Why Demolition Ranch Retired – And Why It’s Time to Build Our Own Platforms
When Matt Carriker, better known as the face of Demolition Ranch, announced his retirement from YouTube on January 28, 2025, it marked the end of an era for millions of fans. Demolition Ranch wasn’t just another gun channel—it was the gun channel, growing into the largest firearms-based YouTube channel in the world. So why walk away at the peak of success?
Why Matt Retired from YouTube
Carriker opened up in his farewell video, posted on his “Off The Ranch” channel, about the reasons behind his decision.
1. Family Comes First
After surpassing every goal he’d ever set as a creator, Matt realized his kids were growing up fast. He didn’t want to look back one day and regret spending more time editing videos than making memories with his family.
2. YouTube’s Tightening Grip on Gun Content
Over the past year, YouTube rolled out stricter rules on firearm-related videos. New age restrictions, demonetization, and heavier moderation made it harder—and far less profitable—for channels like Demolition Ranch to keep doing what they do best.
3. Unwanted Controversy
In 2024, the channel was unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight when the man behind the attempted assassination of President Trump was seen wearing a Demolition Ranch shirt. Matt immediately condemned the act and clarified he had no connection—but the association added stress he didn’t need.
4. Stepping Away at the Top
With multiple successful businesses, including Bunker Branding and his Desperado Resort (which he’s now listed for $15 million), Matt didn’t need to keep grinding. He had the rare chance to leave while still on top—and he took it.
In his own words, his greatest reason was simple: family over fame.
The Bigger Picture: YouTube vs. Independent Creators
Matt’s story highlights a bigger problem many creators face today: platforms like YouTube hold all the cards. Their rules shift constantly, and one policy change can erase years of work.
For firearm channels, hunting channels, and even other “controversial” niches, the walls keep closing in. What used to be fun, community-driven content is now throttled by age gates, demonetization, or even outright bans.
That’s why we believe in building our own platforms.
• On YouTube, your content belongs to them. On your own platform, it belongs to you.
• On YouTube, algorithms decide who sees your work. On your own platform, your audience connects with you directly.
• On YouTube, advertisers dictate what’s “acceptable.” On your own platform, you set the terms.
Creators like Matt prove that success doesn’t have to be tied to YouTube forever. The future belongs to those who invest in independence.
What We Can Learn from Demolition Ranch
Matt Carriker leaves behind a massive legacy, but his decision should be a wake-up call. If even the biggest gun channel in the world can be squeezed out by platform policies, what chance does a smaller creator have?
The answer: stop relying solely on platforms that don’t want us.
At the end of the day, Demolition Ranch may be gone, but its lesson lives on: build something that’s yours, invest in your audience directly, and never give complete control of your work to someone else’s platform.