YouTube has become a hub for content creators from various niches, including firearms enthusiasts. These creators, also known as gun influencers, have amassed a significant following on the platform, with some attracting millions of subscribers. In this article, we’ll explore the rise of gun influencers on YouTube and their impact on gun culture and the broader society.
What Is Gun Influencer
A gun influencer is an individual who has a significant following on social media platforms and is known for their content related to firearms, shooting, and the gun industry. They may be firearms enthusiasts, hunters, competitive shooters, or gun store owners, and they use their platform to share their knowledge, experience, and opinions on various gun-related topics. Gun influencers may collaborate with gun manufacturers and retailers to promote products, provide reviews, and offer recommendations to their followers.
The Emergence of Gun Influencers
The rise of gun influencers on YouTube can be traced back to the early 2010s, when the platform was still in its infancy. Firearm enthusiasts saw an opportunity to share their passion with a wider audience and began creating content around guns, including reviews, tutorials, and demonstrations.
One of the earliest and most successful gun influencers on YouTube was Hickok45, whose real name is Greg Kinman. Hickok45’s channel, which began in 2008, features videos of him shooting various firearms and offering insights and opinions on them. Today, his channel has over 5 million subscribers and is one of the most popular firearm channels on YouTube.
Top 7 YouTube Gun Influencer
Hickok45
Hickok45 is a retired English teacher and Vietnam veteran who has been creating gun-related videos on YouTube since 2007. He gained a massive following for his ability to provide entertaining and informative content on a wide range of firearms. Hickok45’s channel has over 4.2 million subscribers and his videos have been viewed over a billion times.
Demolition Ranch
Demolition Ranch is run by Matt Carriker, a veterinarian from Texas who loves guns. He creates videos showing off his collection of firearms and ammunition, as well as testing them in a variety of creative ways. Demolition Ranch has over 11 million subscribers and his videos have been viewed over 2 billion times.
Military Arms Channel
Military Arms Channel is a YouTube channel run by Tim Harmsen, a former US Marine who provides in-depth reviews and testing of firearms. He also covers military history and provides commentary on current gun-related events. Military Arms Channel has over 1.1 million subscribers and his videos have been viewed over 300 million times.
Iraqveteran8888
Iraqveteran8888 is run by Eric and Chad, two former marines who provide in-depth reviews and testing of firearms. They also conduct fun experiments with guns and ammunition. Iraqveteran8888 has over 2.4 million subscribers and their videos have been viewed over 600 million times.
TFB TV
TFB TV is a YouTube channel run by the team behind The Firearm Blog, a popular gun news website. They provide in-depth reviews and testing of firearms, as well as cover gun-related news and events. TFB TV has over 1.2 million subscribers and its videos have been viewed over 300 million times.
The Yankee Marshall
The Yankee Marshall is run by Marshall Luton, a gun enthusiast who provides commentary on current events and gun-related news. He also provides in-depth reviews and testing of firearms. The Yankee Marshall has over 300,000 subscribers and his videos have been viewed over 50 million times.
22plinkster
22plinkster is run by Jeff, a gun enthusiast who specializes in shooting small-caliber firearms, particularly .22 LR. He provides entertaining videos showing off his accuracy and skills with these firearms, as well as providing reviews and testing. 22plinkster has over 550,000 subscribers and his videos have been viewed over 100 million times.
Feature of Youtube Gun Influencer
High-quality videos: Gun influencers on YouTube tend to produce high-quality videos that feature clear visuals, proper lighting, and sound.
Engaging content: Gun influencers create content that is both entertaining and informative, covering topics such as gun reviews, news, product reviews, and shooting tips.
Educational content: Many gun influencers create educational content for viewers to learn more about guns and gun safety.
Subscriber interaction: Gun influencers often interact with their subscribers by responding to questions and comments, often creating a sense of community among subscribers.
Connections to brands and companies: Gun influencers often form partnerships with brands and companies to promote their products.
Conclusion
YouTube gun influencers have the potential to significantly influence gun ownership, gun safety, and gun culture. While some of their influence may be positive, such as promoting safe and responsible gun ownership, their presence on YouTube and the potential for their content to be seen by a wide audience can also be a source of misinformation and violence-promoting content.
It is important that gun owners, and those who may be exposed to gun-related content on YouTube, are critical of and aware of what they are seeing, and to take appropriate measures to protect themselves and others.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
Are Gun Influencers on YouTube Safe?
Answer: Yes, gun influencers on YouTube are generally safe as long as they follow YouTube’s policies for firearms content. YouTube requires that all gun influencers must be over the age of 18, have appropriate licensing, and abide by all applicable laws and regulations. Additionally, all content must be appropriate for a general audience, and any videos involving firearms must include safety warnings and be educational in nature.
What type of firearms do Gun Influencers show on YouTube?
Answer: Gun influencers on YouTube typically show a wide range of firearms, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns. They may also discuss accessories, ammunition, and other related topics. Gun influencers may also show off and discuss different firearms modifications.
Are Gun Influencers on YouTube regulated?
Answer: Yes, gun influencers on YouTube are required to follow all applicable laws and regulations, including any licensing requirements. In addition, YouTube’s policies for firearms content require that all gun influencers must be over the age of 18 and all content must be appropriate for a general audience.
Are Gun Influencers on YouTube honest?
Answer: Yes, gun influencers on YouTube strive to be honest and accurate with their content. YouTube’s policy for firearms content requires that all content must be educational in nature and that all gun influencers must have the appropriate licensing and abide by all applicable laws and regulations.
What type of topics do Gun Influencers on YouTube discuss?
Answer: Gun influencers on YouTube discuss a wide range of topics related to firearms, such as safety and responsible gun ownership, ammunition, and different types of firearms and accessories. They may also discuss firearms modifications and show off different firearms and accessories.
A. Wilcox Head is a lifelong shooter, hunter, and firearms enthusiast. Head grew up in a family where firearms were a way of life, and from an early age, he was taught the importance of firearm safety, accuracy, and proper hunting techniques.
