5 min
Aug 1, 2024

The Markiplier Formula: breaking down what makes him great

Mark Fischbach has become a world-renowned creator under the name of Markiplier.

With over 38 million subscribers and billions of views, his journey to stardom has been extraordinary. But what sets Markiplier apart from the countless other content creators? 

The answer is what we like to call The Markiplier Formula. A combination of factors that, together, have propelled Mark to the pinnacle of YouTube success. 

But what exactly are those factors?

1. Consistency and frequency

From the very beginning of his journey, Markiplier has been a model of consistency. In the early days of his channel, he posted content daily, sometimes even uploading up to 10 videos in a single day

To this day, Mark rarely goes longer than 3 days without posting and still does more than one video a day sometimes.

This pace not only keeps his existing viewers engaged but also attracts new ones. Gameplay viewers often enjoy binge-watching content, so having such a huge vault is definitely attractive.

Consistent posting creates a routine for viewers. It makes them more likely to return for new content. And that’s exactly what you want as a creator.

2. High quality

Over the years, Markiplier has continuously improved the production value of his videos. 

In the beginning, his equipment was modest and, obviously, on the cheaper side. But as his channel grew, so did his possibilities to invest in better audio and video gear. 

He also hired professional editors who contributed to the polished look of his content. As most big YouTubers do to meet the demand, of course.

This commitment to high-quality production ensures that viewers always have a top-notch visual and auditive experience. If you like what you see, you’re more likely to come back for more.

3. Engaging personality

We’re not gonna lie, this is the most important element of the formula and the hardest to replicate.

Mark is universally loved for his personality. It is perhaps his most significant asset. 

His charisma is infectious, and he has a natural ability to connect with his audience. He always shows genuine reactions, whether he's laughing, crying, or screaming in fear.

This makes viewers feel like they know him personally. Over time, they’ve formed a deep connection, crucial for building his loyal fan base. Mark's humor and charisma make him relatable and enjoyable to watch. It’s nearly impossible to stop watching.

4. Community engagement

Markiplier has always placed a strong emphasis on creating community. He frequently interacts with fans on social media, responds to comments, holds live streams to connect with his audience in real time, and attends events and conventions.

This level of engagement makes fans feel valued and appreciated. They’re loyal to someone who cares about them.

Mark's gratitude towards his fans is evident in his emotional thank-you videos and his genuine appreciation for their support. Building a strong community around his channel has been good for both his sustainability and, seemingly, his well-being.

5. Collaboration

Collaborations have been key in Markiplier's growth.

Working with other popular YouTubers, such as Jacksepticeye, has allowed him to tap into their audiences and vice versa.

These collaborations provide fresh content for viewers and expose both creators to new potential subscribers. Plus, during the golden age of YouTubers, collaborations opened the gate for shipping culture which only increased each creator’s popularity.

6. Adaptability

Markiplier has never been afraid to diversify his content. While his strong suit since the dawn of his channel has been gaming videos, he has branched out into skits, challenges, and charity streams.

This variety keeps his channel fresh and appealing to a broader audience. Plus, it probably helps him from becoming too saturated.

Being open to trying new things and evolving his content has helped Mark stay relevant and grow.

7. Authenticity

Being authentic is a hallmark of Markiplier's brand. 

He is open about his personal struggles and triumphs. He shares his life with his audience in a way that feels genuine and sincere.

This transparency builds trust and loyalty among his fans. Mark's willingness to be vulnerable and authentic sets him apart from many other creators who might present a more curated or polished persona.

8. Effective thumbnails and titles

Markiplier understands the importance of eye-catching thumbnails and compelling titles.

These elements are the first things potential viewers see, and they play a crucial role in whether someone decides to click on a video. 

Mark's thumbnails are often vibrant and engaging. But above all else, they’ve become recognizable. He even has his own stock photo he frequently uses.

His titles were traditionally crafted to pique curiosity and interest (e.g. “I WILL CATCH THE NEW BIGFOOT” and “YouTube Cut This Content”). But lately, because he’s become so popular and his personality is such a staple, he’s stuck with game names as titles.

But he has only gotten to this point because of his decade-long YouTube career.

TL;DR

Let’s sum it up in a short list. The Markiplier Formula requires:

  1. Consistency - post videos regularly.

  1. Quality - invest in equipment and a team.

  1. Personality - be histrionic and genuine.

  1. Community engagement - communicate with your audience.

  1. Collaboration - lean on fellow creators.

  1. Adaptability - try new things.

  1. Authenticity - open up and be yourself.

  1. Effective metadata - create compelling titles and thumbnails.

If you’d like to know more about Markiplier’s journey, check out this week’s episode of Break The Internet!

Ever thought about creating your own thought leadership content? At TOP Thought Leader, we amplify new and established voices so they can become pioneers of their generation. Get in touch with us and embark on your journey!

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