The Power of Live: VidCon 2016 Keynote

MatPat explains this is a keynote speech from VidCon 2016, uploaded so viewers who couldn't attend the event can still experience it.

MatPat runs Game Theory and Film Theory channels where he applies science, math, and history to analyze video games, movies, and TV shows.

• Mario is a sociopathic killer • Sonic is slow • Dory is a con artist who doesn't have short-term memory loss • Zootopia is about 1980s crack cocaine conspiracies

MatPat was selected as a keynote speaker for VidCon's Creator badge holders, which he describes as a huge opportunity.

After attending SGC gaming convention in Dallas, MatPat went to Dave & Buster's arcade with speakers and fans where he met three kids.

The three kids told him they initially thought he was an arrogant, know-it-all jerk because of his character in the videos.

After hanging out, playing video games together, and spending time talking, the kids realized MatPat wasn't a douche bag and told him so.

This encounter made MatPat reconsider who he is online and helped him understand the difference between his character and himself as a person.

MatPat thought his Game Theory character was easily distinguishable from himself as a person, but some viewers didn't get that distinction.

• The character is a heightened version of himself • He doesn't actually go around telling creators their work is depressing or ruined his life • He's a person who sits on a couch with his cat, stuffed animal, and wife playing video games

MatPat realized that YouTube's catchphrase 'Content is King' isn't entirely true—having good content is important, but it's not the only factor for success.

Personality and genuine connection with the audience matter more than content alone; viewers want to get to know the person behind the channel.

• An older brother or sister figure • A friend to hang out with on weekends • Someone to bring into their personal space and watch before bed • A mother or father figure to look up to

Viewers want to get to know the person behind the channel as an individual, not just consume content.

• Started doing videos about personal opinions and passions • Collaborated with other creators like Markiplier and CaptainSparklez • Began regular live streaming with his wife, cat, and stuffed animal

MatPat streams to show that despite having millions of subscribers, he's still a person present and listening to his audience, wanting to hang out with them.

MatPat is frequently asked how to become the next PewDiePie, Markiplier, ShayCarl, or other successful creators.

You won't be the next PewDiePie because you're not Felix, and you shouldn't be—there's room on the platform for you to be yourself.

• Be authentic to who you are and what you're passionate about • There's space for channels like 'SarahXXSephirothlover59' or 'CuteGirlHairstylesAreTheBest41' • Your unique identity is your strength

While haters exist on YouTube, focus on the hundreds or thousands of positive comments from people who accept you for who you are and connect with you personally.

MatPat acknowledges he's not like other popular creators—he's a nerd with an over-analytical brain who creates conspiracy theories about movies.

He can't be the next Markiplier, but he can be the best MatPat he can be by being true to himself.

Despite thousands of competing channels, there's always room for new creators who are willing to be themselves and not afraid to stand out.

The beauty of YouTube is in the 'you'—authenticity and genuine self-expression are what make creators successful and build lasting connections with audiences.