Aiken started his YouTube channel in 2009 at the age of 15. Initially, his content revolved around first-person shooters, particularly “Call of Duty,” which was at its peak popularity in the late 2000s and early 2010s. His early videos focused on gameplay strategies, tutorials, and tips, positioning him as an authoritative figure in the “Call of Duty” community. His deep understanding of the game, combined with clear and entertaining commentary, helped him stand out in the emerging gaming community on YouTube.
Aiken’s ability to explain complex in-game tactics in a friendly and engaging way made his content appealing to both seasoned players and beginners. He consistently posted high-quality videos, often offering commentary on new game releases, updates, and features within “Call of Duty.” This consistency and his growing expertise built a strong following, particularly as the eSports and gaming industries began to gain mainstream attention.
Growth and Diversification
As his subscriber count grew, Ali-A recognized the importance of diversifying his content to maintain long-term success. Although “Call of Duty” remained his bread and butter for many years, Aiken explored other games and content types. He expanded into vlogs, challenges, and collaborations with other YouTubers, which helped to broaden his appeal beyond the hardcore gaming audience.
However, his major breakthrough came in 2017 with the release of “Fortnite: Battle Royale.” The game quickly became a global sensation, and Aiken was quick to pivot his content to focus on “Fortnite.” He leveraged the popularity of the game to create a new wave of videos that catered to both casual players and dedicated fans. His coverage of “Fortnite” included gameplay, tips, and live commentary, as well as discussions of updates and new skins—content that resonated with the massive player base.
The shift to “Fortnite” was a turning point for his career, as his subscriber base grew exponentially, and he reached a wider audience, including younger fans. His focus on staying current with trending games while maintaining the high production value of his videos ensured that his channel continued to grow despite the highly competitive nature of gaming on YouTube.
Branding and Expanding Influence
As Ali-A’s YouTube channel grew in popularity, he became a recognized figure in the broader gaming and entertainment industry. His channel surpassed 10 million subscribers, and he began to receive mainstream recognition, with appearances in various gaming-related shows, events, and media outlets. His success also led to him becoming part of the YouTube-focused Multi-Channel Network (MCN) network known as Machinima early in his career, which allowed him to connect with other influencers and participate in larger collaborations.
Ali-A’s brand evolved beyond just being a YouTube content creator. He expanded into merchandise, created apps, and launched a second YouTube channel, “More Ali-A,” where he shared behind-the-scenes content and personal vlogs, giving fans a glimpse into his life outside of gaming. His partnerships with major gaming companies and brands like Activision and Epic Games also solidified his place as a leading voice in the gaming community.
In 2016, Ali-A reached a new milestone when he was featured in the “Guinness World Records: Gamer’s Edition” for several “Call of Duty” records, including most popular “Call of Duty” channel by views. This added another level of credibility to his gaming career, further establishing him as a respected figure within the gaming world.
Television, Events, and Mainstream Success
As Aiken’s online presence expanded, he also ventured into television and live events. He hosted events at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) and other gaming conventions, where he interviewed developers and provided coverage of upcoming games. These opportunities allowed him to blend his passion for gaming with more traditional media roles.
In 2018, Aiken’s career took another significant step forward when he starred in his own show, “Ali-A’s Superchargers,” a children’s series produced by CBBC (the children’s arm of the BBC). The show focused on customizing cars for young drivers, tapping into Aiken’s personal interests outside of gaming and giving him a new platform to engage with a different audience. The success of this show helped further cement his status as a multi-faceted entertainer.
