YouTube Simulator Z Guide: The core gameplay loop
About
OverviewYouTube Simulator Z is the third game in the YouTube Simulator series, where you build a channel by making videos and thumbnails, growing your subscriber count from nothing into the billions and beyond. This guide covers the core loop, how to keep your channel growing, and what to expect as a free-to-play player.
What is on this page
Contents
The core gameplay loop
Step
You start with basic equipment and a small studio. Making videos and thumbnails brings in currency, which you spend on upgrades that let you earn faster. Repeat that cycle and your subscriber count climbs.
- Make a video this is the primary way your channel earns income.
- Create a thumbnail a good thumbnail pulls in more viewers and strengthens your channel.
- Publish your content releasing it starts the income flowing.
- Collect your earnings reinvest them into studio upgrades and better equipment.
MetaNew Player Survey
The next survey is being prepared.
Growing your studio over time
Tips
Your early studio is small, but income from videos lets you purchase larger filming spaces. Better equipment raises the quality of your content, which attracts more viewers, which earns more income. Stronger thumbnail tools let you create more appealing images and continue that cycle.
- Upgrade your filming space as soon as you can afford it — more room means bigger productions.
- Invest in thumbnail tools to keep your images competitive as your channel scales.
Subscriber milestones and badges
Table
Each badge is awarded automatically when you hit the matching subscriber count.
| Subscriber milestone | What the game says about it |
|---|---|
| 100,000 | Something very few creators ever accomplish |
| 1,000,000 | A channel bigger than the populations of Vancouver, Venice, and Las Vegas |
| 10,000,000 | No longer just a great channel — a movement |
| 100,000,000 | Bigger than MrBeast |
| 1,000,000,000 | That is so many subscribers |
| 1,000,000,000,000 | How did you get that many? |
| One Quadrillion | Very good |
| One Quintillion | That is so many subscribers |
| One Hexillion | Congratulations on this award |
| One Septillion | Spelled wrong to avoid a filter |
| One Octillion | You are very good |
| One Nonillion | Will you be the first to get this badge? |
| One Decillion | That is so many subscribers |
| One Undecillion | I cannot count that high |
| One Duodecillion | Congrats |
| One Tredecillion | It looks like pee |
| One Quatuordecillion | Who named this number? |
| One Quindecillion | It looks like diamond |
Premium membership benefits
TableThe game offers a premium membership with three specific perks. None of them gate core gameplay, so the choice is about comfort rather than access.
| Teleporter | lets you move around quickly instead of traveling on foot |
| Rubies | you earn twice as many with premium active |
| House design | an exclusive design only premium members can use |
Glossary
Glossary- Channel
- Your home base in the game, where all your videos live and your subscriber count is tracked.
- Thumbnail
- The cover image for a video that draws viewers in and supports your channel's growth.
- Rubies
- The premium currency in the game, used for special items and upgrades.
- Teleporter
- A premium perk that lets you move to locations instantly instead of walking.
Common questions
FAQCan free players reach the highest subscriber badges?
Every milestone badge from 100,000 subscribers up to One Quindecillion is open to free players. Premium membership provides double rubies and a teleporter, but it does not block any badge.
Is there a winter update I should know about?
A Winter Update launched alongside a 2x money bonus.
Game updates can change what is on this page. If you spot something, get in touch and let us know.
