Science isn’t just for classrooms and labs anymore; you can explore and enjoy it anywhere, especially on YouTube. These channels combine education and entertainment to make science accessible and fun for everyone. So, here are the top 27 best science YouTube channels you should definitely check out.

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1. SciShow

Hosted by Hank Green, SciShow takes on interesting scientific questions and presents them in a captivating way. That is why it is the first in our list of the best science YouTube channels.

SciShow is a super popular YouTube channel that focuses on exploring the unexpected in science. It covers a wide range of scientific topics that spark curiosity and defy expectations. On this channel, you’ll find explanations of scientific phenomena, answers to intriguing questions, and deep dives into specific topics. SciShow is known for making science easy to understand and entertaining for a wide audience. They often address questions sent in by viewers and discuss the latest scientific news and discoveries.

The channel was created by Hank Green and has expanded to include sister channels like SciShow Space, SciShow Psych, and SciShow Kids, each catering to their specific niche areas within science. For example, SciShow Kids is designed for younger viewers and makes learning about science fun and engaging for children. The channel has 7.8 million subscribers.

2. TheBackyardScientist

TheBackyardScientist is a YouTube channel created by Kevin Kohler, an American YouTuber from Florida. This channel displays a variety of science experiments and projects, many of which involve chemistry and physics. Kevin Kohler, aka The Backyard Scientist, performs and explains experiments that range from exploding arrows to making musical instruments.

The channel was launched on April 1, 2013, and has gained popularity for its entertaining and educational content. The Backyard Scientist advises viewers not to try the experiments at home since many of them can be considered dangerous. Over the years, the channel has reached several subscriber milestones, surpassing 500 million total views in March 2019.  They have 5.87 million subscribers.

3. AsapSCIENCE

AsapSCIENCE is a popular YouTube channel created by Canadian YouTubers Mitchell Moffit and Gregory Brown. As the third of the 27 best YouTube channels, this channel is known for producing weekly videos that explain various scientific concepts in an accessible and entertaining way. The content ranges from answering curious questions to explaining complex scientific theories and phenomena.

The channel aims to make science understandable and has been successful in doing so, as evidenced by its large subscriber base of over 10.6 million. AsapSCIENCE covers a wide range of topics and often incorporates humor and simplicity to engage viewers. They also have videos that provide study tips and discuss the science behind everyday activities and current events.

Mitchell Moffit and Gregory Brown have also authored a book and are active on various social media platforms, where they continue their mission of making science fun and understandable for people of all ages.

4. The Slow Mo Guys

The Slow Mo Guys is a popular YouTube channel known for its high-quality slow motion videos. Hosted by Gavin Free and Daniel Gruchy, they explore various natural and physical phenomena, capturing them in extreme slow motion with high-speed cameras. The channel is widely regarded as the largest channel for slow motion videos on YouTube.

In terms of subscribers, The Slow Mo Guys currently have approximately 15 million subscribers. The channel was created on October 15, 2010, and has since become a significant name in science and technology entertainment. In their videos, the duo often don lab coats to highlight the scientific aspect of their experiments. Over the years, they have filmed everything from chemical reactions to physical stress tests, as well as visually captivating events involving paints and balloons. Their content not only entertains but also educates, as they sometimes explain the science behind the phenomena they capture. The channel’s success is evident in its large following and its impact on popularizing slow motion video content on YouTube.

5. SmarterEveryDay


Another one of the best YouTube channels on our list is SmarterEveryDay. It is a YouTube channel created by Destin Sandlin, an American engineer. This channel focuses on exploring the world through science. Destin’s goal is to inspire curiosity and share knowledge, with the potential to contribute to his children’s education through the channel’s revenue.

SmarterEveryDay has approximately 11.4 million subscribers. The channel was launched on April 4, 2006, and has been active ever since. Destin Sandlin also operates other channels like The Sound Traveler and Smarter Every Day 2, and co-hosts a podcast called No Dumb Questions.

6. Kurzgesagt

Kurzgesagt, which means “In a nutshell” in German, produces beautifully animated videos that simplify complex science topics.

The channel was founded by Philipp Dettmer on July 10, 2013, shortly after he graduated from Munich University of Applied Sciences. The first video was released on July 12, 2013, and since then, the channel has grown significantly. As of February 2024, Kurzgesagt has over 22 million subscribers and its videos have garnered over 2.5 billion views.

The videos are narrated by Steve Taylor and are typically four to sixteen minutes long. The channel has also expanded to offer videos in multiple languages, including German, Spanish, French, Hindi, Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, and Korean.

One of their most viewed videos is about the COVID-19 pandemic, titled The Coronavirus Explained & What You Should Do, which has over 88 million views.


7. Veritasium

Speaking of the best science Youtube channels, we can’t forget Veritasium (not an actual element, though). Veritasium is a popular YouTube channel created by Dr. Derek Muller.
Veritasium has over 15 million subscribers.
The channel was started by Dr. Muller after completing his Ph.D. in physics education research at the University of Sydney. He launched the channel as a means to educate and share his passion for science with a wider audience. Over the years, Veritasium has received several awards, including the Streamy award for Science or Education in 2017, and has become one of the most recognized science communication platforms on YouTube.

In addition to YouTube, Dr. Muller has made appearances on television programs and live events alongside notable figures like Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chris Hadfield.

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8. Mark Rober

Mark Roberis a popular YouTuber known for his content on science, technology, and creative problem-solving. With 45.8 million subscribers, his channel is a must-follow!

Rober’s journey started with a viral video in October 2011, where he showcased a unique Halloween costume using two iPads to create a see-through torso illusion. This success led to the launch of Digital Dudz, a company specializing in innovative Halloween costumes.

Before his YouTube fame, Mark Rober worked as an engineer at NASA for nine years, contributing to the Curiosity rover project at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He also spent four years at Apple Inc. in their Special Projects Group, working on virtual reality for self-driving cars.

His channel stands out for its educational yet entertaining approach to science and engineering, making complex concepts accessible to a wide audience. Rober’s creativity and depth of knowledge as an engineer and inventor shine through in his videos.

9. Vsauce

Vsuace is a renowned YouTube channel created by Michael Stevens. Its content is about scientific, psychological, mathematical, and philosophical topics, as well as gaming, technology, and popular culture.

With over 21.3 million subscribers, Vsauce keeps its viewers hooked with thought-provoking questions and explorations into various subjects.

Michael Stevens launched Vsauce on June 24, 2010. Initially focused on video games and comedy, the channel evolved to prioritize educational content. The name “Vsauce” was randomly generated using a fake website generator, which Stevens then registered and used for his channel. Since September 9, 2012, the channel has solely focused on educational content. This shift has made Vsauce one of the best science YouTube channels today.


10. TED Science

The TED Science YouTube channel is part of the larger TED platform, known for its inspiring talks and presentations. The channel shares content related to science and education, aiming to share knowledge and ignite curiosity among viewers. The main TED channel has an impressive 24.1 million subscribers. However, there is also a smaller channel named TED-Science with 56 subscribers.

TED started as a conference in 1984, combining Technology, Entertainment, and Design. Over time, it has become a global platform for sharing ideas in various fields, including science. The TED Talks channel on YouTube extends this mission by offering videos of talks and performances from the TED Conference.

11. Journey to the Microcosmos

Journey to the Microcosmos is a YouTube channel that takes viewers on an educational and reflective journey through the microscopic world. Hosted by Hank Green and Deboki Chakravarti, the channel features videos that explains lives of microanimals, eukaryotes, and prokaryotes, with magnification levels displayed on screen to provide context for the size of these tiny organisms. The channel’s content is complemented by original music from Andrew Huang and is produced by Complexly, the company behind other educational channels like SciShow and CrashCourse.

The channel was created on April 10, 2019, after Hank Green was inspired by James Weiss’s microscopy videos on his channel, Jam’s Germs. Hank reached out to James to start a new channel, which quickly gained popularity, reaching 100,000 subscribers within three weeks of its first video upload. They also launched their first merchandise, a Stentor Coeruleus pin, in December 2019.

The team uses two microscopes for their explorations, one of which was assembled from various parts for under $200, and a Motic BA310 microscope paired with a Fujifilm X-T3 camera, thanks to a sponsorship.

As for the current number of subscribers, Journey to the Microcosmos has amassed over 868,000 subscribers, continuing to grow and share the wonders of the microcosmos with a wide audience.

12. PBS Eons

PBS Eons is one of the best science YouTube channels that teaches the history of life on Earth. It is hosted by Kallie Moore, Michelle Barboza–Ramirez, and Blake de Pastino. The channel offers a journey from the Archaean Eon through the Mesozoic Era, known as the Age of Dinosaurs, up to the end of the most recent Ice Age.

The channel was launched on June 26, 2017, and it current has 2.9 million subscribers. It’s produced by Complexly, a part of the PBS Digital Studios network.

13. Physics Girl

Physics Girl is a YouTube channel created by Dianna Cowern, also known as Physics Woman. The channel is dedicated to teaching physical sciences through experiments, demonstrations, and discussions of new discoveries. Presently, Physics girls has around 3.19 million subscribers.

Dianna Cowern, born on May 4, 1989, in Kauai, Hawaii, is the mind behind Physics Girl. She graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with a Bachelor of Science in physics. After college, she worked at the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian and later at the University of California at San Diego’s Center for Astrophysics and Space Sciences research unit before starting her YouTube channel on October 21, 2011.

The channel has been active since 2011 and has become a popular resource for teachers, students, and those interested in physics and science education. Dianna’s work has earned her recognition and awards, including YouTube’s Silver and Gold Creator Awards. She was also part of PBS Digital Studios from 2015 until 2020. Despite facing health challenges like Long COVID, which affected her content creation, Dianna continues to inspire and educate through her channel.

Dianna Cowern has been recognized for her contributions to science communication, including being named one of Forbes 30 under 30. The channel is part of PBS Digital Studios and has a team that helps with various aspects of production, from editing to animation.

14. MinutePhysics

MinutePhysics is an educational YouTube channel that uses whiteboard animation to explain various physics-related topics. It is one of the best science YouTube channels in 2024.

 Created by Henry Reich in 2011, the channel aims to provide an energetic and entertaining view of old and new problems in physics, all in a minute. The channel has over 5.7 million subscribers.

Henry Reich, the creator of MinutePhysics, studied mathematics and physics at Grinnell College and earned his Master’s degree in theoretical physics from the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. The channel’s content ranges from concepts like electromagnetism and dark matter to more practical scenarios like whether it’s better to walk or run in the rain. One of the most viewed videos on the channel, with over 17 million views, discusses this very question.

MinutePhysics has also collaborated with notable figures such as Vsauce, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and Destin Sandlin of Smarter Every Day. Additionally, the channel has produced a series of videos explaining the Higgs Boson and has worked with Randall Munroe on a video titled “How To Go To Space” animated in the style of Munroe’s webcomic xkcd.

15. CrashCourse

CrashCours offers a wide range of courses on subjects from the humanities to the sciences. It was created by brothers John and Hank Green, who are also known for their Vlogbrothers channel. The channel started in 2011 and was one of the initial channels funded by YouTube’s $100 million original channel initiative.

The channel has produced over 45 courses to date, and these videos are used to accompany high school and college level classes. This channel aims to make high-quality educational videos accessible to everyone for free, and it has a large viewership of students, teachers, and casual learners.

CrashCourse has around 15.4 million subscribers.

16. AntsCanada

AntsCanada is a popular YouTube channel created by Michael John Yadan Tumanguil Pestano Bustos, better known as Mikey Bustos. The channel focuses on ant keeping and showcases the fascinating world of ants through educational videos and tutorials. It covers topics such as setting up formicariums, caring for queen ants, and maintaining healthy ant colonies.

Mikey Bustos started the channel on July 14, 2009, and it has since evolved from documenting the development of his ant colonies to providing more episodic, documentary-style content. The channel has gained a significant following, with 5.6 million subscribers and over 734 videos as of the latest update.

Bustos, who is of Filipino descent but was raised in Canada, has a background in entertainment. He was a contestant on the first season of Canadian Idol and has been involved in various television and radio shows.

His passion for ants led him to create AntsCanada, which has become a go-to resource for ant enthusiasts worldwide. The channel’s motto is “It’s Ant Love Forever”.

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17. TierZoo

TierZoo is a unique YouTube channel created by Patrick Lacey, also known as Patch. It was started in July 2017, shortly after Patrick graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Microbiology. The channel has a creative concept where it analyzes animals as if they were characters in a video game, discussing their “builds,” “abilities,” and “strategies” using gaming terminology. This approach aims to make zoology more interesting, especially to gamers, by highlighting the amazing and often overlooked aspects of animal life.

As of now, TierZoo has around 3.7 million subscribers and has posted 84 videos. The content is well-regarded for its educational value, interspersed with humor and factual commentary.

Some of the popular series on the channel include “Tier Lists,” where Patrick rates animals on their viability as if they were game characters, and “Real Life Patch Notes,” where he describes major events in Earth’s history in the style of video game updates¹.

18. NileRed

NileRed is one of the best science YouTube channels created by Nigel Braun, a Canadian chemist. The channel focuses on chemistry: chemical experiments and reactions, often with a twist of entertainment. It aims to capture the natural beauty of chemistry and make it more accessible and interesting to a broader audience. As of now, NileRed has approximately 6.19 million subscribers.

The channel was launched on March 10, 2014, and Nigel started it because he felt that chemistry was often poorly taught in schools. This led to disinterest or even aversion to the subject.

His first video, which is still available on the channel, was posted on March 24, 2014, and featured the Pharaoh’s Serpent firework. This video went viral and helped establish NileRed in the educational YouTube community.

Nigel’s content focuses on unusual chemical reactions not commonly known outside scientific circles, explained through chemical diagrams and recorded experiments. Initially, his videos were filmed in his university’s labs or his parents’ garage, but in 2018, he moved into his own house with a professional chemistry lab.

19. SciShow Space

SciShow Space is a YouTube channel that investigates into the wonders of the universe. Ever\ from the earliest moments after the big bang to the latest advancements in space exploration. The channel is known for its engaging content that makes complex space science topics accessible to a wide audience.

As for its history, SciShow Space was launched on March 10, 2014, as part of the SciShow family of educational channels. It was created by Hank Green and a team of science communicators to share their passion for space and science with the world. The channel features a variety of hosts, including Hank Green, Caitlin Hofmeister, Reid Reimers, and Savannah Geary, who bring their unique perspectives and expertise to the content.

SciShow Space has amassed a following of 1.44 million subscribers, with a library of 897 videos that cover a broad range of topics within the realm of space science. Although the channel is not currently producing new videos, its existing content continues to educate and inspire viewers.

20. Be Smart

Formerly known as It’s Okay To Be Smart, Be Smart is a YouTube channel created and hosted by Joe Hanson, Ph.D., which aims to provide deep answers to simple questions about science and the universe. The channel is known for its educational content that makes complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging.

The channel was launched under PBS Digital Studios and has been recognized for its quality content. It has evolved over time, offering a variety of series and themes related to science. It has 5 million subscribers.

21. Crime Pays But Botany Doesn’t

Crime Pays But Botany Doesn’t is a unique YouTube channel hosted by Joey Santore, an American amateur naturalist. The channel takes a “low-brow, crass approach to plant ecology & evolution,” as described by Santore himself.

It’s known for its unfiltered and passionate exploration of plant species, ecology, and evolution, often featuring Santore’s distinctive Chicago accent and candid commentary.

The channel has a substantial following, with around 371K subscribers and over 700 videos. Santore’s journey began with a deep interest in science and nature, leading him to travel across the United States by freight train and eventually focus on plant ecology and geology.

His work on the channel has allowed him to travel internationally as an amateur ecologist, and he has also partnered to produce a television series named “Kill Your Lawn,” which encourages replacing lawns with native plants to create biodiverse and ecologically sound outdoor spaces.

22. Animalogic

Animalogic is a Canadian YouTube channel that focuses on animals..

The channel was created by Dylan Dubeau and Andrew Strapp and has been active since December 8, 2014. It’s hosted by scientific illustrator Danielle Dufault, who brings her expertise to the series. Animalogic has also expanded to include spin-off series like “Second Nature” and “Floralogic” and has been translated into Spanish²⁴.

Animalogic has over 1.98 million subscribers and continues to grow. The channel uploads new episodes every Friday and has become a credible source for natural history information.

23. Nick Zentner

Nick Zentner’s YouTube channel is dedicated to geology: live geology lectures, virtual field trips, and series like “Ice Age Floods A to Z.”

Nick Zentner is a geology professor at Central Washington University and uses his channel to share his knowledge on the geology of the Pacific Northwest.

The channel has approximately 86.6K subscribers and over 542 videos.

Nick Zentner started his YouTube journey on January 11, 2012. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he began broadcasting live streams from his home. His efforts have earned him awards, including the James Shea Award and Northwest Emmy Awards for his series “Nick on the Rocks”

24. Fraser Valley Rose Farm

The Fraser Valley Rose Farm YouTube channel is dedicated to growing roses and other plants. The channel’s content reflects the owner’s enthusiasm for horticulture, particularly roses and unusual ornamentals, as well as permaculture plants.

The channel has 242K subscribers and features 402 videos.

Regarding its history, the channel started as a way for the farm to reach out to potential customers and share their journey. It began during the farm’s early years and has since provided a platform for direct communication with viewers and a supplemental income, allowing the owner to pursue rose farming full-time.

The channel was created on July 11, 2009, and it has grown to become a valuable resource for those interested in rose cultivation and small farm management.

25. Natural World Facts

Natural World Facts is one of the best science YouTube channels on our list today. It’s presented by Leo Richard, a Marine Biology undergraduate student passionate about the natural world and particularly fascinated with the deep sea.

The channel features a variety of content, including wildlife documentaries, short films, and educational videos that cover a broad spectrum of natural history topics. The videos aim to inspire a sense of wonder and passion for the natural world, featuring creatures from frogs and toads to lions and elephants.

Leo Richards started the channel at the age of 8 with the help of his brother. Over the years, the channel has grown significantly, exploring African wildlife firsthand, crossing the UK in search of Britain’s unique wildlife, and collaborating with passionate individuals, wildlife media groups, and world-leading exploration organizations².

Natural World Facts has amassed over 829k subscribers and the films have been viewed more than 74 million times. This growth reflects the channel’s commitment to quality content and its ability to engage and educate its audience about the natural environment.

26. History of the Earth

History of the Earth is a YouTube channel that explains the natural history of our planet. The creators, Pete, David, and Leila, also known for their work on channels like History Time and Voices of the Past, explore various topics from the formation of Earth to the development of life and significant events in Earth’s past.

The channel has amassed over 516,000 subscribers. The channel’s first video, “A New Journey,” was uploaded on May 1, 2020. Since then, they have produced a range of educational content, including detailed explorations of Earth’s ancient supercontinents, the Cambrian explosion, and the development of early life forms.

27. Ze Frank

The YouTube channel Ze Frank is known for its True Facts series, which presents educational and entertaining content about various animals with a humorous twist. The channel was created by Hosea Jan “Ze” Frank, an American online performance artist, composer, humorist, and public speaker.

Ze Frank started his online presence with a viral birthday invitation in 2001, which led to millions of hits on his personal website. This success spurred him to create interactive group projects, short films, animations, and video games.

He won a Webby Award in 2002 and was featured in Time Magazine’s “50 Coolest Websites” in 2005. The Ze Frank channel was launched on March 17, 2006, and has since become a popular platform for Frank’s unique style of content.

The channel has 4.09 million subscribers. Ze Frank’s work has been influential in the digital medium, and he has also served as an adjunct professor at various institutions, further showcasing his commitment to education and creativity.

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Conclusion

These best science YouTube channels offers an incredible array of content for different interests and levels of expertise. You can watch their content for both fun and education. Most of them offer a surface level of the subject, while others go deep into the tiny details. It is up to you to try the channels and find out which of them you would like to be your favorite.

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