(Credit: René Ramos; Shutterstock/Artiste2d3d, AnnaStills; Getty Images/robertsre, Terry Papoulias)
YouTube forms the foundation of the modern internet. With Google's strength behind it, YouTube is the way we watch and share online videos. The platform has fantastic content, but you must wade through the muck to find the gold. So forget the algorithm; let PCMag (with contributions from our friends at Mashable) point you in the right direction with our picks for the best YouTube channels.
Our selections cover a variety of categories, such as film, nature, and virtual tourism, and highlight channels that originated on YouTube (you won't find content dumped to the platform from the likes of CNN or FOX). YouTube still has a scrappy DIY spirit that's baked into these recommended channels, despite the company offering related, paid services, such as YouTube Premium and YouTube TV.
Ready to expand your video-watching horizons? Peruse our top picks that are separated into 15 easily digestible categories.
Our Favorite Video Streaming Services
ASMR
Gentle Whispering
Don't know where to start on your ASMR journey? Gentle Whispering eases you into this intriguing subculture with videos that highlight ASMR's quiet power. These relaxing sounds (whispering, tapping) relieve stress and spotlight how positive vibes can genuinely improve your life.—Jordan Minor
New Bliss
New Bliss is an ASMR channel featuring ambient audio and cool, dynamic animation that brings each video to life. Its pleasant nature sounds (thunderstorms, chirping insects) may be just what you need to boost productivity or ease your mind.—Gabriel Zamora
The French Whisperer
Many ASMR YouTube channels feature attractive women who look directly into the camera and softly speak. The French Whisperer is different. Your host is a man with an accent, and you never see his face, only his hands, as he strokes materials and cleans items. He dives deep into historical events, figures, and legends, so you'll learn something, too.—Neil McAllister
Comic Books
ComicTropes
With ComicTropes, your host, Chris, presents deep dives into comic book history and lore. Each episode focuses on a specific character, series, or creator, giving glimpses into backstories that might otherwise be lost to time. Chris' knowledge is expansive, and his humor is endearing. Check out ComicTropes' live streams, where you'll find him fielding freeform viewer questions while working on his own artwork.—Neil McAllister
WhatCulture Comics
WhatCulture Comics' YouTube channel focuses on comic book-themed listicles that highlight a character or team's highest, lowest, or most bizarre moments. If you thought you knew it all about your favorite DC or Marvel heroes or villains, check out "10 Comic Book Heroes Improved Through Retcons," "10 Stupidly Overpowered Comic Book Weapons," and other ranked video stories.—Jeffrey L. Wilson
Finance
Matt D'Avella
Filmmaker Matt D'Avella's self-titled YouTube channel exists to teach you one important fact: Living a minimalist, considered life doesn't mean eating beans from a can in an unfurnished room. Bringing an everyman's energy to his lessons, D'Avella offers sound, experienced advice for curbing impulsive spending, starting new exercise routines, and breaking bad habits.—Jeffrey L. Wilson
One Big Happy Life
One Big Happy Life offers sound advice for folks trying to grow up. Want to manage your money better? Need inspiration for home decor? Having trouble organizing now that you have kids? This family can do it, so you can, too.—Jordan Minor
Our Rich Journey
A lot of factors beyond your control can impact your economic success, but on Our Rich Journey, this family shows you the steps that the hosts have taken to achieve financial independence and retire early. Smart money advice and cute tours of Portugal: What more do you want?—Jordan Minor
Food
Adam Ragusea
Adam Ragusea's cooking videos are for folks who cook at home, not in restaurants. He demonstrates how basic cooking knowledge and technique can help anyone make fantastic recipes. He also makes educational videos on food science and history.—Jordan Minor
Babish Culinary Universe
Babish Culinary Universe recreates food you've seen in movies and on TV, sometimes with ridiculous results. From cartoon hamburgers to painstaking imitations of one-off sitcom jokes, you must see Babish's creations to believe they're real. The channel also features practical cooking advice, since making a massive anime-style rice bowl isn't feasible for most of us—Jordan Minor
French Guy Cooking
YouTuber Alex Aïnouz is a home cook with a passion for experimentation and problem-solving. His French Guy Cooking videos span a broad cooking spectrum, including cooking tools and deep dives into specific ingredients. Many of his videos attempt to recreate restaurant-quality food at home, but some focus on perfecting specific dishes by taking a closer look at what makes the dish unique. He never shies away from showing his failures, making his content insightful for any curious cook.—Gabriel Zamora
James Hoffman
Coffee is the proletariat's fuel, and James Hoffman is your guide into the wonderful and sometimes wacky world of the brew. He explores ingenious or failed coffee equipment from the past, reviews coffee machines of today, compares brands you find at the supermarket, and highlights the optimal methods to create the best cup of Joe. Want to learn the ultimate Aeropress technique? Give James Hoffman a look.—Gabriel Zamora
TabiEats
TabiEats hosts Satoshi and Shinichi travel Japan to share their food experiences with the world. The pair release weekly videos showcasing must-try Japanese dishes, restaurant eats, unique street food, and their own recipes. They especially focus on the latest food varieties from Japan's wildly popular convenience store chains: Family Mart, Lawson, and 7-Eleven. They also venture outside of Japan, highlighting tasty munchies enjoyed across the globe.—Gabriel Zamora
Tasting History
On Tasting History, Max Miller takes you on a culinary journey through history, with bizarre and iconic recipes from across the ages. Have you ever wondered what the Egyptian Pharaohs ate? Or what first-class travelers devoured on the Titanic? Max shares the recipes, takes a look at the history surrounding the dishes and the people who ate them, and gives the meal a taste test at the end.—Gabriel Zamora
The Salted Pepper
For the average person, learning how to quickly cook meals is arguably more important than learning how to cook tasty meals. Fortunately, you don’t have to choose. The Salted Pepper offers instructions for making mouthwatering meals with simple preparations. Even better, most meals involve an air fryer, one of the best modern cooking appliances in this writer's opinion.—Jordan Minor
Townsends
Sometimes you just want to sit back, put up your feet, and watch a man quietly fry a chicken over a small campfire while wearing a tri-corner hat. Townsends is a channel devoted to examining what life was like in North America in the 18th and 19th centuries. The host frequently recreates recipes found in cookbooks from the period, wears period-appropriate clothing at all times, and also builds structures without the aid of modern tools.—Kim Key
Games
Digital Foundry
Digital Foundry provides incredibly insightful and in-depth analysis of video games from a technical angle. The team examines cutting-edge lighting techniques and how different games perform on different consoles. If you find frame rates extremely fascinating, Digital Foundry is your dream YouTube channel.—Jordan Minor
Girlfriend Reviews
We know that many girls, and therefore many girlfriends, play video games. However, Girlfriend Reviews is the video game review channel equivalent of the distracted boyfriend meme, except in this case the object of affection is the latest AAA title. It's all just good gamer couple comedy fun.—Jordan Minor
Happy Console Gamer
In YouTube's early days, a few hardcore video game collectors grabbed their cameras and mics to assault the online airwaves with over-the-top rants. Johnny Millenium went the other, more sincere route with Happy Console Gamer. Every Sunday, Johnny drops a new video highlighting the games he loves, be it retro classics or contemporary blockbusters. The hobby is filled with online drama, but Johnny's relatable stories about growing up as a Gen Xer into games, anime, and the arcade scene deliver smiles and warm feelings.—Jeffrey L. Wilson
IGN
You can't talk pop culture without talking IGN, one of the leading destinations for comic book, film, television, and video game coverage. Featuring a daily bounty of news, previews, reviews, and opinion pieces, IGN is the site to check for deep dives into gaming culture. (Editors' note: IGN is owned by Ziff Davis, PCMag's parent company.)—Jeffrey L. Wilson
Maximilian Dood
The fighting game genre has a rich history filled with excellent titles and highly entertaining competitive moments. If you want to know where to begin in the category, or possibly learn what lies in its future, fire up Maximillian Dood's self-titled channel. There you'll find reviews, trailer breakdowns, retrospectives, and suggestions on how to "git gud," as presented through Max's welcoming, insightful, and humor-filled demeanor.—Jeffrey L. Wilson
NihongoGamer
If you have an unhealthy obsession with video game controllers, particularly those designed with fighting games in mind, NihongoGamer is the channel you should visit right now. You'll find in-depth reviews of arcade sticks, fight pads, and leverless controllers there. Naturally, the host, the NihongoGamer himself, also reviews fighting games with his signature eye for detail.—Jeffrey L. Wilson
General
Drew Gooden
YouTube is full of energetic people who quickly became rich at a young age. So the platform has lots of drama. If you find online beef fascinating, but completely incomprehensible, let Drew Gooden break it down for you. He'll also talk about other internet nonsense along the way.—Jordan Minor
Folding Ideas
Dan Olson covers a variety of topics on his Folding Ideas channel, with perhaps the only common thread being how appealing they are to the extremely online populace. Featuring cooking videos, NFT takedowns, and a lengthy retrospective of Ralph Bakshi's The Lord of The Rings cartoon, Olson's documentaries are as unpredictable as they are expansive.—Jordan Minor
Hbomberguy
Do you like long-form content? Check out Harris Brewer, who's been making YouTube content since 2006. An Hbomberguy video takes many shapes, but it's most commonly a humorous, lengthy video essay (sometimes three hours long!) about the flat earth conspiracy theory, video games, or other specific topics.—Francisco Lahoz
Jenny Nicholson
In the comment section of Jenny Nicholson's video, "Evermore: The Theme Park That Wasn't," user @LucyLu98 writes, "This might possibly be the saddest looking park I've ever seen. Thank you Jenny for having me watch an almost 4-hour video essay on it. 10/10" That pretty much sums up the content of Jenny Nicholson, a creator who turns her pop-culture interests, such as Disneyworld and Vampire Diaries, into entertaining deep dives. If you're looking for a place to start that isn't a four-hour-long video, her three-minute-long "Suicide Squad Sales Pitch" is a classic.—Bethany Allard
LegalEagle
Armchair lawyers abound, and they're not limited to YouTube. But Devin James Stone, the LegalEagle, is the real deal. An experienced litigator, he started his channel to give advice to budding law students. He also covers lawsuits that hit the news media and dissects them based on research and law knowledge. Naturally, he gives no legal advice on his channel, but if you're curious about what's happening in a court case and you'd like your explanation to come from someone who's actually passed the bar exam, look no further.—Neil McAllister
VlogBrothers
Before they were best-selling authors, John and Hank Green were two of the original YouTube stars. Their VlogBrothers channel helped popularize the “video blog” format that's now commonplace. Today, they’re still going strong with tightly edited confessionals on everything from book recommendations to UN visits to intimate looks at personal cancer treatments.—Jordan Minor
Instruction
Alexa Donne
Getting a book published is a long, hard process. First, you need to write the book, by developing strong characters and placing them in interesting situations. Then you need to navigate the business by finding a literary agent who can sell your book to a publisher. Author Alexa Donne focuses on young adult novels, but her insight on everything from genres to marketing will help any aspiring author.—Jordan Minor
Carl Murawski
Looking to improve your wardrobe? Carl Murawski is a construction worker turned YouTuber who operates under the "own better, own less" mantra. At its core, his self-titled channel focuses on long-lasting workwear fashion (rugged boots, raw denim, field jackets), but sprinkles it with everyday wear (leather jackets, tee shirts, and bags) and fashion advice. If you're looking for an alternative to the cookie-cutter gear offered by the fast fashion industry, this channel is a great starting point.—Jeffrey L. Wilson
Great Art Explained
It only takes about 15 minutes of your time to embrace a work of art and see it in a new light thanks to James Payne's Great Art Explained. Dip into his catalog, select a video featuring a painting you’ve seen a thousand times, and quickly realize that you've never fully looked at it before in all its intricate detail. —Chandra Steele
Mextalki
Mextalki is an excellent channel not just for learning Spanish, but specifically Mexican Spanish, complete with slang and broader cultural education. Along with these instructions, the hosts also offer podcasts, tours, and cooking videos. —Jordan Minor
Talk to Me in Korean
Learning a new language is exciting, it can be frustrating if you're doing it alone. Talk to Me In Korean is your online best friend when studying the Korean language. The channel's hosts post daily videos and shorts to help you improve your listening skills. In addition, Talk to Me In Korean workbooks and study guides are available for anyone seeking a tactile learning experience.—Kim Key
Movies and TV
Accented Cinema
Accented Cinema is a YouTube channel that focuses on international film, with many of its video uploads dedicated to Asian cinema. The video essays focus on many movie-related topics, such as "The Insane World of Chinese Shlockbusters," "Jackie Chan's Kung Fu is Fake and That's Okay," and "The Rise of Gun Fu."—Jeffrey L. Wilson
Corridor Crew
Take a peek behind Hollywood's special effect curtain with Corridor Crew, a team of professional video effect artists who dissect popular and obscure movies to explain how and why certain visual effects work (or stink). The jovial, informative crew doesn't just stick to CGI; they wrangle up outside experts to analyze film clips for the "Animators React," "Stuntmen React," and "Stuntwomen React" sub-series.—Jeffrey L. Wilson
Double Toasted
The internet is filled with pop culture review shows (some would argue that there are too many), but Double Toasted cuts through the noise with a veteran critic's insight and a stand-up comedian's hilarity. Hosts Korey and Martin, as well as other rotating personalities, break down the best and worst that Hollywood unleashes to theaters and television. Check out the channel's Bad Movie Roast series and prepare to bust a gut (especially when the crew dissects schlock or Tyler Perry's oeuvre).—Jeffrey L. Wilson
Films At Home
If you value physical media, be it for collecting or preservation purposes, smash Films At Home's subscribe button. The channel's host, Jeff Rauseo, deftly covers the newest Blu-ray and 4K UHD disc releases and offers detailed analysis on whether or not you should upgrade from a previous release. Rounding out the offering are interviews with industry insiders, hardware reviews, and technology explainers ("Why Do Older Movies Look Better in 4K?").—Jeffrey L. Wilson
Film Courage
Despite mainly focusing on screenplays, Film Courage's deep interview catalog with professional writers contains sound, inspiring advice for novelists, playwrights, comic book authors, and television writers. It's not just writing tips; host Karen Worden asks questions about all aspects of the creative business, including how to best pitch agents and how to shoot a film on a super-tight budget.—Jeffrey L. Wilson
Just Write
Just Write examines popular movies and TV shows and how their stories can teach us to be better writers. Andor brings an anti-fascist edge to Star Wars. Knives Out skillfully switches genres at will. Even a bad movie can provide useful lessons, and this YouTube channel helps us pull back the layers.—Jordan Minor
Lessons From the Screenplay
Movies may be moving pictures, but they start from written words. Lessons From the Screenplay analyzes scripts for film, TV, and even video games to understand how the writers pull off their narrative feats. The categories include act structure, character psychology, and symbolism. It's YouTube film school.—Jordan Minor
Red Letter Media
Red Letter Media exploded onto the internet with their epic-length scathing Star Wars prequel reviews, starring the unnerving and hilarious Mr. Plinkett character. Since then, the channel has become a beloved movie review destination like no other, thanks to its wholly independent perspective and sense of humor. Let Mike, Jay, and Rich Evans guide you through Hollywood's endless trash.—Jordan Minor
Screen Junkies
Screen Junkies is the Honest Trailers channel. It's where you'll find hilarious "trailers" that combine recut official footage with sarcastic narration to poke fun at their respective movies. The epic movie announcer voice elevates the parody. Screen Junkies has other light-hearted film analysis videos, but Honest Trailer is the ace series.—Jordan Minor
Steve Hayes
Tired of all the geeky franchise crap choking up movie theaters these days? Steve Hayes is a critic and comedian here to teach you about classic cinema and Hollywood history. A wide world of excellent entertainment is available to you if you’re willing to look into the past. Let Steve be your guide.—Jordan Minor
The Royal Ocean Film Society
Debuting in 2016, The Royal Ocean Film Society is a movie essay channel that aims to create deeper discourse about cinema. By clicking play, you'll find educational and entertaining videos about animation, acting, cinematography, directing, and screenwriting. Start with "Confessions of a Christopher Nolan Fanboy" or "How Ray Harryhausen Combined Stop-Motion and Live Action" for a taste of what the channel is all about.—Jeffrey L. Wilson
Music
8-Bit Music Theory
Video game music deserves just as much respect as any other kind. It's all art. 8-Bit Music Theory takes an academic approach to explain why your favorite gaming tunes sound so cool. If you don't know the difference between a major chord and a minor chord, you may be a bit lost, but it's still awesome to see such a thoughtful and specific kind of video game criticism.—Jordan Minor
Anthony Fantano
Anthony Fantano is YouTube's premier music critic. His channel offers entertaining and informed takes on music culture, from album reviews to industry drama. It's smart, fun, chaotic, and absolutely what music nerds deserve.—Jordan Minor
Banger TV
Peruse BangerTV and enjoy a weekly dose of heavy metal. The content is varied, but with a heavy lean into album reviews. That said, you can also find plenty of supplemental metal coverage, including interviews, documentaries, roundups, recommendations, and podcasts. BangerTV was founded by Sam Dunn's group, which produced award-winning documentaries like Iron Maiden: Flight 666 and Metal: A Headbanger's Journey.—Gabriel Zamora
Charles Cornell
Charles Cornell is a pianist who takes musical arrangements and breaks down why and how they work. Cornell's breezy instruction and pop culture-based topics make it a destination that both musicians and non-musicians can enjoy. Check out "Hogwarts Legacy Copied John Williams...And It's Amazing," "The First Transformers Theme Was Wildly Confusing," and "Why Everyone Loves Toxic by Britney Spears."—Jeffrey L. Wilson
LoFi Girl
The channel formerly known as ChilledCow is the online destination for focusing or zoning out to laid-back hip-hop beats. Featuring the now-iconic Study Girl and her sleepy cat, LoFi Girl spotlights smooth tracks from Lofi Records, as well as music from artists who have given their permission to be broadcast via the hugely popular channel. Toss on headphones and enjoy the silky vibes.—Jeffrey L. Wilson
NPR Tiny Desk
We didn't want to highlight large news organizations that simply dump their content on YouTube, but we couldn't resist NPR Music. Specifically, its Tiny Desk concert series, which is essentially MTV Unplugged for a new generation. Although some artists keep their instruments plugged into their amps, the intimate setting and wide range of performers, including Ari Lennox, Megan Thee Stallion, Moonchild, Taylor Swift; and Yo-Yo Ma, make for thoroughly engaging, magical moments.—Jeffrey L. Wilson
Polyphonic
YouTube has many music essay channels, but few present their subject matters and histories as well as Polyphonic. There, you can watch informative, poignant, and mysterious videos that tackle diverse genres and topics, such as "The 27 Club: Mental Illness & Art," "Deals with the Devil: A Brief Musical History," and "Nina Simone: Hip Hop's Secret Weapon."—Jeffrey L. Wilson
Reverb
Reverb is a popular online destination for buying music gear, and its YouTube channel is the store's extension. However, the video repository is so much more than promotion for the website. Of course, you'll find tips for using equipment, but you'll also find cool retrospective series like Reverb Bass Tricks (which analyzes cool, low-end lines) and Synth Sounds Of… (which breaks down classic 1970s and 1980s songs and why they work).—Jeffrey L. Wilson
So Wassup?
As hip-hop music celebrates its 50th anniversary, rap heads should do themselves a favor and check out So Wassup?, the channel hosted by the legendary DJ Premier. The Gang Starr producer drops history lessons about the songs he created for various artists, including Big Daddy Kane, Das EFX, Janet Jackson, Limp Bizkit, and The Notorious B.I.G. Come for the stories, stay for the beat machines and floppies.—Jeffrey L. Wilson
TAETRO
Basement producers everywhere can thank musicians like TAETRO for imparting knowledge via YouTube via live streams and uploaded videos. TAETRO takes the mystery out of music production with lessons on music theory and beat-making. From MIDI controller reviews to music career workshops, TAETRO offers substantial resources for aspiring musicians. His studio setup videos and his introduction to music theory for beginners are of particular interest.—Kim Key
The Company Man
When it comes to breaking down the beats, rhymes, and life that is rap, no commentator matches Justin Hunte on The Company Man. The journalist drops topical video essays that connect the music to broader cultural elements ("Jay-Z Been a Billionaire Too Long," "Akademiks & The Real Issue With Calling Pioneers Dusty & Broke") with the delivery and perspective of a b-boy college professor. You can also catch Hunte's hip-hop musings on SiriusXM's The All Out Show With Rude Jude.—Jeffrey L. Wilson
VladTV
VladTV is an interview channel that is one of the leading voices in hip-hop and entertainment. There you'll find engaging stories from rappers, actors, athletes, singers, pro wrestlers, models, former mobsters, comedians, and other notable people. Stories run the gamut from entertaining and humorous to sobering and tragic.—Gabriel Zamora
Nature
Animalogic
The animal kingdom is fascinating, beautiful, and terrifying. Animalogic takes a closer look at some of the creatures we share our world with on a daily basis. The channel throws you the occasional curveball, discussing extinct and curious beasts from the fossil record, as well as extraordinary plants and fungi.—Gabriel Zamora
Casual Geographic
Casual Geographic is a nature show for contemporary audiences. Having begun as a TikTok channel before jumping to YouTube, Casual Geographic dissects the animal kingdom's adorable, violent, and unpredictable nature in a deadpan, witty manner you won't find elsewhere. "Why Honey Badgers Don't Fear God or Lions," "Why I'd Throat a Cactus Before I Go In The Ocean," and "Why This Animal Is a War Criminal" are great places to start.—Jeffrey L. Wilson
Recommended by Our Editors
The Dodo
Cute animals are a consistently bright light in an extremely dark internet. The Dodo provides all the adorable viral pet content you could want. Along with warming your heart, The Dodo also wants to inspire viewers to get involved in animal welfare.—Jordan Minor
Science
Chubbyemu
Medicine is a complex field, one that can go horribly awry in a world of poor nutrition and self-medication. Chubbyemu makes medical videos, sharing stories about serious cases encountered by doctors over the last century. Most scenarios start off curiously mundane but escalate as symptoms worsen for the poor patient. Chubbyemu's stories are fascinating, cautionary tales about modern medicine and how fragile our anatomy is when put under unforeseen stress.—Gabriel Zamora
Kurzgesagt
Despite its mouthful of a name, Kurzgesagt is a fantastic science channel with excellent, instantly recognizable animation, and a bizarrely optimistic viewpoint on some admittedly bleak scientific phenomena. The content includes tips on improving your life, the pros and cons of nuclear energy, and how your immune system works (and why things can go so horribly wrong when it doesn't). The cute art makes it enjoyable for people of all ages.—Gabriel Zamora
Medlife Crisis
Sometimes, patients can be reluctant to address their concerns with their doctors, but that doesn't stop them from worrying. Rohin is a licensed cardiologist who uses his YouTube channel, Medlife Crisis, to offer frank talk on a wide range of topics, with a particular focus on debunking medical snake oil and pseudoscience. He can't give you individualized advice, and he's also based in the UK, so best practices in his area might be different than those elsewhere. Still, if you want a calming voice who can explain how doctors view common medical issues, he's your go-to source.—Neil McAllister
Real Engineering
Science nerds, this is your channel. Real Engineering's About page states that the show delivers "interesting answers to simple questions," which the channel does with aplomb. With episodes that last roughly 20 to 40 minutes, Real Engineering does deep into numerous topics, such as "The Insane Engineering of the SR-71 Blackbird," "Can Nuclear Propulsion Take Us to Mars?," and "Can We Throw Satellites to Space?"—Jeffrey L. Wilson
The B1M
The future is humanity's to build, and The B1M shows us what that future may look like. This channel showcases impressive construction projects from all over the world. Think cutting-edge Japanese skyscrapers and massive, modern Indian railways. Creating infrastructure like this isn't easy, and the channel gets into these challenges as well, but it's extremely inspiring.—Jordan Minor
The Slow Mo Guys
Turns out you can learn a lot from something if you slow it down and watch with attention. The Slow Mo Guys record fascinating scenarios at thousands of frames per second and slowly replay them so we can savor every scientific detail. Rocket ignitions, exploding gold, and bullets piercing steel have never looked so cool.—Jordan Minor
Sports
DreamersPro
If you've been hesitant about cutting the cord due to missing out on NBA coverage, don't fret: DreamersPro has you covered. Featuring multiple videos per day, the channel is a one-stop shop for breaking basketball news, rumors, and debate. Even better, DreamersPro's host, Charles, brings a logical, no-nonsense approach to The Association, which is incredibly refreshing in an era of shoot-from-the-lip hot takes.—Jeffrey L. Wilson
Mike Korzemba
Mike Korzemba's self-titled YouTube channel focuses on the NBA, but doesn't offer interviews or blazing hot takes. Instead, you'll find well-thought, stat-driven video essays that highlight teams, individual players, and even long-standing basketball conspiracies. If you like "7 Stories That Prove Larry Bird Was the Greatest Trash Talker of All Time," "Did David Stern Fix The 1985 NBA Draft?," and "The Secret Truth: Is Ben Simmons Shooting With the Wrong Hand?," you'll dig this channel.—Jeffrey L. Wilson
The Old Man and the Three
Hosted by the retired NBA sharpshooter and Duke legend JJ Redick, The Old Man and the Three is an NBA show that sheds light on what it means to be a professional athlete from the perspective of a baller who excelled at every basketball level. Featuring sharp interviews with some of the sport's top names (Steph Curry, Luka Donic, Ben Simmons), this is a show for hoops fans. Tommy Alter cohosts.—Jeffrey L. Wilson
Rick Shiels
In the YouTube Golf game, Rick Shiels is the channel to beat, Looking to fix your slice? Shiels has a video. Want to get better at putting? That's there, too. Looking for entertaining videos of a golfer trying to break a certain score? You'll find that, too, and more. With more than two million subscribers, there's no other golf channel that comes close in terms of popularity. It's a well-deserved subscriber count because the content and production value are fantastic.—Dave LeClair
The Ringer
In 2016, sports commentator Bill Simmons—after stints at ESPN and HBO—launched his podcast network: The Ringer. A mix of sports talk and pop culture, The Ringer features Simmons and other notable voices (Amanda Dobbins, Van Lathan, Wosny Lombre, Rachel Lindsay, Ryan Russillo, Chris Ryan) discussing baseball, basketball, football, movies, fashion, and other topics with humor and knowledge.—Jeffrey L. Wilson
Technology
DankPods
Technology's history is often told with stand-out successes like the Apple iPod, but DankPods dips into the world of barely functional, cheap, cash-in players that appeared in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Far from being a one-trick pony, DankPods host Wade Nixon applies the same (occasionally unnerving) level of enthusiasm for terrible MP3 players to whatever he's interested in—be it drumming, high-end audio equipment, his pet snake, or refurbishing the worst cars imaginable.—Max Eddy
Dino Bytes
Channels that look at vintage analog photo gear are pretty easy to find, but Gordon Laing's Dino Bytes channel concentrates on fresh reviews of early digital cameras (and it includes a spattering of gaming and instructional content, too). Fans of early digicams like the funky Sony FZ717 will find a lot to like here. If you're looking to get a good handle on the channel, check out Gordon's review of the Nintendo Gameboy Camera.—Jim Fisher
DPReview TV
If you're looking to catch up on the latest camera gear reviews, there are few ways to do it better than spending 15 minutes with Chris and Jordan from DPReview TV. The friendly duo have a lot of fun giving their opinions, and it shows on screen. They drop a couple of shows per week, with Chris discussing photos and Jordan talking about video. If you're looking for an introduction, check out their "Best & Worst of 2022," an episode that finds the hosts drinking and playing video games while wrapping up the year in cameras.—Jim Fisher
HDTV Test
A great TV is the centerpiece of your entire entertainment setup. Getting the right TV, one that will look awesome and last for years, can be an agonizing and expensive process. HDTV Test tests HDTVs, and that's really all you need. You'll learn why OLED makes colors pop or whether curved monitors are worth it. Watching your new TV becomes even more relaxing when you know you made an informed decision.—Jordan Minor
Linus Tech Tips
In many ways, technology is easier to use than ever. Still, it can get pretty complicated, especially as machines get more powerful. Is your PC leaving you stumped? Or are you just curious to learn more about tech in general? Watch these entertaining and educational videos from Linus Tech Tips. The crew's hardcore enthusiasm and technical knowledge—evident during in-depth, multi-part testing for hot new products—may turn you into a full-on expert.—Jordan Minor
Marques Brownlee
Marques Brownlee is one of the top tech personalities on YouTube, and for good reason. His channel, MKBHD, covers all the tech you can think of, including mainstream wearables, laptops, and retro gear. Marques sets the bar for homegrown YouTube tech coverage.—Jordan Minor
MK V
If you're seeking pink peripherals, check out MK V's YouTube channel where she unboxes keyboards and other tech accessories. MK V's elaborate nail art is on display during the unboxing videos, and she prefers to use text rather than voice-over audio to describe the products she shows. The videos are always satisfying to watch, and occasionally MK V explains how she plans to use the products she's unboxing (and what viewers may appreciate about the accessories).—Kim Key
Robeytech
If you saw Robeytech hang out with us here at PCMag last year and wanted more, you're in luck! Robeytech's channel helps you find the right PC for you, no matter your budget or needs. His videos will help you build your own PC, too. If PCMag thinks these PC videos are good, that says something.—Jordan Minor
Zach Dobson Photo
You won’t view photography the same after watching Zach Dobson. Dobson trained as a photojournalist and works as a commercial photographer and content creator. He brings many worlds’ worth of experience to his channel with series like 10 Must Know Indigenous Photographers and Ethics in Street Photography. If you’re looking for inspiration or tips, you can’t do better than Dobson’s videos and his infectious enthusiasm. —Chandra Steele
True Crime
Kendall Rae
This true crime show, hosted by Kendall Rae, spotlights many unsolved mysteries. However, the show differs from many similar programs in that Rae works with the victims' families to raise awareness and seek justice. She also uses her influence to fundraise for various organizations, such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.—Jeffrey L. Wilson
Noor Jasmine
Noor Jasmine dons her tin foil hat to discuss true crime stories and conspiracies. She splices footage from interviews, news reports, crime scene photos, and various other sources, while sharing the grim and grisly details of the crime in question. She presents the facts as best she can assemble them, then leaves the door open to discussion with theories, PSAs, or tips for ongoing cases.—Gabriel Zamora
Prosecutors Podcast
Prosecutors Podcast is a true crime YouTube channel with a unique twist: the hosts are both actual court prosecutors. As a result, the duo (Alice and Brett) bring years of working knowledge to the famous cold cases that they examine (Casey Anthony, Ellen Greenberg, JonBenét Ramsey). Alice and Brett dive so deep into the evidence of these murder cases that a single subject can receive multiple, lengthy shows.—Jeffrey L. Wilson
Virtual Tour Guides
Here Be Barr
Host Jon Barr is an ex-sportscaster turned travel vlogger who offers sound advice for navigating tourist traps, finding under-the-radar activities and restaurants, saving money, and enjoying unique nightlife. Although Here Be Barr has a heavy New York City influence (there are more than 100 videos on the Big Apple!), the show also ventures beyond the five boroughs to Cuba, Ireland, Mexico, and other destinations.—Jeffrey L. Wilson
Never Too Small
Never Too Small? More like Never Too Many Uploads, because you won't be able to get enough of these tiny apartment tours. This channel features apartments low on square footage from around the world, with the tours guided by the people who designed the places. The channel may even give you inspiration for your own apartment, like adding a lovely garden or avoiding a baffling bedroom-in-the-bathroom setup.—Bethany Allard
Nomadic Ambience
Nomadic Ambience looks at urban and rural spaces across Asia, Europe, and North America, giving you a glimpse of some of the world's most iconic vistas (in glorious 4K resolution). Fire up the channel on a 4K TV or monitor of your choice and enjoy a mini vacation from the comfort of your home.—Gabriel Zamora
Paolo From Tokyo
Anyone interested in Japan is spoiled for choice when it comes to YouTube channels, but Paolo From Tokyo offers a unique perspective. He goes behind the scenes and follows Japanese professionals as they go about their work day. Ever wondered how fresh udon, ramen, or tempura are made at Japanese restaurants? Paolo's go you covered. The only problem is knowing where to start watching, so we'll suggest "How Sake is Made in Japan."—Matthew Humphries
Tomdnyc
Tom Delgado gave up the lawyer's life to become a vlogger who delivers information-packed history lessons (and dad jokes) about the world's most famous destinations, with a focus on New York City. His video series spotlights cool neighborhoods ("Why Harlem is One of NYC's Most Historic Neighborhoods"), famous attractions ("Inside Coney Island, NYC: The World's Amusement Park"), and true crime ("Inside New York City's Biggest Mob Hits").—Jeffrey L. Wilson
Want to start your own YouTube channel? Check out The Best Ring Lights and Video LED Panels, The Best Subscription Services for Content Creators, The Best USB Microphones, and The Best Webcams.
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