Although traditional education is undoubtedly essential, it is also well-known that visuals help the human brain retain information better. A considerable part of the population, 65%, are visual learners, giving us an idea of the importance of using visuals when learning.
YouTube has become increasingly popular over time, with millions of people watching videos every day. Although some people use this platform only for entertainment, it can also be used as an educational tool.
We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best education YouTube channels that you can check out to learn new things for people of all ages.
YouTube’s Rise as an Educational Platform 
YouTube has fundamentally altered the way we access and utilize information, especially for online learning. For example, you can watch educational YouTube channels to take a crash course on sewing or dress-making.
YouTube is the second most popular website after Google, making it accessible to people worldwide. Its wide range of videos gives the public access to knowledge, whether they have access to formal education or not.
YouTube has made learning more engaging and dynamic for people of all ages. Due to its extensive library of videos, the platform has become a key resource for exploring a wide range of topics.
According to a poll by Pearson Learning, 59% of Gen Z respondents agreed that YouTube had the most effect on their learning, which shows the importance of YouTube in education today.
Nowadays, teachers use YouTube videos to improve their lessons, making it a powerful tool in education. Teachers can create playlists of relevant videos to introduce new topics, present alternative views, and demonstrate abstract concepts.
In conclusion, YouTube has dramatically impacted the world of education by providing educators and learners with a novel method of training and learning.
Top Online Education YouTube Channels
Here are the 10 best education YouTube channels you can check out to start learning today.
Vox
Pioneered in 2014, Vox has become one of the best and most popular educational channels on YouTube, garnering 12.4 million subscribers over the years.
Vox videos cover topics such as news and culture, current events, societal trends, and complex global issues. They also discuss politics, economics, history, and science.
Vox uploads one video per week, ensuring that it covers relevant topics and recent events.
Why you should watch:
Vox helps its viewers understand complex topics by using infographics, making sure that the content of their videos is easy to understand. Vox also explains current events and topics using compelling visuals and data-driven analysis.
Veritasium
Created by Derek Muller in 2010, Veritasium has become one of the best science channels on YouTube, akin to an online science class. It has 17 million subscribers currently.
Veritasium videos talk about topics such as physics, chemistry, and biology. This YouTube channel also touches on misconceptions and myths, debunking them through science.
Veritasium videos are uploaded once a week, covering various topics that will interest anyone who seeks learning.
Why you should watch:
Derek does a deep dive into the topic in every video, using real-world examples to explain complex topics. Derek also collaborates with scientists, experts, and educators to explain concepts, making them easier for the general public to understand.
The DadLab
Founded by Sergei Urban in 2016, The DadLab has become one of the best educational channels on YouTube, with 5.19 million subscribers.
By watching The DadLab videos, you will learn easy science experiments and creative activities parents can do with their kids at home. This YouTube channel features physics projects and art activities that encourage hands-on learning as well.
The DadLab uploads one video a month with fresh ideas and experiments for children and their parents and guardians.
Why you should watch:
The DadLab videos use household items in the experiments, making the activities fun and accessible to families worldwide.
Life Noggin
Life Noggin was started in 2013 and currently has 3.18 million subscribers. This YouTube channel features simple, humorous animations about scientific and philosophical topics, such as the human body, space exploration, mysteries of the mind, and philosophical topics regarding life.
Life Noggin uploads twice a month, covering the topics and events aligning with when it was uploaded.
Why you should watch:
Its unique features include an animated host, Blocko, and educational content presented through animation. Whether you are curious about Santa’s crimes or the world’s most dangerous jobs, Life Noggin is the best place to dive deep and satiate your curiosity.
National Geographic
National Geographic is one of the biggest educational YouTube channels, with a massive 24 million subscribers currently. It is the best YouTube channel if you want to watch videos exploring the world’s intricacies and mysteries, as well as geography, wildlife, history, culture, and environmental science.
Videos are posted on its YouTube channel every day, so you will never run out of things to watch and immerse yourself in.
Why you should watch:
National Geographic is famous for its stunning visuals and captivating narratives, which explore the life around us. Whether you are interested in marine life or want to know more about the ecosystem of the Soudah Peaks, National Geographic has everything you need to know.
AsapSCIENCE
Founded in 2012, AsapSCIENCE is a YouTube channel dedicated to science. It has garnered 10.7 million subscribers with engaging videos about various science topics, from biology to psychology. It also tackles themes such as social science and linguistics, making it one of the best educational YouTube channels.
AsapSCIENCE posts videos once a month, covering relevant topics in the science world.
Why you should watch:
AsapSCIENCE covers scientific concepts and presents them in easy-to-understand and witty drawings. AsapSCIENCE aims to arouse interest and awe about the world around us in addition to teaching science. Whether you are curious about why gay people look the way they do or the biggest lie about AI, AsapSCIENCE will never run out of topics that will interest you.
Khan Academy
Since its launch in 2006, Khan Academy has built an audience of 8.74 million subscribers. The videos provide in-depth details on the topic, and practice problems supplement them.
The topics covered in Khan Academy videos include science, math, economics, and computing.
Why you should watch:
Khan Academy simplifies complicated ideas into manageable bits, helping learners absorb information more easily.
SmarterEveryday
Destin Sandlin created SmarterEveryday in 2006. The YouTube channel features videos exploring the world through science and currently has 11.6 million subscribers.
Videos touch on topics such as physics, engineering, and aerodynamics.
Videos are uploaded once every month, following Destin’s life and adventures.
Why you should watch:
SmarterEveryday uses practical experiments to reveal the exciting facets of science and engineering. Destin simplifies complex subjects into easily understood material through slow-motion videos.
CrashCourse
Co-founded by John Green and Hank Green in 2006, CrashCourse has reached 16.1 million subscribers and has been the go-to channel for years as one of the best educational YouTube channels. The founders aim to make complex topics easy to understand and accessible.
The topics range from humanities to sciences and religion.
Videos are uploaded once every week, capturing topics that will interest people who want to learn more.
Why you should watch:
CrashCourse videos are quick-paced and eye-catching, using simple animation to avoid overcomplicating the topic. Each CrashCourse video is taught by an expert, ensuring the viewers get the nitty-gritty of the topic being discussed.
Ted-Ed
Ted-ed, created in 2011, features engaging animated videos and has garnered 20.8 million subscribers. It is one of the best YouTube channels for education.
The topics range from visual arts to mathematics and history.
Videos are uploaded once every week, with topics ranging from how walking affects the body to the Armenian genocide.
Why you should watch:
Ted-Ed combines education and storytelling, making complex subjects simple and enjoyable. Its educational efforts have helped millions of students worldwide.
YouTube as an Ideal Education Platform
YouTube’s vast library of content caters to a variety of learning styles. Some channels focus on visual and auditory learning through engaging videos. Meanwhile, other channels provide text-based information through on-screen annotations and debates. The platform also allows for the incorporation of user input, with comment sections serving as forums for discussion, clarification, and community for learners.
YouTube’s global reach also further democratizes education by eliminating geographical constraints and providing access to excellent educational information to individuals who may not otherwise have it locally. The platform also encourages life-long learning by offering a wide range of courses to users of different ages and educational levels.
Advantages and Disadvantages of YouTube Learning
YouTube, as an educational platform, offers considerable benefits for people who want to learn more outside of the classroom. However, it also has disadvantages. Here are some of YouTube’s advantages and disadvantages as an educational tool.
Advantages
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Variety in content: YouTube has a plethora of educational videos on any subject you can imagine. Learners may access a range of resources catered to their own interests and learning needs.
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Accessibility: YouTube’s global reach and availability allow access to students worldwide, removing barriers like regional limitations. It also provides access to high-quality information for kids who do not have opportunities to learn.
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Supplement to traditional learning: YouTube can enhance traditional teaching strategies and classroom learning by providing fresh content and further explanations on complex topics.
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Self-paced learning: YouTube’s self-paced learning features allow students to access knowledge at any time and learn at their own pace.
Disadvantages
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Potential distractions: The platform itself has many potential distractors, such as recommended videos popping up on the screen, which can cause learners to waste time watching non-educational content.
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Information quality: The vast amount of information on YouTube serves as a barrier to accessing quality information, leading to misinformation or poorly researched data.
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Dependency on technology: YouTube relies on technological infrastructure and dependable internet connectivity. Hence, learners without a device and internet connection cannot access YouTube.
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Limited interaction: Videos are only one-way communication, with learners watching videos without supervision. Hence, they lack real-time feedback and engagement to facilitate learning.
Wrapping Up
YouTube has revolutionized learning and will continue to do so. Given the amount of information on the platform, it is important to find reputable sources to avoid misinformation and biases as you start learning through YouTube videos.
Although there is a lot of educational content on the internet, especially YouTube, there is still space for anyone who wants to start teaching people.
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