Favorite YouTube Channels


Since we're all looking for something new to watch, I figured I'd share some of my favorite YouTube channels. I spend a lot more time on YouTube than I do watching Netflix or regular television. I play videos in the background while I work or go through Twitter, and I love how many different topics and genres I can experience in an hour because YouTube videos tend to be quick. I mostly watch whatever catches my eye in the recommended, but there are a few channels that are my go to's.
After making the list and reflecting on my choices, I noticed that a lot of these channels include vlogs and advice videos about becoming an adult or navigating the transition to college. I think I'm so drawn to these videos because they fill a certain hole that books used to more. They give a peak into what to expect and almost a chance to vicariously live out the experiences before they come up in my life. Since New Adult and YA featuring college experience are still mostly nonexistent categories, I've been looking for that sense of comfort in new places.
While you've probably heard of some of these before, I hope you can find a new channel you connect with. One of the advantages of YouTube is that most of these channels have years worth of content, so you won't run out in a weekend.




Claudia has one of my favorite channels out of all of these. She's been making videos and vlogs since she was around fourteen and has grown up on YouTube. I really love her videos because she's always so down to Earth and thoughtful about all the different topics she addresses. She gives great advice about growing up and moving out and life in general. I always feel like she gets how I'm feeling when I watch her videos. There's also quite a range of content from vlogs to style videos to skincare, Q&As, and workout routines. I'm always interested to see what she's up to. She also just recently started a podcast with her boyfriend, Finneas, called We Bought a House that I enjoy as well. 


Caelyn's channel is one of the smaller ones on the list, but I always get excited when she makes a new video. She's also one of the only YouTubers here who leads a completely normal life. A lot of her channel is made up of concert vlogs which are always fun to watch. If you miss getting to go to shows, her videos make you feel like you've had the full experience. She also makes a ton of vlogs that revolve around her college experience. She started her channel back in high school, so you really get to see every aspect of moving and starting school. She answers a ton of questions from viewers about the college experience and shares a ton of insight which I really appreciate as someone getting ready to leave for college. 

You've probably heard of Hot Ones from coverage on talk shows or the Tonight Show, but, if you haven't, go check them out. The premise involves celebrities coming for an interview while eating progressively spicy chicken (or sometimes tofu) wings. I would never be able to make it through, but they're super entertaining to watch and feature high profile celebrities like Billie Eilish, Post Malone, and Kristen Bell. While some of the interviews are definitely better than others, it's always interesting to see how different people react to extreme heat. My personal favorite is probably the one with Halsey as the questions are really unique and thoughtful.

If you don't know Conan Gray, he just released an amazing new album called Kid Krow that you should absolutely check out. I discovered his channel when my recommended became full of his vlogs after watching a couple music videos. Even though he doesn't really make videos anymore, he has a giant backlog that started early in his high school career when he lived in Texas. They cover his move to LA and starting college at UCLA. I've found tons of practical tip videos like advice on college applications and supplies to conversational videos that are always honest but positive and uplifting as well. I love Conan's style and attitude, and I've found these videos oddly comforting during this weird time. They just feel so grounded and normal. 
I highly recommend them if you're a musician or artist. There are a ton of great discussions about creativity, creating on a busy schedule, and balancing it with school.


If you're a music fan like I am, you'll find this channel tons of fun. Steven listens to and reviews all kinds of music (mostly pop) from a wide variety of artists. He points out a ton of elements of different songs and their instrumentation that I sometimes miss, so I like seeing what he notices in songs. I also just love his enthusiasm for discovering new songs and artists he likes. If you feel like there's no one in your life as excited about a new release as you are, this is the perfect place to go for an "Oh! You get it!" feeling. 



These are two channels that I recently discovered, and I'm putting them together because they're very similar. Romee and Sanne are both models and Victoria Secret Angels, and I honestly wasn't expecting to enjoy their content. I saw a "What I Eat in a Day" video Romee did and clicked on it out of curiosity. I was shocked at how delicious and healthy everything looked and how delightfully realistic and honest Romee is. Instead of finishing the video feeling bad about myself, I felt inspired and reminded how fun healthy food can be. She and Sanne also talk really openly about their careers and schedules and the challenges they've faced. I've really enjoyed all of their videos from the vlogs to the conversational videos. It's also interesting to get a glimpse into a world that's so different my own. 

This isn't strictly a YouTube channel, but YouTube is how I consume the Late Late Show considering it comes on TV at 11:15pm. You've probably watched at least one Carpool Karaoke because they're everywhere, but they do tons of fun bits that are pure, outlandish escapism. Some of my favorite recurring bits included Spill Your Guts or Fill Your Guts (not for the faint of stomach), Tattoo Roulette, and Dodgeball (featuring Michelle Obama, some guy from Game of Thrones, Harry Styles, and more random celebrities). If you're looking for stars doing mostly stupid, hilarious things, this is the place.


Most of you probably know about Vlogbrothers if you're a YA reader. It's run by John Green (of The Fault In Our Stars fame) and his brother Hank, and they make four minute videos back and forth each week. I always click on their videos when they pop up because they're quick and almost always thought provoking or informative about whatever's going on in the world. Being limited to four minutes means that every second has to count, and they always manage to hold my attention. As a bonus, I also included Hank's side channel where he makes longer format videos where he often explains more complex topics or world events in a super engaging, digestible way. 

"How Coronavirus is Hurting the Book Industry" by Ariel Bissett
I wanted to throw this video in here to wrap it up. If you're thinking about how COVID-19 is going to shape and impact the book industry and wondering how you can help, Ariel does a great job of summarizing and explaining all the issues. She's talked to booksellers and authors, included tons of reference articles, and is very concise. The best part is that she not only explains the issue but gives multiple, actually actionable steps we can take to help protect this industry we love.

If You Liked This Post...
Favorite Podcasts 2.0

Links of Interest:
Full Disclosure Review
When We Wish On Stars Part 1
March 2020 Month In Review
Books I'm Looking Forward To: April

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