🎉 Celebrating a Decade of Bad Mike!
It's hard to believe, but Bad Mike is more than 10 years old!
In 2014, at the ripe age of 15, I embarked on a thrilling adventure into the world of YouTube. My dream was simple yet grand: to become a YouTube sensation, just like the iconic PewDiePie and other internet celebrities. I named my channel "Bad Mike," a moniker that originated from my old PSN name, "Bad Agent 47," paying homage to my love for the Hitman series' enigmatic Agent 47. Thus, Bad Mike was born, and it was destined to be all about gaming, as I was an ardent gamer in my youth.
The Inception
My YouTube journey officially began on August 31, 2014, with the upload of my very first video, a hilarious Battlefield Hardline gameplay clip edited using Windows Movie Maker. Little did I know that this moment would mark the beginning of a long and thrilling journey through the world of online content creation.
Stats
Fast forward to the present, and Bad Mike has reached impressive heights, boasting over 29,000 subscribers, 6,804,800 views across 460 videos, and generating a five-figure income from ad revenue alone. As of September 4, 2023, I currently have 27,500 dedicated subscribers.
Cracking the Top 100 in Lebanon
One of the highlights of my YouTube journey came in 2017 when I achieved a significant milestone. I was ranked 37th among the top 100 YouTubers in Lebanon according to the Social Blade rankings. This accomplishment was particularly sweet, as I had surpassed well-known figures like Wael Kfoury and Maritta Hallani.
The Series that Defined Bad Mike
Throughout my YouTube journey, several series played a pivotal role in defining the content on my channel:
GTA Thug Life Compilations (2015-2017): This series, which brought the concept of "thug life" into the gaming world, played a crucial role in skyrocketing my channel's popularity. It even inspired a full blog post on my website here.
GTA Movies (2016-2017): One of the most creatively fulfilling series I ever created on my channel, these GTA movies leveraged the Rockstar Editor tool to craft cinematic experiences. The countless hours I spent editing these videos were truly rewarding.
More Thug Life Videos (2017-2019): The thug life trend on my channel continued, expanding to include games like Battlefield 1, For Honor, Fortnite, and various other gaming content that resonated with my audience.
Fortnite (2018-2019): With the rise of Fortnite's popularity, I joined the craze and began uploading Fortnite content and gameplay. One video even reached a staggering 1.3 million views. This series marked a shift towards showing my face more on camera and engaging with my viewers through live gameplay.
Diverse Gaming Series (2018-2019): After Fortnite, I diversified my content by creating around 20 videos each for games like Red Dead Redemption 2, Call of Duty Warzone, and Fall Guys.
Age of Mythology (2020-2021): A game that held a special place in my heart, Age of Mythology, became the primary focus of my channel during this period. I decided to switch to Age of Mythology content as the other series lost momentum. This transition not only reinvigorated my channel but also formed a tight-knit community of fans who shared my passion for the game.
Turning Point
As life marched on, I found myself entangled in various other responsibilities, including university, work, and personal ventures, which took precedence over my YouTube channel. Consequently, I ceased uploading content on Bad Mike after 2021.
A Precious Journey
Bad Mike is more than just a YouTube channel to me; it represents six to seven years of relentless effort, boundless passion, and unwavering dedication. While I may not have achieved the grand milestones I initially aspired to, I carry no regrets. Mistakes were made, such as frequent content shifts that led to audience departures, but they were part of my learning process. Life threw challenges my way, including financial responsibilities, further slowing my channel's growth.
The dream of becoming a YouTube sensation may have evolved over the years, but the journey remains an indelible part of my life. Although I may not see the dream fully realized, I hold on to the hope that circumstances may change, allowing me to return to my gaming roots and continue sharing my passion with the world. Bad Mike's story is a testament to growth, resilience, and the enduring spirit of a young dreamer.
Want to Start Your Own YouTube Journey?
Let me share my experience and insights from years of content creation. Whether you're interested in gaming content, looking to grow your channel, or just want to learn from my journey, I'm here to help.