Popular gaming and reviews channel, violence and language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Markiplier is a YouTube channel featuring comedy sketches and video game commentary starring creator Mark Fischbach (aka Markiplier). Markiplier sometimes uses profanity, dark humor, and references to violence in his game commentary and sketches. Some of the video games he highlights are horror games (for example, Five Nights at Freddy's), as well as other games not intended for kids. Like many YouTube channels, content here varies widely. Depending on the episode, content in Markiplier's videos range from appropriate for middle schoolers or best for older teens and adults.
Violence & Scariness
a lot
Depictions of violence are generally shown as funny, silly, or slapstick. In one comedy video, a gun is shown shooting contestants in a game show, and it looks like a gun is "shot" directly into the camera at the viewer. Discussions of shootings and stabbings, intended to be funny. Markplier sometimes plays violent characters. Dialogue includes violent references that are intended to be humorous ("I killed Santa Claus, so no more presents for the children of the world"). Violence in the video games reviewed by Markiplier depends on the titles being reviewed. Some games he plays are graphic, showing blood, gore, dismemberment and more.
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Ongoing use of profanity, including "f--k," "s--t," "hell," "bitch," and more. Profanity used for humor (for example, a video of a cat with a human mouth saying, "I'm going to meow the f--k out of you").
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Buy links for the games Markiplier plays are often included, and it's likely kids will want to play whatever he's playing at the moment.
Drinking, Drugs & Smoking
a little
There may be alcohol, drugs, or smoking in the video games Markiplier plays on-screen, depending on the titles being reviewed. One episode about the game Disco Discomfort includes images of hard liquor and people drinking in a club.
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Brief mentions of sex-related topics in both comedy sketches and gameplay commentary videos. Examples: "Your cleavage doesn't impress me." "I slept with your wife." In one video, Markiplier wears a shirt with an image of objectified female legs sticking out of meat. Markiplier places images of male faces on the breasts of a woman in a painting in a video game he's reviewing. Sexy stuff in the video games reviewed by Markiplier depends on the titles being reviewed.
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Most of the content is meant to be silly and funny, but Markiplier often promotes acceptance and empathy towards others. However, some jokes do include use of violent or sexual references for laughs.
Positive Role Models
a little
Some of Markiplier's characters and alter egos are clearly negative role models, while others are more ambiguous. Markiplier's "Draw My Life" episode poignantly illustrates the way that his family and the personal challenges he experienced as a kid and 20-something brought him to where he is today. He talks about his personal work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Plus, he's made a career out of doing something he loves and is a successful businessperson because of it.
Diverse Representations
very little
Creator Mark Fischbach (aka "Markiplier") is half Korean. There aren't many guests on his videos and when there are they aren't typically from diverse backgrounds.
Parents say the channel features a mix of humor, occasional strong language, and themes that may not be suitable for younger viewers. While some appreciate the educational value and authentic personality of the creator, others express concerns about explicit content, recommending that parents supervise their children's viewing and provide guidance on sensitive topics.
mature themes
strong language
educational value
parental supervision
humorous content
Summarized with AI
age 10+
Based on 44 kid reviews
Kids say Markiplier is an entertaining YouTuber known for his humor and engaging personality, but his content is better suited for older teens and adults due to frequent swearing and occasional mature themes. Reviewers appreciate his creativity and positive influence, noting that he can serve as a good role model despite the presence of vulgarity in his humor.
funny humor
suitable for teens
frequent swearing
positive role model
engaging personality
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
MARKIPLIER's YouTube episodes usually involve a comedic skit or video game commentary. Some of the comedy videos involve other people in supporting roles (including other YouTubers, such as Jacksepticeye), as well as Markiplier creator Mark Fischbach playing other characters (including his own alter egos). Episodes run from under five minutes to more than 45 minutes long. Titles include "MARKIPLIER TV," "PREY," "The Valley of Death Little Nightmares - Part IV," "Mark Bop," "World's Hardest Game," "Markiplier Roasted by Fans," and more.
Whether you're delighted, horrified, or a combination of both by Markiplier depends on the episode you're watching. Fischbach has terrific comedic timing, he's a natural at character acting, and his radio announcer-like voice is spot-on for a video game commentator. So it's no surprise that Markiplier has more than 17 million subscribers and was ranked sixth on a list of the 20 Most Influential Celebrities Among U.S. teens in 2015. On the other hand, it can be frustrating that a guy with this much talent sometimes spends it on jokes about women, weapons, and violence. Depending on the episode, content in Markiplier's videos ranges from "great for middle schoolers" to "only appropriate for older teens." This also depends on which games he's playing through (parents can check out our game reviews for details on those). Families with kids who love Let's Play-type videos might want to test a few to see whether Markiplier's antics are right for them.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the appeal of YouTube stars. How are they different from TV or movie stars? What do you like about the way they share their talents and ideas?
Why is it fun to watch other people play games? Does the person playing have to be funny?
Watch Markiplier's "Life Story" episode with your teen to learn more about Mark Fischbach, the person behind Markiplier, and how he got his start on YouTube.
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.