just pleasant warlocks?” “What does the alignment system actually measure?” “How impressive should a natural 20 be?” “Are the d&d gods even gods?” Just random ideas but I think could both get clicks and be entertaining to hear you ponder about.
First, i love the wisdom you have to offer us all and is what keeps me here along with your sincerity and appreciation for the art form which is story telling. As for how i found your channel all those years ago? Truth be told i stumbled upon it, while going down the more obscure youtube rabbit hole a D&D video appeared and the rest was history, however finding that video was certainly luck and as you mentioned, the algorithm. As for the popularity i have theories but its not something i can see you doing, if after all these years of watching your videos i think i've learned enough about your personality to say you don't lean towards the silly or goofy style of content creation a lot of the more successful D&D youtubers have and benefit from. In the last 10 years D&D has seen this wave of popularity, from children watching there parents play into being adults themselves, tv shows making it "hip" so a younger audience wants to experience it but i think a larger one is the populous in general we live with today in the western world is for lack of a nicer word, soft. They don't like gritty conflict or sensitive subjects, they think dark and grim truths are less appealing than overly happy, silly, goofy and ridiculously fantastical misadventures. And lets be honest, real D&D isn't always sunshine & rainbows or politcaly correct, devils sell souls & torture, evil overlords conquer and enslave, the lords who are supposed to protect us sometimes use us. Its the reality of a medieval existence. And i think where you honour that reality the large quantity of again lack of a better word, snowflakes, don't gravitate towards it which sadly does also make up possibly half or more of the current D&D community on an international level which has this knockon of causing the algorithm to bury your channel unless someone who appreciate the classic style of play finds you. Its a sad thing, because your content even when minimalist in nature in regards to visuals (stills with narration) holds significant knowledge and i've lost count of the number of times i have been sat there thinking of ideas to throw at my players and i hit a wall and thus need to return to the font of wisdom to aid me in my hour of need. But in short i do think appearing may help your odds, some folk enjoy a form of face to face interaction when they watch a video so it may very well be a good idea to pursue that further. For suggestions i have some but tbh, i don't necessarily think i like them but i do think they may have an effect. 1. would be streaming, i find a lot of people have success streaming when people just looking for something to watch finds it and i would say the number of "live" content is much smaller than "posted" content. People looking for a new or random steam have a smaller sampling pool for live content than posted content. Which may herold some new viewers who appreciate your work. 2. It could be helpful in the short term to have a guest appearence, someone the D&D world is aware of and will if only for the title come and view you. Admittedly, i don't like this one, 50% of people will likely view and leave, 30% will subscribe and leave and the other 20% might subscribe and realise they just stumbled upon a gem enough to continue viewing your work. But sometimes a jumpstart is what we need for the algorithm to take notice, afterall im pretty sure its designed to take note of sudden interest spikes in case its a new trend lord google wants to take advantage of. If i had to suggest someone, i myself would put forward someone like Bob World Builder, his content is usually pretty grounded and informed and where im sure there is silliness present, its not nearly as bad as some others i've seen. Plus he sits in a similar bracket subscriber wise, maybe having a sit down may hold some youtube insight into how the machine can be used as a tool (as it is supposed to be anyway) rather than this bbeg its turned into. Anyway, stay strong Esper, you are a force to be reckoned with, a master of your craft and perhaps the most knowledgable DM i have encountered on youtube or any other platform. Keep up the good word and come hell or high water know we all stand behind you.
I want to reiterate how much I appreciate all of you who do support my patreon and my books. You guys don't know how much that motivates me. The thought of helping and inspiring people through these creative works gives me such purpose in my life!
Hey esper, I hope the support you've received from this video has been inboldening to your efforts. I know as an artist the self doubt of your work is a struggle, but you are truly a skilled artist with worth while and qualify content. Keep your head held high friend, UA-cam is a slow burn at first for everyone I've ever seen but the light at the end of the tunnel will be there. Give yourself some grace on all of this. I highly recommend you try to give yourself more concrete deadlines and limit your expectations of yourself
I actually prefer disembodied voice over creators being onscreen. Most channels start out pretty good where they are voicing over their videos, but then later they do a face reveal and then it seems that they think they have to be onscreen as much as possible. I need and want to see what you are talking about, not you talking about it.
I think you have a problem focusing on a key target audience (so it goes up and down) and creating your own brand to stand out more. And you got all of it mixed into one channel - like some is more PC players, others are targeted for both PC and DMs, and then you got DM stuff. You got a big mix of content. This sort of stuff happens. I love your content as many creators don't really go into the detail and expertise you do with your experience.
I am not really looking at DMing right now, so much of that when you post I avoid and go weeks or months before I see another video of yours. But, if I did I would like use your expertise to get going, show to my friends, or people I know who need help getting going. WoTC just gives crappy modules, so you get too many robotic DMs in 5th.
I haven't seen something like that in your videos - I could be wrong, but that is sorely lacking for many new DMs.
You could create seperate channels for each (put those old videos in those channels relating to it) and link them to others which might make your videos get extra looks, and see what works better for you by the views, comments, and interactions. This could place more work on you and I don't know your free time. But, would give you an idea where you should focus your brand and develop it more.
Hope this helps.
Your new idea about this vs that! Keep it going man!
I am 100% here for Lore, history, thoughts, Rankings (due to YOUR comments on them).
I also bought Espers Emporium (I'm a backer, even), I also receive your Newsletter, it is awesome.
I am not here for active campaigns, though
Awesome! Many thanks to you!
@@esperthebard Yes, the only thing I'd add to that is I am here for the interactive campaigns, though. With campaigns, (you play with friends) if you can't do it like Crit. Role, don't do it. However, interactive where we don't watch you play, but we the viewers play with you. That Eldrich Castle was fun! Not going to be for everyone, but fun for many!
Same I agree with chef
What drew me in was the creature lore/mythology. You are blessed with a great "radio" voice and your articulation is amazing. I also enjoy your world building videos.
You are not alone with the wonky analytics, my friend, I think a lot of us are experiencing this. At times, UA-cam can be a crushing grind for creators with just enough reward to keep us making more content. Glad to see you will be connecting with your audience more, because the best reward of having a channel is the good friends and folks we meet along the way. Keep up the great work, cheers!
That's so true. I'm really glad to have met you and other people through this platform.
Very nice of you Wally.
From my experience, you're only getting about ten percent engagement on any Videos these days.
youubes algorithm is killing many creators
I've started looking into this. It's kind of shocking. There are channels that have been around for a very long time, with like 1-3 million subs, but nowadays only get like 5-10k views per video.
And it can change on a wimm.
I love your channel and your RP Miniature stories saved me during the pandemic, I would constantly listen to them. Thank you for all your hard work and I really appreciate it
I'm glad those adventures helped you through the plague times.
I would LOVE to do more narrated adventures like those.
@@esperthebard INDEED.
You're one of the reasons I got back into D&D after a many decades break. Thanks for all you do.
PUSH YOUR PATREON MOAR!
It sustains.
Yeah, people forget million ads a day. But they'll remember it eventually if it's consistent.
I can give some insight, I spent like an entire year listening to your tier and lore videos to sleep. Not so much anymore. Never even played D&D but i used to read the adjacent books and games growing up. I think you're an awesome creator but theres probably a ton of people like me that aren't hardcore players. In a way your subscribers might not be a valid indication of the actual fanbase. Like when you DM the hardcores will watch and you'll get 1-2k views, but your old tier lists will get waaaaaay more. Hope that insight helps in some way, you seem like a good dude.
Here's the thing-I still make tier lists. I never stopped. But the views on them have been super inconsistent over the past like 3 years. Some do well, some do so-so, and some basically kill me (imagine working a whole week but your job pays you nothing).
This is the sort of thing I'm trying to sort through.
@@esperthebard I don't have any suggestions, but I just want to chime in that we are slowly working through your back catalogue and enjoying them a lot.
Unfortunately there are only a few quality focussed channels on youtube that can sustain themselves. It's not what the algorithm and tiktok generation find most attractive.
I've always loved the interactive adventures. I enjoy receiving the maps on Patreon as well.
FWIW the tier lists brought me here like with many people. But going over my watch history the videos I watched are your D&D Lore videos (Formorians, Most Evil God, Redesigning the Outer Planes etc) and second, your videos on the 'State of TTRPG/DnD" such as your "Problem with Races" of DnD. One of my favorite videos of yours was your "Monster Sensitivity Training" video a while back. It was very fun and amusing and I shared it as much as my favorite tier/ranking videos of yours. Looking on your video history, it seems like I've seen about half of your videos these past few months, but I think I do actually have to seek them out instead of them popping up in recommendations IIRC unless its really trendy.
I'll admit I don't watch much of your 'Adventure livestreams' and the like.
I'd love to purchase more focused books. I don't mind size, but I'm not a big fan of encyclopedic compendiums. I'd purchase a Esper's Monstrous Manual or Guide to Dungeons or Esper's Mythology or Outer Planar Setting book very quickly.. .and the bigger the better. But I'm not a fan of books combining a little bit of alternative hero classes, some campaign setting stuff, a few deities and magical items, a modest monstrous compendium etc. Mainly because as a DM there's only certain things I'm in the "market" for so to speak and for example, I'm always looking for new monsters, new planar settings... new faiths etc.
If you read this, I hope this helps and doesn't hinder.
I find your content of very high quality.
I actually like that most of your content is not time sensitive, it doesn't matter if it is a new or an old video.
Often when we have an hour to spare, we decide to "watch an Esper the Bard video".
I find your insight and views on D&D content to be insightful and eloquent. I like it that you aim high. I respect you a lot.
I understand that if the channel doesn't pay the bills, you will have to look at new options. I will see if we can contribute a little.
I don't have suggestions, unfortunately our world often values volume over quality. Thank you for all your existing content and I hope whatever you do works out.
From my experience viewing this channel starting from around the mid-4e days, I have noticed you have remained consistent in some aspects and evolved in others. You've already mentioned the "disembodied voice" over still images, and yes, the days of slideshow presentations on UA-cam are over. There are tons of new ways videos are being made every day and many resources you can find online to help you. Here's a couple that I watch that may serve as inspiration...
I've been watching Tales Arcane and I think his videos are very engaging despite them being talking head videos while images of maps pass by slowly in the background. The information is brief and clear, and the inspirations that I've taken from them have been many. You can still have visual aids pop up on the screen to show what it is you're talking about such as if you wanted to show how a GM can set up a goblin ambush on a battlemap, or discussing the appearance of several creatures in a tutorial on how to design monsters.
Anto from Icarus Games is another one of my personal favorites. I like the challenge videos he's done and even the video series where he documents his creation process is fun and interesting. His videos have, in part, helped shape how I worldbuild.
As for your videos, I've seen a couple of your tier lists... but I don't find tier lists too terribly interesting anyway, so I'm sorry to say that I skip them. Though your knowledge on many aspects of D&D and especially monsters is vast. How you utilize them (and how others can) could be the subject of several videos. I think an army of monsters you design would be a terror to behold.
Your art is absolutely fantastic. I was impressed way back during the channel's start. It had that advanced yet imperfect look that made it unique. You've clearly improved since then, so now there is a mastery of sorts. You can make tons of videos showing your map creation process, character design process, etc. while offering tips and advice on how to get better while offering words of encouragement. Tools and guidelines on making new content is what I am always looking for and from what I understand, has a lot of value.
Some of my favorite videos from your channel have been the interactive D&D games. Trials of the Neophyte, and Eldritch Castle are a lot of fun to watch. You could probably do one a year. It would be entertaining and you'd get a lot of engagement with your audience. Though I understand it would probably require a great deal of planning.
In conclusion, I find your storytelling skills to be fascinating. You were actually the very first D&D channel I found in the days where D&D was rather obscure. 4e was something I had trouble grasping and your "tutorial" adventure (for lack of a better word) on how to run a 5th edition game with The Last of House Valosa was a big inspiration to me to start playing 5th edition. I gained a lot of confidence watching that video and it even inspired some homebrewed rules of my own that I am using for my Dark Sun campaign.
Esper, you can go incredibly far, and I think you have some amazing ideas! I'm very glad that you have taken the time to make this update video. It shows your willingness to ask and listen to feedback from your community.
I don't comment a lot on videos, but when I do that's because I have something to say.
It boggles the mind that the narrated adventures aren't more popular. Honestly one of the best RPG entertainment experiences out there.
I hope you're able to conquer the algorithmic dungeon, and claim the 250k gp of subs milestone!!!
Monstrous Heroes is gonna be amazing, y'all! Huge boost to character and campaign options for you!
Let your your whole gaming community know about these awesome opportunities for fun!
Proud of your journey, Esper! We're with you.
The two recent videos where you drew the cosmological map and the god symbol with the bits of lore were really interesting to me. I love talking about worldbuildong and why we choose to incorporate the things we do. The campaign book sounds great too! I’d love to read more about Ichoros.
When I need info on a specific monster I come to you specifically for it. I wish I could say I watch your channel for other things but I don't.
I'll check out what else you do! The book, Kickstarter, and all that other stuff you talked about I had no idea about any of it.
sometimes we like how its set up, because its articulate, factual, we didnt come here to get your personal opinion, we like it ofc, we came here to learn, so dont over think it, you do great work!
I only recently found your channel but I always look forward to your videos. They feel refreshingly authentic and it strikes me that your content comes from experience, not speculation. Keep carrying that torch!
I'm always here, and I love to rewatch your videos for amazing encounters.
I hate to think you're struggling when you have some of the best D&D content. Especially your Bardcast VODs. They are great for while I'm at work. I may be a Minority, but your content always helps me, and I wish I could do more to help you in return ❤
I have to say, it would totally behoove you to release more books rather than longer books. Your content is amazing, and it feels like we’re getting more when it comes along quicker, even if it technically isn’t more!
That's actually the plan for the next bit. Instead of super complex books that I have to work overtime for 2 years to create, I'm going to try some adventure modules that I can produce in just a few months. Thanks for the great comment!
I have been subscribed to your channel 3 times at least - and UA-cam has unsubscribed me every time, for whatever reason. I've had to go looking for your channel each time, to resub. I'll keep doing it, because I enjoy your content, despite UA-cam trying to make it vanish.
That is so frustrating. I really wonder how many others YT is doing that to. In any case, much appreciate for your persistence!
Super excited for the Ichoros setting book! I always thought you’d make an amazing setting! I know I’d kill to see something like that for your old Novura setting. Or maybe a series of videos that break down parts of the setting? I still listen to your old narrated D&d adventures and short stories. I also miss your reviews of other rpg books like the Tiwidu source book. Maybe a monster ranking video for a 3rd book you really like? Sorry for rambling! No matter what you decide to do I will be here to see! Good work as always Esper!
Hyped for Ichoria! And I enjoy all kinds of your content, regardless of you being in front of the camera or narrating over picture slideshows. You're by far my fave YT channel!
5:00 to 7:10
This is why I show up for your videos. You see the deeper meaning and you outline it for us. It's not just about the clicks and the memes and the jokes with you, instead you bring the heart, and I just want to say thank you for that.
Dear Esper,
You are my favorite D&D channel! I can't speak for the rest of your viewership, but (constructively) I have noticed an increasing and a very negative approach in your videos over (at least) the past 6 months. In my 40 years of experience in dealing with the public, you can count on several things from your customers and your clientele: "They will be very predictable at being unpredictable, if not fickle." If you have the ebbs and flows of high and low tides, you're actually an appreciated establishment. The question is, "How do I make my business explode with customers?" (Or in your case, viewing subscribers.) Here's a guideline I strongly recommend for any business and YT IS a business. 1) Know your clientele. (likes, dislikes, etc. 2) Supply a unique or rare commodity that you can excel at. 3) Networking. Connecting to people inside AND outside your main platform to increase potential customers by word of mouth. 4) Vigilance at diligence. 5) Recognizing and understanding why upswing and downturn patterns in your business occur. And probably the most important 6) ABP Always Be Positive. Psychology plays a HUGE role in a business. Not to manipulate your clientele, but to motivate your clientele. People pick up consciously and subconsciously on the vibes people give off. Not all communication is verbal. Usually how you say something is perceived far greater than what the message is itself. Always be aggressive, but positively aggressive. 7) Love who you are and what you're doing. 8) Sometimes take 1 step back so you can make 2 steps forward. Take a little break to fully recharge your vocational battery. The Enterprise can't always be on Red Alert and function at peak efficiency. 9) Listen to your customers. You will NEVER make all of them happy, but make the most you can enjoy being your customer. 10) In moments of confusion, take a deep breath and reread 1-9. the answer will be in 1 or several of these points.
It's your channel, do what you want, but know we love what you do and thank you for doing it.
Mark
Thanks for the thoughtful and passionate content- I’ve only been watching for a little over a year but love the content!
I listen to UA-cam videos while I am painting miniatures, doing chores or driving to work. So everyone is a disembodied voice.
The newsletter is very high quality. I really like the list videos, and the video you did about Home Alone being about the hero's journey. I think your DM tips about how to make and keep combat interesting are very good. EEE has the best monster design of any monster book I've ever read.
I personally love the ranking videos whether they are monsters rankings or subclass rankings. Either way I’m a huge fan of whatever content you are putting out.
Hey man you helped me a lot when i first got into D&D and wanted to learn about it, I stayed because of your great narration and the amazing topics from your videos.
Since then its always a great time when I see you in my feed. I do hate how inconsistent the algorithm can be in giving creators a spotlight to their audience.
Im just a lurker, but I do hope the best for you and the channel.
You're A Bob Belcher living in a Jimmi Pesto world. You're work is amazing.
awesome. a burger for you and yours good sir 🍔
I came to your channel years ago on ranking monsters videos and lore videos. I subscribed because lore videos and a story video you put out that had a wonderful and insightful world to it (maybe in the middle of a lore video? It’s been a long time).
You are “The Bard” so we are here for your stories and telling a of things. Your monster emporium is awesome! Your insights are creative and have led to changes in the way monsters and classes get used. Keep up with your poetic monologues!
Personally I love the format.
The disembodied voice of the storyteller is a great driver of imagination. You can easily imagine a character like Elminster, Volo, Professor Snape, or other character telling you these stories.
Maybe look into creator communities that share each other's work as an alternative to relying on the algorithm
I'm always glad to hear from you! I think that the advice that other creators are giving you seems really sound. Your books have an amazing amount of content and I think you might get more traction if you published more frequently. So dividing a book like monstrous heroes into multiple works would be a more efficient way to get people using your content. And once people are using your content they could be doing things like writing modules that use it.
I can't wait for monstrous heroes! And I would love to see more shorts detailing more of the monsters in that project.
I love all your content. Especially the nature of the "Stats" series and the lore videos. I love long form "let's play" with full length game sessions. Though I understand big long videos are risky because the juice has to be worth the squeeze. I listen to long form D&D and other ttrpgs while I work, along with science and history lectures.
Thanks man! Always cool to see you around
Just found this channel a few weeks ago, but I hope you can keep it going!
I have followed your Channel for a long while and enjoyed all of your content. Your one of the people that got me back into D&D after years away, I was a big first ed, and Second ed player & DM in the 80's and 90's played a little 3 and 3.5 and 4th but 5th drew me back and so did your content . I loved your Halloween vids and so much more your an amazing creator. So in closing thank you for some very amazing times spent in the wee hours listening to you and all my best wishes for your channel.
As a fellow creator. I feel everything you’re saying.
As a forever GM and creator, I’m mainly here for your world building and GM focused content.
I’m rooting for you and hope you reach the stars and blaze a trail for those like me to follow.
Can confirm, I watch all of your videos whenever I see the, but even with notifications turned on I don't see many of them as they go live. I still think you're great anyway though!
Hey, Esper! Please keep on being you. Your creativity and aplomb are what motivates me as I would imagine many others. I might be a reticent, bashful fan, but I so enjoy your enthusiasm for RPG!
And remember as a Bard... "the prophetic invocation and styles of compositions"... Keep it up my friend...
You gonna me make cry 😭 stay strong! I’m here all the time.
Out of all DnD channels, yours is a fav of mine.
Well thought out, dedicated, passionate and above all still sane.
Cheers man, success to you.
I have watched for some time while I like the content I think the issue is the consistency. When you upload there are more random topics to expect some of which even as a fan I am indifferent to. Variety is great but most successful channels and dnd channels have somthing they consitantly upload. Comparing your last 4 uploads (excluding this one) they very wildly in subject and length. The other dnd channel I watch Dungeon Dudes very consistantly makes 30+ minuite list or review videos 2 times a week with some occasianal topic changes. Now I am not expecting the same thing for every channel but I think the variety (which I still appreciate) makes for a lack of consistant core fans that boost the views and watchtime. When watching your uploads it verys wildly on how many views It has in comparison. I do still love the content and wish you the best, most of what I suggested comes from Mr Beast he has made some podcasts talking about his strategys and success which even if you don'tlike his content he knkws how to get an audiance. Wish you luck and success man.
Due versus narratives! Example, red dragon vs. giant. Capitalize the MonsterVerse movie coming this March.
I truly appreciate your context, but perhaps you may have reached your cap of fans? Perhaps expanding your DnD into other universe (godzilla, starwars, LOTR, etc.). Many DnD fans like other stuff, and it's always fun to come up with hypothetical secerios.😊
Just letting you know, ur probably my fav dnd channel, ur also incredible at setting tone and is really deep and thoughtful in ur analysises which i appreciate
❤ I've been a long time follower on my personal page for years with your old ranking vids, now I'm trying to become a table top creator myself so seeing you still going is motivating. Keep to the grind stone for that keen edge dude😊
I have always enjoyed the experience of your channel and I wish outside of linking videos to my friends and saying hey watch this guy it's awesome, I wish I could do more to help out at the moment. You are one of only 3 people that I come to for inspiration for DnD and ideas for role-playing games. Thank you for the awesome service you have provided us all.
Esper, my amateur opinion is what sets you part is emphasis on finding meaning, and connecting the game to deeper concepts. The other difference from other UA-camrs is how authentic and personal the tone is here. Other ttrpg channels feel more "produced", or more packaged as a product. That unfortunately is what the channel needs to get the success it deserves, as long as it can strike a balance between that, and your own vision.
I've become a fan of your lore videos where your re-making the 5e LORE, I love to steal ideas from those
I loved the artshowcases. A quick lore to who made it, why it got commissioned, what it is and why you like it.
They are faster, but still have your narrative, engaging style I really like
The lore and rankings content is what the algo pushes to me (and its what draws me most to the channel). Your perspectives on the creatures is so interesting man!
You know what I love about you, Esper… your constancy, man, you are always posting… though I confess I am not watching the videos cause they are just not into my field of interest - nothing with you. Eu não entendo nada de UA-cam, mas vou começar a acompanhar pra dar uma força, meu amigo. Tu provavelmente não lembra de mim, mas eu lembro de ti e te considero pacas!
Really enjoy your own lore stuff a lot. Also appreciate how much work you put into videos.
You do have a great voice man vary professional sounding.
While I have been subscribed to your channel, after watching this video I made sure to ring that Bell as well. I am a big fan of your work and I hope to be able to see more of your videos in the future
going to be interesting watching the Grand Campaign develop. 👍
Esper your monster ranking videos got my friends and I into DnD. Please dont stop! This channel is where i first heard about the blood war, so cool.
Personally I'm a big fan of high fantasy and your channel and your voice always sparks my imagination when thinking of different types of monsters, classes and archetypes in fantasy. Although saying this I'm not a Dnd player at all.
As a viewer I really struggle to think of advice I could give you so my advice would be to try and get in contact with successful Dnd youtubers, or at least observe their channels to try and glean what they're doing to be successful. I know its not all that helpful but I truly hope you make it through this.
I just found your channel, and I love your stuff, man. You have a a great manner of speaking, and a really good voice.
I'm subscribing, I hope to see more.
Something that I have always really appreciated about your videos is your narration. You come across as being passionate about the material you r are talking about. I started watching your content back in the 4e days and I have to say your quality has been great throughout while consistently improving. While you do just have still images with your narration over it, its a minimalist approach that I think works well. Your videos are not over produced in any way. It leaves you to focus on where you excel, great narration. For me I put your voice overs among the best on youtube. It's always a pleasure to watch your videos.
At the end of the day choose what right for you. Keep making videos you like making. You don't want it to become more of a chore than a passion.
Every defeat is a glimpse at the future victory! Stay true to your path, Bard!
I'm gonna make 2 comments, this first one is just why I enjoy your content and channel and the second will be whatever suggestions I have.
I love your channel dude, you got a nice voice, I used to listen to your playlists to fall asleep too, especially the older ones when you did funny voices. I personally enjoy that kind of stuff. You have given me so many creatures to use for my very first campaign and inspired me as well! Never give up Esper! The YT algorithm sucks but I think you're aces!
Your strength is in your voice, your ability to tell a story, world and character building, and communicating thoughts about conceptual material.
I love your content when it goes beyond the surface of the game (which is much of it). Your world-building videos are amazing and thought-provoking. I generally think ranking videos are boring - but yours are different, because you also consider the lore and talk about how it can be improved. It's more than just "yeah this monster has cool abilities." You go deeper than that.
The lore videos are great, too. I'm very disconnected from the official D&D lore. I've been playing in home-brewed games almost exclusively my whole gaming life, but when I watch your videos I get inspired with ideas and concepts that I can apply elsewhere. And when you dig into the problems of D&D - the magic system video, for example - you do an exceptional job. It's not about rolling the dice. What makes magic - well, magical? How can you produce that feeling at the table and allow magic to instill a sense of wonder?
And that's what I think separates you from other people who do TTRPG content. Many of your videos aren't really about TTRPGs. Well, they are, obviously. But only on a surface level. They seem to be more about telling stories. That is your strength. You bring things to the table that, quite frankly, very few people are even capable of offering.
The sad part is the content that I really love the most doesn't seem to get as much traction. For example: Examining Home Alone through the lens of Joseph Campbell's work and the D&D alignment system. Amazing video. I loved it. And I can tell how much thought and care and time was put into it. But only 1.8k views.
Your character monologues? Like "The Best Thing an Orc Can Say." They're short, so they're easy to consume, they're well done, they're fun, the give ideas. They're applicable beyond D&D. The great thing is that someone can be playing a game, and, well, it's time for The Big Bad to say something! Well. Load your video, press play.
But only 8.5k views. I don't get it. These should be hits.
I can't imagine how frustrating that must be.
Much of your content is thought-provoking. And I wonder if that's part of the problem. People want the quick hit, the fast answer, the flashy fancy amusement park experience. That's not really what you offer (the tier list videos being an exception - that's a popular thing many people seem to enjoy). They don't care about making magic feel "magical," they just want to roll fireball's 5d6.
Sometimes it feels like you've been slaving away all day to create an amazing, five-star, world-class feast, and when you put it on the table, someone reaches for the ketchup and squirts it all over the plate. They just don't understand what's in front of them. I love my dog, he's great, but if I took him to The Hermitage Museum he'd wander around and end up peeing on The Kolyvan Vase.
Okay maybe that wasn't the best metaphor, but I think you get the idea. :D
And fighting the algorithm? Hell if I know, man. Everyone complains about it and rightly so. As something near-zero-effort to try, have you considered uploading your content to Rumble? It has a 'follow my UA-cam account' feature so once it's set up you can set it and forget it. Not sure what the pay structure is like.
Esper, I have watched/listened to your videos for a number of years. I have never commented on any of them, as it's not really something I do with any creators I watch. However, I just wish to express my (as well as my wife's) support. Your videos are great. I also would like to say I deeply recognize your feelings on the need to carry the torch for the mythopoetic. It is imperative that we keep our stories in the forefront and maintain that connection with the past in order for the future to enjoy and expand upon them. Do not lose hope. The modern landscape for "content" is bleak, and it punishes good and creative creators. Spare money is hard to come by where I live, so I cannot afford any patreons, which may also be the reality for many. The algorithm is also terrible, which is the case across all social medias. We pray that this will come to pass. Keep moving forward and I thank you for your efforts.
If I may make a suggestion (more of a request) a DM workshop series might do rather well. I've actually tried working on a couple of campaigns myself; one involving the players gathering men and material to upgrade an old derelict keep in preparation for a siege and another which I've dubbed the Drow Partisan campaign where you work with some Drow trying to break away from Lolth conducting raids and such against a better equipped, better trained, numerically superior and heavily entrenched enemy.
Unfortunately I'm rather stumped at how to turn these ideas into a functional campaign so they've been shelved indefinitely
You make quality videos! Thank you sir
I came to the channel for the teir lists. I then listened to some of the lore videos which were great.
Your teir lists are the best videos on the channel. They just are, regardless of how much effort you put into the other videos.
I’d try combining your teir lists with what you like doing the most. Maybe rank the 5e premade adventures, and throw in a couple of your own adventures into the mix? The algorithm would churn that out.
Other ideas: delving into dnd setting by setting, starting with very popular settings like Ebberon and forgotten realms. When people see those videos are fantastic, they will want to watch the videos of less popular realms such as planescape. You could then make a video on your personal setting.
I think people like monster teir lists with a huge monster in the thumbnail. I think you should do a legendary monster teir list, which would be awesome.
Finally, it’s hard to be a creator when your audience doesn’t match what you actually want to do. Should you care, is the question? My answer is not if you have the monthly teir list video, which could be about anything.
Hope this helps. I love your videos.
I love your channel. Awesome videos as they are.
I can relate about the task splitting. I have been making a massive Fantasy RPG for the last few years, but last year I decided to split it into 4 books, and I've finished the first one's body (still waiting on cover art tho). When it's done, I may send a digital copy to you, as you really have influenced how I write RPGs, specifically Monsters.
Hey Esper --- Im getting into my first campaign in a while, and while I was talking with the other players, we ended up talking about creators that we like in the D&D space, and you were the first person I thought of.
I've been a fan and follower for a long time, and just wanted to say that regardless of whether you're videos consistently reach a certain threshold of views, your passion and love for this hobby bleads theough everything you've put out.
I think you have a great ability to articulate the depth and differences between the various monstrous entities that make up the D&D bestiary ---- you're capable of making those monster descriptions and stat-lines feel like more than numbers and words on a page. I really think you may have some success talking about some of the same groups you've discussed in tier lists, but instead of using that format, I think you could really make some awesome long-form content that talks about particular figures in the lore, how maybe you've incorporated them into your setting.
I don't know if that's helpful, but I do hope if nothing else that you know that you've made a real imprint on this community, and I'm here for whatever the future holds. Cheers to you, and to here's too many more tales from the bard 🖤
I'm here for the long haul with ya! I'll have to check out your patreon as well.
First came here for the lore vids as I was new to the hobby. Stayed for the quality in every facet of the channel.
I am here for the sound of your voice combined with your creativity. Therefore I mostly enjoy your solo plays and your lore videos, where you are talking and let your creativity flow. I also, most of the time, listen to youtube videos while driving, so visuals are not as important to me as the sound.
Wish you the best of luck for your channel and your personal life and goals. ❤
Excited for your west marches campaign!
I find your "disembodied" videos are among your very best. Your knowledge of lore and ability to tackle the topics it rouses with your own philosophy, experience and insights, it's genuinely your best content. The disembodied element magnifies rather than detracts from it all, as far as I'm concerned -- a bit like having an erudite sage giving a welcome lesson. I'm talking about videos like your "Most evil Demons?" and "D&D Monster Rankings," and so on. These are truly fantastic and are what keep me coming back to your channel.
Beyond that, you should consider branching out and putting some of your content on Rumble. It already exists, you've done the work, and it's the sort of thing that has little good competition on that platform so far, but also rewards and treats creators much better than UA-cam.
According to a different creator, there is this problem that old channels can encounter. It is possible that a lot of your subscribers are either no longer interested in your content or are simply inactive. If youtube pushes your video to all your subscribers and only a small amount of them watch it, the algorithm interprets that as a bad sign and stops recommending your video. Apparently there is an option when uploading a video to youtube to notify all subscribers. You might want to experiment with not notifying subscribers as the video will then only be recommended to users interested in your type of content that are active on youtube.
I totally understand Esper. I experience the same issues. UA-cam is not a career.
Video Idea, Ask Views to send in comments that hold some of the Lore from there games and then talk about it in the same way you talk about offical lore and such and shout out viewer who made it
I very much enjoy the lore videos and the narrated adventures.
I'm here mostly for the lore videos only. Never heard of your books before, I would not mind checking it out specially if there is like a free chapter to decide if i would buy it or not. Good luck out there friend, i trully enjoy your content
Hello there, I'm pretty new among your viewers since I discovered your channel few weeks ago (began to be a D&D DM for a bunch of friends, used to be a GM for some Warhammer and L5R campaigns so far ^^)
Thanks to this video, I realize you have a Patreon, I will get into this very soon, the maps look like a true deal to me, with everything else. 😊
Also, I saw few days ago that you created a very cool book, Emporium of Esoterica if I remember it well...
I can't wait to be able to buy it ^^
Finished my diploma in December so atm I'm looking for a job, but promise I'll buy it, it def looks super cool :3
Also, be sure that what you do is really really cool, you helped me to discover many many things about the D&D universe.
I can't wait to see your future projects.
Keep going ❤ ^^
Thank you, this was a real joy to read. Welcome to the channel and related enterprises!
Love your videos man. One thing you might try is to add more sound effects and especially add hardcoded subtitles, it does increase the viewing time from my experience. Also activate the multi language subtitles so more people see it around the world. Last thing is people love behind the scenes stuff, like how you create or prepare to write your book. Keep at it legend 💪
Love your content, truly wish i could do more than like, subscribe, and comment. Thank you for all you do for our community!
I am reminded to return to channels often by wasting time watching shorts.
I think shorts might help? When it comes to your speaking quality, you are definitely the best.
I LOVE all Esper The Bard's videos!!
Commenting for the algorithm. Keep up the good work!
I enjoy your channel. I particularly enjoy the adventures you develop in the short format (the neophyte, etc.) I’m not big on watching live group play as my pet peeves get triggered (players taking far too long to optimize their turn). I find value in what you do, thank you for your passion translating into something great. Sadly I’m not a patron of any UA-cam channel due to a lack of resources. Sorry!
I watch almost exclusively my subscription videos, that's the reason I subscribed to them after all, about once a day I go through my subscription list and save videos I wanna watch, after that it may take a few days to actually watch, only so much time in a day.
Though you seem comfortable with face, maybe a face Vtuber model, so it's not just a voice from the void
The remembering the past is the primary reason I won't touch BG 3, it seems to throw the previous iterations in the trash
I didn't know you had a patreon! I just subbed. I also LOVE these maps. These alone are worth every cent.
It's good to see your face more in the videos!
A video Idea I would like to see is a general overview of the underdark and the kind of things you might find there. I'm trying to run out of the abyss but I realize I don't even know much about the underdark.
Thank you so much!
I think, unfortunately, most platforms are trending towards more short-form content, and perhaps finding ways to incorporate that into your channel would drive people toward the longer-form stuff you excel at. I only recently found you (after binging a bunch of Baldur's Gate stuff just in case this insight into what got your channel recommended to me helps), but I appreciate all of the efforts you have put into this channel, especially the recent D&D setting redesign stuff!
Really shame to hear of the challenges you have been facing. You create great content!
I enjoy your world building vids
I don't play D&D but I love your videos regardless. The lore and your delivery of it is very intriguing. Wish I was able to contribute more than just my youtube sub 😞
You could also partner with other creators, especially when you release your kickstarter.
I guess I'm different from others. I go to the Subscriptions page/tab, and go through each video in order. I feel like this helps make sure I see the people I want to see, and they get the views they deserve.
I'm surprised, I look forward to you in particular.
I also think good vids you do are trying to answer an interesting question like “who’s the most neutral god?”. Questions that would be fun would be some like “Are clerics just pleasant warlocks?” “What does the alignment system actually measure?” “How impressive should a natural 20 be?” “Are the d&d gods even gods?”
Just random ideas but I think could both get clicks and be entertaining to hear you ponder about.
First, i love the wisdom you have to offer us all and is what keeps me here along with your sincerity and appreciation for the art form which is story telling.
As for how i found your channel all those years ago? Truth be told i stumbled upon it, while going down the more obscure youtube rabbit hole a D&D video appeared and the rest was history, however finding that video was certainly luck and as you mentioned, the algorithm.
As for the popularity i have theories but its not something i can see you doing, if after all these years of watching your videos i think i've learned enough about your personality to say you don't lean towards the silly or goofy style of content creation a lot of the more successful D&D youtubers have and benefit from. In the last 10 years D&D has seen this wave of popularity, from children watching there parents play into being adults themselves, tv shows making it "hip" so a younger audience wants to experience it but i think a larger one is the populous in general we live with today in the western world is for lack of a nicer word, soft.
They don't like gritty conflict or sensitive subjects, they think dark and grim truths are less appealing than overly happy, silly, goofy and ridiculously fantastical misadventures. And lets be honest, real D&D isn't always sunshine & rainbows or politcaly correct, devils sell souls & torture, evil overlords conquer and enslave, the lords who are supposed to protect us sometimes use us. Its the reality of a medieval existence. And i think where you honour that reality the large quantity of again lack of a better word, snowflakes, don't gravitate towards it which sadly does also make up possibly half or more of the current D&D community on an international level which has this knockon of causing the algorithm to bury your channel unless someone who appreciate the classic style of play finds you.
Its a sad thing, because your content even when minimalist in nature in regards to visuals (stills with narration) holds significant knowledge and i've lost count of the number of times i have been sat there thinking of ideas to throw at my players and i hit a wall and thus need to return to the font of wisdom to aid me in my hour of need. But in short i do think appearing may help your odds, some folk enjoy a form of face to face interaction when they watch a video so it may very well be a good idea to pursue that further.
For suggestions i have some but tbh, i don't necessarily think i like them but i do think they may have an effect.
1. would be streaming, i find a lot of people have success streaming when people just looking for something to watch finds it and i would say the number of "live" content is much smaller than "posted" content. People looking for a new or random steam have a smaller sampling pool for live content than posted content. Which may herold some new viewers who appreciate your work.
2. It could be helpful in the short term to have a guest appearence, someone the D&D world is aware of and will if only for the title come and view you. Admittedly, i don't like this one, 50% of people will likely view and leave, 30% will subscribe and leave and the other 20% might subscribe and realise they just stumbled upon a gem enough to continue viewing your work. But sometimes a jumpstart is what we need for the algorithm to take notice, afterall im pretty sure its designed to take note of sudden interest spikes in case its a new trend lord google wants to take advantage of. If i had to suggest someone, i myself would put forward someone like Bob World Builder, his content is usually pretty grounded and informed and where im sure there is silliness present, its not nearly as bad as some others i've seen. Plus he sits in a similar bracket subscriber wise, maybe having a sit down may hold some youtube insight into how the machine can be used as a tool (as it is supposed to be anyway) rather than this bbeg its turned into.
Anyway, stay strong Esper, you are a force to be reckoned with, a master of your craft and perhaps the most knowledgable DM i have encountered on youtube or any other platform. Keep up the good word and come hell or high water know we all stand behind you.
The RP miniatures contents are my favourite