Since its launch in 2005, YouTube has developed its own culture headed by creators making a variety of videos so large, it’s been said to rival television. Millions of people upload videos to the site each day and, while some stick to putting out videos of their cats playing the piano, there are others who have made filming videos their day job. Here are five channels it’d be a shame to miss.
Zoella (Zoe Sugg): Beauty
Zoe Sugg, or “Zoella,” has made over 200 videos including makeup and hair tutorials, style lookbooks and vlogs. She’s covered topics from mastering the perfect fall lip to how she’s dealt with her social anxiety. Since uploading her first video in 2009, Sugg has since become an internet juggernaut. She’s garnered over 9 million subscribers and released a young adult novel, entitled “Girl Online,” whose sales in the first week outstripped J.K. Rowling’s first Harry Potter book. Hop on the bandwagon and see what the fuss is about.
Where to start: Her most popular beauty video, “How To: My Quick and Easy Hairstyles,” will make mornings easier.
How to Adult (Emma Mills and Mike Martin): Education
This channel should be required viewing for every college student. How to Adult regularly puts out videos hosted by dynamic duo Emma Mills and Mike Martin, who excitedly provide solutions for typical 20-something life problems, fun background music included. Videos range from the big topics like “How to Decide What to Do with Your Life,” to the smaller stuff, like “How to Do Laundry.” This account is guaranteed to smooth that painful transition from living with mom and dad to braving the big bad world.
Where to start: Check out their video “How Student Loans Work… EXPLAINED!”
Jack & Dean (Jack Howard and Dean Dobbs): Comedy
Jack Howard and Dean Dobbs have come a long way from their sketches in 2008. The duo have since ditched the braces and low resolution quality, instead opting for better haircuts and a comedic style all their own. Their sketches give hilarious doses of honesty and self-deprecation, but what really makes the videos special is Howard and Dobbs’s chemistry. Their dynamic alone makes them as binge-worthy as a Netflix series.
Where to start: The two made a song called “Consent,” including important information on sexual harassment and a cool guitar solo.
Paint (Jon Cozart): Music
Though Jon Cozart opts for a cappella Disney parodies rather than the usual acoustic indie covers, he is not to be underestimated. One college kid singing four part harmonies is no easy feat, especially when there’s humor and a dash of social commentary involved. Paint hasn’t uploaded a new video in about eight months, yet he’s managed to hold onto over 3 million subscribers. If that doesn’t prove he knows what he’s doing, nothing will.
Where to start: “After Ever After – DISNEY Parody” has racked up over 53 million views, why not add a few more?
SoulPancake: A Little Bit of Everything
The YouTube channel “SoulPancake” is owned by “The Office” star, Rainn Wilson. Instead of endless videos detailing the nuances of copy paper, the account offers a variety of inspiring and thoughtful content. Wilson and a few friends have transformed the platform into a full blown company dedicated to exploring what it is to be human. They do so in the sweetest, most heartwarming ways, holding true to the company’s catchphrase, “We make stuff that matters.”
Where to start: Take some life advice from Kid President, a series put out by the channel starring a wise 10-year-old, in the video “Kid President’s 20 things We Should Say More Often.”
