We are in a technological age where we can learn pretty much anything online. And thanks to YouTube we have access to hundreds of videos that can teach us how to learn languages or how complex scientific processes work. But not all videos are of equal quality. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 30 of the best YouTube channels for learning. You can check out the channels below to find videos that educate learners about science, self-development, history, and more!
General Learning Channels
1. Wendover Productions
Wendover Productions is an awesome educational channel that produces a variety of videos about how our world works. Not only are these animated videos extremely captivating, but their highly researched content provides interesting topics for dinner-time discussion.
Learn more: Wendover Productions
2. TED
Are you looking for interesting lecture-style content? TED talks might be a good option. These are filmed talks from annual TED conferences that detail compelling topics from a range of disciplines. This video talks about using artificial intelligence to augment creativity.
Learn more: TED
3. TED-Ed
TED-Ed is a branch of TED Talks that produces shorter animated videos. These include riddles, science lessons, poetry, and more. All of their videos are less than 10 minutes; making them an excellent entertainment option when you have a little extra time to kill.
Learn more: TED-Ed
4. Crash Course
Do you want to learn about evolution, American history, statistics, or linguistics? Crash Course has it all. Since its inception in 2011, the channel has grown to have over 14 million subscribers. Their variety of topics, accurate content, and engaging presentation are what keep the viewers coming back for more!
Learn more: CrashCourse
5. National Geographic
National Geographic is a reliable source for various topics including history, science, and Earth exploration. They started as a magazine back in the late 1800s, and now also share their content through this YouTube channel.
Learn more: National Geographic
Science & Technology
6. Minute Earth
Minute Earth produces bite-sized, animated videos about planet Earth and science. You can learn some very interesting facts from these channel creators. For example, you can learn about why weather forecasts suck or the super secrets of sewage.
Learn more: Minute Earth
7. Cold Fusion
Cold Fusion is a channel that mainly discusses technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence (AI), but also delves into economic and political topics. It’s a great place to get your technology information fixed with a clear and easy-to-understand delivery.
Learn more: Cold Fusion
8. ASAP Science
What happens when you are mindlessly scrolling through Instagram or TikTok? ASAP Science has the neuroscientific answer to this. They also have answers to various other science-related questions; like what happens when you quit smoking or why you’re always tired.
9. Big Think
Big Think is one of my favorite channels when it comes to learning about the universe, physics, and neuroscience. They have a series of videos of interviewing experts about interesting, and sometimes controversial, topics.
Learn more: Big Think
10. Nat Geo WILD
Nat Geo WILD is a branch of National Geographic dedicated to the animals of planet Earth. Their YouTube channel is an excellent resource for animal lovers to learn in-depth facts about both domesticated and exotic animals.
Learn more: Nat Geo WILD
11. Khan Academy
I can’t tell you the exact number of videos from Khan Academy that I watched in college, but it was many! Khan Academy’s videos helped me immensely in my mathematics and biology courses. Today, this channel even includes lessons on economics, finances, arts, and humanities.
Learn more: Khan Academy
Health
12. Doctor Mike
Doctor Mike is a family medicine doctor sharing his health and medical knowledge through his entertaining YouTube channel. From interviews with other medical professionals to debunking TikTok health hacks, his educational content can help us make better personal health decisions.
Learn more: Doctor Mike
13. Medlife Crisis
Medlife Crisis presents science videos with a touch of comedy. You can learn about complex topics, such as the first pig-human heart transplant and medicine in space. His channel does a great job of breaking down complicated science lingo into easy-to-understand information.
Learn more: Medlife Crisis
14. Mama Doctor Jones
Here’s another excellent doctor sharing her knowledge and expertise through YouTube. Her specialty is in obstetrics and gynecology, so her content primarily covers this area of expertise. You can check out her videos to learn about the history of pregnancy tests and other related content.
Learn more: Mama Doctor Jones
15. Dr. Dray
Skincare and all of the different trends and products can be difficult to navigate. Dr. Dray is a dermatologist who shares valuable knowledge about what science says about skincare.
Learn more: Dr. Dray
Self-Development & Business
16. Gary Vee
Gary Vee is best known for his hard-hitting motivational speeches. You can find various advice from his YouTube channel for self-development, business, and finding your passion. Fortunately, he puts out new videos every few days, so it’s difficult to ever get bored with this guy around!
Learn more: GaryVee
17. Fight Mediocrity
Fight Mediocrity produces excellent video summaries about business and self-development books. He has covered The Intelligent Investor, The 48 Laws of Power, and more. You can learn a lot from watching these videos without committing the time to read the entire book.
Learn more: Fight Mediocrity
18. Improvement Pill
Improvement Pill shares nicely-edited, short, and animated videos about life hacks, advice to stay motivated, and other content that falls under the self-development tree. Feel free to check the comments on their videos to see just how many people have benefited from their advice.
Learn more: Improvement Pill
19. Nathaniel Drew
Have you ever tried self-improvement experiments? Nathaniel Drew introduced me to these. I’ve watched him implement various challenges through his videos, like trying daily meditation or cutting out alcohol. If you are wanting to work on self-development, maybe you can try one of these experiments yourself!
Learn more: Nathaniel Drew
20. Ali Abdaal
Ali Abdaal’s channel is a fantastic resource when it comes to productivity, self-development, and entrepreneurship. If you want to improve the organization and efficiency in your life or start a business, his channel might be a good resource to check out.
Learn more: Ali Abdaal
History & Politics
21. Over Simplified
Sometimes history can be overwhelming with all the different players and details involved. That’s why I love Over Simplified because, as the name implies, it simplifies big historical events. Their videos are great when you want to get a historical overview suitable for all learning levels.
Learn more: Over Simplified
22. HISTORY
Here’s a channel for you history nuts out there. HISTORY produces documentary-style videos on a wide range of historical topics. You can learn about the Bermuda Triangle, the curse of Oak Island, or the secrets of Ancient Egypt through their excellent storytelling.
Learn more: HISTORY
23. Weird History
You probably won’t learn this in school. Weird History teaches you the odd parts of history. In this video on medieval law, you can learn about the use of pig bladders in soccer and how it was illegal to blow your nose.
Learn more: Weird History
24. PolyMatter
PolyMatter puts together well-produced videos about real-life political issues and structures. You can check out their channel to learn about a wide variety of global topics, such as Sri Lanka’s collapsing economy or Haiti’s constant state of emergency.
Learn more: PolyMatter
Language
25. English with Jennifer
Trying to brush up on your English skills? English with Jennifer is a great resource for English learners to become better speakers and listeners, as well as refresh on some of the nitty gritty grammar rules.
Learn more: English with Jennifer
26. Ruri Ohama
Aspiring to learn a new language? You might want to check out this polyglot’s language learning tips. Ruri fluently speaks Japanese, Turkish, English, and German- so my guess is that she probably knows what she’s talking about!
Learn more: Ruri Ohama
27. Olly Richards
Olly Richards is another polyglot who makes videos on evidence-based tips for learning languages. He also makes videos about the history of languages and reaction videos. This video talks about the method of learning new languages using stories.
Learn more: Olly Richards
28. Langfocus
Langfocus delves into the history and linguistics of various languages. You can check out his channel to find educational videos about the intricacies of specific languages, such as Icelandic, Spanish, Japanese, and Arabic. Here’s a video about the difficult-to-understand Icelandic language.
Learn more: Langfocus
Kids
29. Khan Academy Kids
Khan Academy isn’t just for learning about advanced topics. There’s a kid’s version too! Khan Academy Kids produces short videos on book read-aloud, shapes, counting, vowels, and even helpful tips for parents.
Learn more: Khan Academy Kids
30. Homeschool Pop
Here’s another great, kid-friendly YouTube channel. With Homeschool Pop videos, your kids can learn about history, geography, science, and even Spanish! There’s a great variety of videos to choose from that could help to keep your kids educated and entertained.
Learn more: Homeschool Pop