A Noob's Guide to Becoming Popular on Scratch: Your Path to Scratch Stardom!

Hello, Fellow (New) Scratchers! Good morning, afternoon, or (evening whatever you live)!

Welcome to Scratch, an exciting platform where you can create, share, and learn through coding! As a new Scratcher, you may wonder how to become popular and gain recognition within the Scratch community. In this guide, tailored for 10-year-olds like you, we'll explore the steps to becoming a popular Scratcher. Remember, popularity isn't everything, but it can be rewarding to have your work appreciated by others. So, let's dive in and discover how you can shine on Scratch!

Chapter 1: Getting Started on Scratch

1.1 Sign Up and Create Your Profile:
To begin your Scratch journey, you'll first need to sign up for an account. Visit the Scratch website and click on “Join Scratch” to create your username. Choose a unique and memorable username that represents you and your interests. It could be your nickname, a cool phrase, or something related to your favorite hobbies.

Once you've created your account, it's time to personalize your profile. Add a profile picture that reflects your personality or create a unique sprite using the Scratch editor. You can draw your sprite or choose one from the Scratch library. Remember, your profile picture will be one of the first things other Scratchers see, so make it eye-catching and fun!

Additionally, write a friendly and engaging bio for your profile. Introduce yourself, share your interests, and let other Scratchers know what you enjoy creating on Scratch. Keep it brief but informative to give others a glimpse into your world.

1.2 Explore Scratch:
Now that your profile is all setup, it's time to explore the vast world of Scratch. Take some time to browse through different projects in various categories such as animations, games, music, and stories. Use the search bar to find projects related to your favorite topics or themes.

As you explore projects, leave positive comments on the ones you like. If a project inspires you or if you find something particularly well done, express your appreciation. Remember to be kind, respectful, and constructive in your comments. Your positive feedback can make a difference and encourage other Scratchers to keep creating!

In addition to exploring individual projects, you can join studios on Scratch. Studios are collections of projects centered around a specific theme or topic. Find studios that align with your interests, such as “Platformer Games” or “Artistic Creations,” and join them. By joining studios, you'll have the opportunity to engage in discussions, collaborate with other Scratchers, and contribute your projects to the studio.

Lastly, follow Scratchers whose work you admire. When you follow a Scratcher, you'll be notified when they create new projects or share updates. Following Scratchers with similar interests can help you discover more amazing projects and build connections within the Scratch community.

By signing up, personalizing your profile, exploring projects, leaving positive comments, joining studios, and following other Scratchers, you'll lay a strong foundation for your journey on Scratch. Now, let's move on to Chapter 2, where we'll delve into the exciting world of creating awesome projects!

Chapter 2: Creating Awesome Projects

Now that you're familiar with the basics of Scratch and have explored the platform, it's time to unleash your creativity and start creating your awesome projects. In this chapter, we'll guide you through the process of creating engaging and unique projects that will captivate the Scratch community.

2.1 Start Simple:
As a new Scratcher, it's a good idea, to begin with simple projects to familiarize yourself with the Scratch editor and its features. Start by brainstorming ideas for your project. What kind of game, animation, or interactive story do you want to create? Sketch out your ideas on paper or write them down to help you visualize your project.

Once you have a clear idea, open the Scratch editor and start bringing your project to life. Begin by creating a new sprite or choosing one from the Scratch library. You can also create backgrounds or import images to enhance your project's visual appeal. Experiment with different sprites, costumes, and backgrounds until you find the perfect combination.

2.2 Unleash Your Creativity:
Now it's time to add interactivity to your project using Scratch's blocks. Explore the different categories of blocks, such as Motion, Looks, Sound, and Events, to find the ones that suit your project. Use blocks to control the movement of sprites, change their appearance, play sounds, and respond to user input.

Consider adding exciting features to your project, such as power-ups in a game, animated characters in a story, or interactive buttons in an app. Get creative with the different blocks and experiment with their settings to achieve the desired effects.

Remember to pay attention to the visuals of your project. Use color, shapes, and animations to make it visually appealing. You can also add sound effects or background music to enhance the overall experience.

2.3 Iterate and Improve:
Creating awesome projects often involves multiple iterations and improvements. Share your project with friends, family, or even other Scratchers in the community and ask for their feedback. Listen to their suggestions and consider how you can make your project even better.

Take time to experiment with new coding techniques and features. Explore the Scratch website for tutorials and example projects that can inspire you and teach you new tricks. Don't be afraid to try new things and take risks in your projects. The more you experiment, the more you'll learn and grow as a Scratcher.

2.4 Collaborate:
Collaboration is a fantastic way to enhance your projects and learn from other Scratchers. Reach out to other Scratchers who share similar interests and propose collaboration on a project. It could be a game, an animation, or any other creative endeavor. Working together, you can combine your skills and ideas to create something even more amazing.

Collaboration allows you to learn from others, share your knowledge, and build connections within the Scratch community. It's a great opportunity to develop teamwork skills and create projects that are more ambitious and impressive than what you could accomplish alone.

By starting simple, unleashing your creativity, iterating and improving, and collaborating with other Scratchers, you'll be well on your way to creating awesome projects that will catch the attention of the Scratch community. In the next chapter, we'll explore how you can engage with the Scratch community to gain more visibility and recognition for your work.

Chapter 3: Engaging with the Scratch Community

One of the key aspects of being a popular Scratcher is actively engaging with the vibrant Scratch community. In this chapter, we'll delve into different ways you can connect with other Scratchers, share your work, and support fellow creators.

3.1 Be Supportive:
Being supportive and encouraging toward other Scratchers is a fundamental aspect of community engagement. Take some time each day to explore projects created by other Scratchers and leave positive comments on the ones you enjoy. Let the creators know what you liked about their projects, whether it's their creativity, gameplay, or storytelling skills. Your kind words can go a long way in motivating and inspiring other Scratchers.

Additionally, if you come across projects that have room for improvement, offer constructive feedback. Point out the things you liked and provide suggestions for how they can enhance their projects further. Remember to be respectful and focus on helping the creator grow their skills.

3.2 Participate in Forums and Studios:
The Scratch forums provide an excellent platform for discussions, seeking help, and showcasing your projects. Join the forums and actively participate in the discussions that interest you. Share your ideas, ask questions, and assist others whenever possible. Engaging in meaningful conversations will help you make connections with like-minded Scratchers and expand your knowledge.

Similarly, studios on Scratch are communities centered around specific themes or interests. Join studios that align with your passions and contribute your projects to them. Participate in studio activities, collaborations, and discussions to connect with other Scratchers who share your enthusiasm for a particular topic. Collaborating with other Scratchers in studios can provide valuable learning experiences and boost your visibility within the community.

3.3 Remixing and Sharing:
Remixing is a unique feature on Scratch that allows you to take inspiration from other projects and add your touch. When you remix a project, you create a new version of it, giving credit to the original creator. Remixing provides an opportunity to learn from others, experiment with new ideas, and put your creative spin on existing projects.

Share your remixes with the community and provide clear attribution to the original creators. Remixing can lead to collaborations, spark conversations, and inspire others to explore your projects. It's a fantastic way to showcase your skills and engage with the Scratch community.

Furthermore, don't forget to regularly share your original projects on Scratch. Upload your creations and make them visible to others. Whether it's a game, animation, interactive art, or any other project, sharing your work opens doors for feedback, appreciation, and potential collaborations. Interact with those who comment on your projects and express gratitude for their support.

By being supportive, participating in forums and studios, and actively remixing and sharing your projects, you'll be actively engaging with the Scratch community. In the next chapter, we'll explore the importance of consistency, continuous learning, and setting goals on your path to becoming a popular Scratcher.

Chapter 4: Staying Consistent and Learning

Becoming a popular Scratcher on Scratch requires dedication, consistency, and a thirst for learning. In this chapter, we'll delve into the importance of staying consistent with your projects, continuously learning and improving, and setting goals to achieve your desired level of popularity.

4.1 Regularly Create and Share:
Consistency is key to gaining recognition and building a following on Scratch. Set a schedule or a goal for yourself to create and share projects regularly. It could be a weekly project, a monthly series, or any frequency that works best for you. By consistently producing new content, you'll keep your audience engaged and interested in your work.

When sharing your projects, take the time to craft engaging project descriptions. Describe what your project is about, the inspiration behind it, and any interesting features or challenges you faced during its creation. Clear and captivating project descriptions can entice other Scratchers to check out your work.

Additionally, actively participate in the Scratch community by responding to comments on your projects. Engage with those who appreciate your work, answer their questions, and show gratitude for their support. Building a positive and interactive relationship with your audience fosters a sense of community and can help you gain popularity.

4.2 Learn and Grow:
To stay ahead and improve your skills, it's essential to embrace a mindset of continuous learning. Explore the Scratch website for tutorials, example projects, and resources that can help you expand your coding knowledge. Take advantage of the vast Scratch community by seeking advice, asking questions, and learning from more experienced Scratchers.

Participate in Scratch challenges, contests, and events to push yourself creatively and gain exposure. These opportunities provide unique themes and constraints that can inspire new ideas and challenge your abilities. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take on these challenges.

Experiment with new coding techniques and features in your projects. Push the boundaries of what you know and try incorporating advanced concepts to add depth and sophistication to your creations. The more you learn and apply new techniques, the more unique and compelling your projects will become.

4.3 Set Goals:
Setting goals is crucial for your growth and progress on Scratch. Define what being “popular” means to you. Is it gaining a certain number of followers, receiving a specific number of loves or favorites on your projects, or being recognized within a particular community? Whatever your definition, set realistic and achievable goals that align with your vision.

Break down your larger goals into smaller milestones. This way, you can track your progress and celebrate your achievements along the way. For example, if your goal is to gain a certain number of followers, set milestones for every 100 or 500 followers you acquire. Each milestone reached will provide motivation and a sense of accomplishment.

Remember, popularity should not be the sole focus of your Scratch journey. Enjoy the process of creating, learning, and connecting with others. Building genuine relationships, sharing knowledge, and inspiring others are equally important aspects of being a respected member of the Scratch community.

In conclusion, stay consistent with your project creation and sharing, embrace a mindset of continuous learning, and set goals to drive your progress. By staying dedicated, nurturing your skills, and setting meaningful targets, you'll be on your way to becoming a popular Scratcher on Scratch.

Chapter 5: Make Scratch a Better Place for everyone!

Scratch isn't a place not just for you, But EVERYONE! To make Scratch a better place for everyone, You need to grow out-of-the-box ideas, grow the community, and more! There are lots of possibilities and the best one to make Scratch a better place for everyone Is to follow the community guidelines

5.1 Scratch's Community Guidelines
You and Everyone need to follow the Scratch Community Guidelines because Scratch is a friendly and welcoming community for everyone, where people create, share, and learn together. We welcome people of all ages, races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. You should follow them, it's not hard to follow the Community Guidelines! If you do violate the Community Guidelines, These consequences will happen:

• People can get banned(A person can get banned for a maximum of 4 times. After that, they will get permanently blacklisted.)

• The number of followers the person is maintaining will decrease.

• There is a chance that people who support the person unfollow you and spread hate.

• There is an 80% chance of the person getting banned from Scratch forever.

Sources: https://scratch.mit.edu/community_guidelines/ https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Popular-on-Scratch https://scratch.mit.edu/discuss/topic/432989/ https://en.scratch-wiki.info/wiki/Community_Guidelines

Conclusion:
Becoming popular on Scratch takes time, effort, and dedication. Remember that being popular isn't the most important thing – enjoying the process of creating, learning, and connecting with others is what truly matters. Focus on creating projects you love and positively engage with the Scratch community. Share your knowledge, support others, and celebrate the creativity around you. By following this guide, you'll be on your way to becoming a popular and respected member of the Scratch community. So, embrace the journey, have fun, and let your imagination soar on Scratch. Thank you for reading, and also…

when green flag clicked
forever
say [Imagine, Program, Share, and...] for (2) secs
say [Scratch On!] for (2) secs
end

- Endra15

Any suggestions you would like to suggest? Please Suggest in the forum post below!

Edit: It doesn't allow me to use emojis, sorry. When I use an emoji it only shows the first emoji. For example, if I just want to add a cat and a star emoji for stylings, It would only show me one emoji. I just edited it to fix the problem. Scratch Team, fix this emoji problem.

My browser / operating system: Windows NT 10.0, Chrome 113.0.0.0, No Flash version detected

Its an excellent guide, but Scratch is not about popularity. It is about creativity and design. But I'm glad that you stated that near the bottom.

Hello! It's great that you want to help out other Scratchers. However, I think we have enough guides in the forums at the moment. Please feel free to welcome new Scratchers on the group welcoming topic or on individual topics created by New Scratchers.

Other places that can always use more helpful Scratchers like you, are the "Help With Scripts“ and ”Questions About Scratch" areas - please use them as designed, by responding to topics created by folks with problems to solve

Finally, a really good place for Scratch guides is the Scratch Wiki - check it out and see if it's something you might like to work on. They have a number of guides - and great organization.