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The Best YouTube Channels for Free Learning

YouTube has become a global hub for learning, offering a wealth of educational resources that anyone can access for free. Whether you’re a student, professional, or just someone passionate about learning new things, YouTube provides thousands of channels that cover a wide range of topics.

The Best YouTube Channels for Free Learning

In this guide, we will explore some of the best YouTube channels for free learning across different fields, including science, technology, languages, personal development, and more. This list will help you take advantage of YouTube’s rich library and enhance your knowledge at no cost.

1. Khan Academy

Focus: General education, Mathematics, Science, Economics, History
Subscriber Count: Over 7 million
Why it’s great: Khan Academy is one of the most popular educational channels on YouTube. It offers comprehensive lessons on a variety of subjects, from elementary school topics to college-level subjects. Whether you’re looking for a quick lesson on algebra or a deep dive into calculus, Khan Academy has got you covered. The channel’s content is well-structured and often divided into bite-sized videos, making it easy to understand even the most complicated topics.

2. CrashCourse

Focus: Science, History, Literature, Economics, Philosophy
Subscriber Count: Over 14 million
Why it’s great: CrashCourse is known for its high-energy, animated lessons that break down complex subjects into easily digestible videos. The channel offers series on subjects like world history, biology, psychology, and even literature. Each video is well-paced and engaging, making learning fun and entertaining. Perfect for high school students or anyone looking for a refresher course on various topics.

3. TED-Ed

Focus: General knowledge, Science, Psychology, Philosophy
Subscriber Count: Over 15 million
Why it’s great: TED-Ed is the educational arm of TED Talks and offers high-quality, thought-provoking videos on a variety of topics. The channel features short, animated lessons that explain complex ideas and theories in simple terms. If you’re interested in expanding your knowledge in areas like psychology, philosophy, biology, and more, TED-Ed is a great place to start.

4. YouTube EDU

Focus: Educational content across various fields
Subscriber Count: Over 4 million
Why it’s great: YouTube EDU is a collection of educational channels that provide content on a wide variety of topics, from science and mathematics to history and art. The channel serves as a hub where educators and creators can share their videos, making it easy to discover new educational content. Whether you’re learning a new language, coding, or understanding complex physics concepts, YouTube EDU provides a one-stop shop for free learning.

5. National Geographic

Focus: Nature, Science, Geography, Culture
Subscriber Count: Over 20 million
Why it’s great: National Geographic offers stunning documentaries and educational videos on subjects related to nature, wildlife, and human history. Whether you’re fascinated by the natural world or interested in geography and culture, National Geographic’s YouTube channel is full of visually captivating content that will enhance your understanding of the world around you.

6. Coursera

Focus: Professional development, Programming, Data Science, Business
Subscriber Count: Over 700k
Why it’s great: Coursera is a platform that provides free courses from top universities and institutions around the world. On their YouTube channel, you’ll find informative videos on various professional and academic topics, ranging from programming and data science to business and finance. If you’re interested in leveling up your career or learning a new skill, Coursera’s YouTube channel is a great resource.

7. Veritasium

Focus: Science, Physics, Technology, Engineering
Subscriber Count: Over 12 million
Why it’s great: Veritasium dives deep into complex science and technology topics in a way that’s accessible to everyone. The channel’s host, Derek Muller, explains intricate concepts in physics, engineering, and technology using engaging visuals and experiments. Whether you’re interested in quantum mechanics or the latest developments in artificial intelligence, Veritasium makes challenging subjects fun and easy to understand.

8. Code Academy

Focus: Programming, Web Development, Data Science
Subscriber Count: Over 1 million
Why it’s great: Code Academy’s YouTube channel is a treasure trove of resources for those interested in learning how to code. The channel offers tutorials on a variety of programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and even web development. It’s a great resource for beginners looking to break into the world of coding, as well as for those who want to learn new languages or tools.

9. BBC Earth

Focus: Nature, Science, Wildlife, Geography
Subscriber Count: Over 11 million
Why it’s great: BBC Earth is home to some of the most breathtaking nature documentaries, offering educational content on everything from the behavior of animals to the inner workings of ecosystems. If you’re passionate about learning more about the planet and its inhabitants, BBC Earth offers a beautiful and informative way to gain that knowledge.

10. SmarterEveryday

Focus: Science, Engineering, Everyday Technology
Subscriber Count: Over 12 million
Why it’s great: SmarterEveryday is dedicated to exploring the science behind everyday objects and phenomena. Host Destin Sandlin brings an enthusiastic approach to learning about physics, engineering, and technology. The channel features experiments, behind-the-scenes looks at scientific research, and exciting explanations of how things work.

11. AsapSCIENCE

Focus: Science, Health, Psychology
Subscriber Count: Over 10 million
Why it’s great: AsapSCIENCE breaks down the science behind everyday questions, from how the human body works to how various chemical reactions occur. The channel presents information in a fun and accessible way, often with entertaining animations and demonstrations that make complex scientific concepts easier to understand.

12. SciShow

Focus: Science, Chemistry, Physics, Biology
Subscriber Count: Over 8 million
Why it’s great: SciShow is an excellent YouTube channel for those who are passionate about science but want to stay informed about the latest discoveries and research. SciShow covers everything from biology and chemistry to space exploration and psychology. It offers a balanced mix of educational content that appeals to viewers of all ages.

13. Practical Psychology

Focus: Psychology, Personal Development, Mental Health
Subscriber Count: Over 3 million
Why it’s great: Practical Psychology provides simple and engaging lessons on psychological concepts, behavior, mental health, and personal development. If you’re interested in understanding how the mind works and how to improve your mental well-being, this channel offers concise, well-researched videos that make psychology easy to understand.

14. LanguageTransfer

Focus: Language learning
Subscriber Count: Over 300k
Why it’s great: LanguageTransfer offers free lessons on a variety of languages, including Spanish, French, Greek, and more. The channel is perfect for those who want to start learning a new language. The lessons are structured in a unique way, focusing on understanding the language’s structure rather than memorizing vocabulary. This makes learning languages much more intuitive and effective.

15. The Art of Photography

Focus: Photography, Videography, Camera Techniques
Subscriber Count: Over 1 million
Why it’s great: Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned photographer, The Art of Photography offers expert tips and tricks to help you improve your photography skills. The channel covers everything from camera settings to post-processing techniques, giving you the knowledge you need to take stunning photos.

Also check: Free Information Literacy Course with UJ Digital

Tips for Learning on YouTube

While YouTube is a fantastic resource, there are a few strategies you can use to make the most of your learning experience:

Create a Playlist: As you discover videos that are relevant to your learning goals, add them to a playlist for easy access.
Set Learning Goals: Define what you want to achieve with each video or series of videos to keep your learning focused.
Engage with the Community: Commenting on videos or participating in online discussions can deepen your understanding and create a sense of connection with other learners.
Take Notes: Jot down important points from the videos, and try to apply what you learn through practice or further research.

Learning doesn’t have to be expensive. With YouTube, you have access to a wealth of knowledge across countless subjects, all at your fingertips. Whether you’re learning a new language, brushing up on a school subject, or mastering a new skill, the channels listed above are excellent starting points.

Make the most of these free resources, and remember that learning is an ongoing process that can take place at your own pace.