When Megan Letter uploaded her first YouTube video in 2013, she wasn't chasing a career. She simply loved playing The Sims and wanted to share that passion with other people online.
More than a decade later, she's watched the internet reinvent itself time and time again. Algorithms have changed. Short-form video has reshaped audience habits. Monetization has shifted across platforms. Through it all, MeganPlays has continued to evolve without losing sight of the thing she believes matters most: building a genuine connection with her community.
In this VidCon edition of Creator Playbook, the gaming creator reflects on the lessons she's learned from 13 years online. She shares why consistency is still one of the most important ingredients for growth, how creators can use analytics without letting the algorithm dictate every creative decision, and why YouTube and TikTok serve very different purposes for today's creators.
She also tells Mashable Culture Editor Crystal Bell about the realities of making a living online — from navigating brand deals and platform monetization to recovering from creator burnout. Along the way, MeganPlays offers candid advice for aspiring creators, including why they shouldn't wait for the "perfect" setup before posting their first video and how finding the right niche can help build a lasting audience.
Whether you're just starting your creator journey or looking to adapt to an ever-changing internet, MeganPlays' biggest lesson is refreshingly simple: just start.
Watch the full Creator Playbook interview above.
