WWE looked to expand the reach of its digital presence with the launch of UpUpDownDown, a YouTube channel dedicated solely to video gaming. Hosted by WWE Superstar Xavier Woods — operating under the alias of Austin Creed — the channel is targeted at WWE's expansive crossover audience of sports-entertainment supporters and gamers while attracting new fans who discovered WWE through Creed and company's infectious videos.
Consistency has been the key to UpUpDownDown's success. At least five new videos have been uploaded to the channel each week. Popular recurring titles include the exhilarating "Jump Scares" and "Gamer Gauntlet," where WWE Superstars battle in head-to-head gaming competitions in the locker room with the loser undergoing hilarious punishments. Users also know to expect engaging live streams that grant them the opportunity to watch their favorite performer's game it up in real time.
The crowning achievement of UpUpDownDown's launch year has certainly been the annual Madden Tournament, which has pitted eight Superstars against one another in a battle to crown WWE's greatest gridiron gamer. Events like this, as well as fan interaction through social media and appearances from WWE Superstars and YouTube personalities, have helped the brand grow exponentially.
The highlight of 2018 was The New Day vs. The Elite in a Street Fighter V Team Battle Exhibition, which took place in front of a live audience at the E3 gaming convention in Los Angeles.
UpUpDownDown's success can be measured in multiple ways. The channel has received more than 204,687,234 views since its June 2015 launch with single videos routinely garnering more than 100,000 views. A loyal audience of 1.6 million subscribers, as of August 1, 2018, have helped UpUpDownDown nab its own line of merchandising as well as sponsorships from popular brands like General Mills.
