With over a decade of comedic experience on YouTube and a long-standing role at one of the platform’s most iconic channels, Smosh, Noah Gman brings a wealth of insight for anyone looking to make it big in online comedy. Whether you’re an actor, comedian, or content creator hoping to stand out in the entertainment crowd, these five actionable tips can guide you on your journey.
Tip #1: How to Know If Your Jokes Are Funny
Comedy is both a skill and an instinct, and like any skill, it improves over time. The first step in testing your jokes? Make yourself laugh. If a joke sticks in your head for days and keeps making you smile, chances are others will find it funny too.
Noah emphasizes the importance of enjoying the characters you play. If using a certain voice, mannerism, or personality makes you laugh, lean into it. Characters like “Kimber” and “Young Isis” came to life because they were fun to portray—and that joy is infectious for the audience.
Key takeaway: Trust your gut and follow the fun. A joke you enjoy is more likely to resonate with viewers.
Tip #2: Collaborate—Don’t Compete
Comedy is rarely a solo act. Whether you’re doing improv or sketch comedy, collaboration is essential. Noah’s advice? Make your scene partners look good. That means listening actively, avoiding interruptions, and accepting creative input.
Use the classic improv rule of “Yes, and…” rather than “No, but…” to build on each other’s ideas. Most importantly, don’t treat it like a competition. It’s about the collective success of the video, not who gets the biggest laugh.
And when you receive creative feedback? Don’t take it personally. Constructive criticism is aimed at making the project better—not at attacking you.
Key takeaway: Support your team. A strong performance uplifts everyone and leads to better content.
Tip #3: Embrace Failure
Failure isn’t the end—it’s part of the process. Noah encourages creators to reframe failure as learning. A joke that flops might actually end up being funnier than the one that lands perfectly.
Not every video will perform well, and that’s okay. Sometimes it’s the title, the timing, or even viewer interest that determines a video’s reach—not your talent.
Key takeaway: Don’t be discouraged by low views or unresponsive audiences. Every stumble teaches something new.
Tip #4: Play Yourself—But Amplified
Portraying your own personality on screen can be trickier than playing a character. Noah’s advice: be yourself, just the best version of yourself. Imagine you’re meeting your partner’s friends for brunch—you want to be likable, warm, and present.
That doesn’t mean being fake. If you’re angry, be an approachable version of angry. If you’re happy, show that joy in a way that connects. Just avoid being reckless—especially on camera. Being “real” doesn’t mean endangering yourself or your audience.
Key takeaway: Be authentic, but polish it. Think of your on-screen self as “you,” turned up a few notches.
Tip #5: Take a Class (Any Class)
Finally, keep learning. Noah recommends taking a class—any class. Whether it’s comedy, drama, writing, pottery, or gardening, the goal is to immerse yourself in creativity and observation.
Classes provide structure, feedback, and fresh perspectives. They also create space for growth and new ideas. Regardless of age or experience, being in a learning environment can rejuvenate your creativity and confidence.
Key takeaway: Creativity thrives in dynamic spaces. Surround yourself with other learners and creators.
Final Thoughts
Comedy on YouTube isn’t just about landing the perfect punchline. It’s about persistence, collaboration, personal growth, and sharing something that brings joy—not only to the audience but also to yourself. Noah Gman’s tips provide a refreshing, grounded guide for content creators looking to build a lasting presence in comedy.
Tags: YouTube comedy, YouTube tips, creator advice, video content creation, Noah Gman, Smosh, improv comedy, content collaboration, creative growth, VidIQ
Hashtags: #YouTubeTips #ComedyCreator #ContentCreation #NoahGman #Smosh #VidIQ #ImprovTips #CreativeGrowth #YouTubeComedy #VideoTips
