Mindblowing YouTube Channels You Need to Watch

9 min readDec 15, 2023

In the boundless universe of YouTube, where entertainment and education collide with spectacular fervor, lies a hidden constellation of channels that transform viewers into trivia titans and fact fanatics. This digital odyssey isn’t just about accumulating random tidbits; it’s an adventure that reshapes how we perceive the world around us. Imagine each fact as a pixel, each trivia as a brushstroke, together painting a vivid tapestry of knowledge that’s both awe-inspiring and mind-boggling.

As we embark on this journey through YouTube’s labyrinth of learning, we’ll uncover channels that don’t just scratch the surface but dive deep into the ocean of information, leaving you enriched, enlightened, and eager for more. Prepare to have your curiosity ignited and your intellect challenged, as we introduce you to the crème de la crème of YouTube’s fact and trivia channels. Whether you’re a trivia night champion or a casual learner, these channels are your gateway to becoming the most interesting person in the room. So, grab your digital compass and set sail with us on an epic quest for knowledge!

Big Think

youtube.com/@bigthink

Big Think is a multimedia platform that stands at the intersection of knowledge and innovation. Founded in 2007 by Victoria Brown and Peter Hopkins, this YouTube channel presents a wealth of interviews and roundtable discussions featuring a wide array of experts from diverse fields. The essence of Big Think is its commitment to fostering thinking, learning, and debate through its content, which started primarily with short video clips.

As the channel evolved, it expanded into offering blogs and written content, adding depth to its already rich repository of knowledge. This expansion saw the inclusion of notable figures contributing their insights on various topics. Big Think also embraced live-streaming, providing real-time interaction with notable guests and serving as an invaluable resource for educators and researchers. The platform’s focus on facilitating online learning has made it a significant contributor to the digital educational landscape.

The channel’s content is not just about providing information; it’s about sparking conversations, encouraging critical thinking, and pushing the boundaries of conventional wisdom. Big Think has successfully created a digital space where ideas are not only shared but also challenged and explored, making it a go-to destination for those seeking intellectual stimulation and insight.

CGP Grey

youtube.com/@CGPGrey

CGP Grey has carved out a unique niche in the educational landscape of YouTube. His channel is a treasure trove of explanatory videos that span a diverse range of subjects, from the intricacies of politics and economics to the subtleties of sociology, history, and culture. Grey’s approach is marked by a deep dive into these topics, unraveling their complexities with clarity and precision. His content is not just about presenting information; it’s about weaving a narrative that makes learning engaging and thought-provoking. Grey’s channel stands as a testament to the transformative power of digital education, providing a window into the vast expanse of human knowledge and experience.

Great Big Story

youtube.com/@GreatBigStory

Great Big Story is a captivating YouTube channel, renowned for its production of micro-documentaries that shine a light on the lesser-known facets of our world. Launched by CNN in 2015, it has crafted a rich tapestry of content that ranges from the personal triumphs of individuals to the hidden gems of architecture and nature. The channel’s videos feature a variety of subjects, each with their unique routine or intriguing acts, drawing viewers into stories that are as diverse as they are engaging.

The essence of Great Big Story lies in its ability to uncover and narrate compelling tales from across the globe. Whether it’s exploring the intricacies of human achievements, delving into the depths of the planet’s wonders, or celebrating the diverse flavors of global cuisine, the channel weaves each story with a keen eye for detail and a narrative flair. This approach not only educates but also entertains, offering viewers a window into the extraordinary lives and places that shape our world.

Half as Interesting

youtube.com/@halfasinteresting

Half as Interesting, created by Sam Denby in August 2017, is a hub of educational content delivered with a distinct sardonic twist. The channel thrives on short-form explainer videos that delve into a myriad of topics, including geography, economics, military, and aviation. Known for its concise and witty presentation style, Half as Interesting makes complex subjects not only more digestible but also entertaining. It’s a channel that finds the sweet spot between in-depth analysis and playful commentary, making learning an enjoyable and engaging experience. Denby’s approach to content creation is marked by a commitment to both education and entertainment, offering viewers a unique perspective on a wide range of intriguing topics.

Related channels:

Wendover Productions: youtube.com/@Wendoverproductions

Mental Floss

youtube.com/@MentalFloss

Mental Floss is a digital kaleidoscope of trivia and knowledge, captivating curious minds with a blend of humor and intellect. This YouTube channel stands as a vibrant hub for trivia enthusiasts, where fun facts, debunked myths, and untold stories from the realms of history, science, culture, and beyond converge. Known for its trivia-tastic approach, Mental Floss excels in transforming complex topics into digestible, engaging content, making it a go-to destination for those seeking to sprinkle their conversations with intriguing tidbits. The channel’s unique flavor lies in its ability to intertwine educational content with a light-hearted, humorous tone, offering viewers a delightful and enlightening experience.

Nerdwriter1

youtube.com/@Nerdwriter1

Nerdwriter1, the brainchild of Evan Puschak, is a channel that stands as a paragon of video essays on YouTube. Beginning its journey in 2011, Nerdwriter1 has established itself as a bastion of deep, thought-provoking content. The channel’s foray covers a vast terrain, from the intricate analysis of films to the philosophical depths of current affairs. Each video essay is a testament to Puschak’s passion for the medium, a medium he initially embraced to garner an audience for his novel. Over time, this pursuit evolved into a genuine love for crafting video essays. Nerdwriter1 distinguishes itself by not just addressing diverse topics but by exploring them in a way that enriches understanding, prompting viewers to engage with the subject matter on a profound level. It’s a channel where each piece is meticulously constructed, reflecting Puschak’s philosophy: the journey of creating a video is an odyssey of learning and discovery, guided by the compass of his evolving interests.

TED

youtube.com/@TED

TED Talks on YouTube is a celebration of ideas worth spreading, embodying a spirit of intellectual curiosity and exploration. Each presentation, succinctly capped at less than 18 minutes, offers a deep dive into a myriad of topics under the umbrellas of technology, entertainment, and design. TED’s mission is to partner with thought leaders across various fields, from scientists and politicians to comedians and actors, to bring forward ideas that can change perceptions, lives, and, ultimately, the world.

The essence of TED Talks is their accessibility and potency; they condense complex and often groundbreaking ideas into short, digestible sessions that fit easily into the daily lives of viewers. This format has made TED a cornerstone for those seeking inspiration, education, and insight into the diverse tapestry of human knowledge and creativity. With new videos added regularly, TED stands as an ever-evolving platform of global knowledge-sharing, continually enriching the intellectual landscape of its audience.

Thoughty2

youtube.com/@Thoughty2

Thoughty2 is a realm where the ordinary is twisted into the extraordinary. This British YouTube channel, known for being a “gatekeeper of useless facts,” thrives on delivering content that straddles the line between the bizarre and the intellectually stimulating. Embracing a wide spectrum of topics, Thoughty2 navigates through the weird and wacky, while also touching on intriguing historical and scientific themes.

The channel’s approach to content is akin to a curator in a museum of curiosities, where each piece, no matter how seemingly trivial, holds a story worth telling. With a flair for the dramatic and an eye for detail, Thoughty2’s videos are crafted to ignite curiosity and challenge perceptions. The channel employs high-quality stock footage, music design, sound effects, and motion graphics to enhance storytelling and viewer engagemen.

Tom Scott

youtube.com/@TomScottGo

Tom Scott’s YouTube channel is a cornucopia of educational content, where curiosity and clarity converge. An English YouTuber and web developer by trade, Scott brings an eclectic mix of history, geography, linguistics, science, and technology to the digital stage. His channel transcends the ordinary, turning complex subjects into compelling narratives that are both informative and engaging. With a style that melds academic rigor with accessible storytelling, Scott’s videos are a gateway to understanding the world in its myriad forms. His channel is a testament to the power of digital media as a tool for enlightenment and exploration, inviting viewers to journey through the vast landscapes of knowledge and discovery.

TopTenz

youtube.com/@ToptenzNettop10

TopTenzNet is a YouTube channel that has mastered the art of crafting engaging top-ten lists across a wide array of topics. Each video offers a countdown through fascinating subjects, ranging from historical events and figures to contemporary cultural phenomena. The channel’s format of presenting information in a listicle style makes it highly accessible and entertaining, catering to viewers who enjoy quick, informative bites of trivia and knowledge.

The appeal of TopTenzNet lies in its eclectic mix of content. Whether exploring the unknown tales of the past, unraveling the mysteries of science, or delving into the quirks of modern life, the channel ensures that there’s something for everyone. Its unique approach to storytelling, coupled with a flair for unearthing the lesser-known yet intriguing details of each topic, makes TopTenzNet a go-to source for those who crave a blend of education and entertainment.

Vsauce

youtube.com/@Vsauce

Vsauce, an educational powerhouse on YouTube, is the brainchild of Michael Stevens, a name synonymous with making science irresistibly captivating. The channel stands as a digital crossroads where scientific inquiry meets the imagination, offering a smorgasbord of content that spans the spectrum from psychology to physics, from mathematics to metaphysics. It’s a realm where gaming, technology, and popular culture find their scientific context. Vsauce’s approach to exploring complex topics is both intellectually stimulating and remarkably accessible, making it a haven for curious minds. The channel’s unique blend of content offers an insightful look into the workings of our world, serving up profound questions and explorations that fuel a deeper appreciation for the marvels of science and the nuances of the human experience.

Vlogbrothers

youtube.com/@vlogbrothers

Vlogbrothers, the brainchild of John and Hank Green, is a quintessential example of YouTube’s power to create not just content, but communities. This channel, breaking the mold with its unstructured format, has been a cornerstone of YouTube’s video blog sphere. The Greens’ approach is refreshingly eclectic — it’s less about adhering to a specific theme and more about an authentic expression of ideas, whether they’re explo0ring life’s intricacies, sharing humor, or delving into matters of significance. This ethos has fostered an engaged community known as Nerdfighteria, a testament to the channel’s impact beyond mere digital viewership. Vlogbrothers stand out as a digital diary of sorts, a window into the thoughts and musings of the Greens, who have effectively harnessed the platform not just to share videos, but to build a movement around positivity and intellectual curiosity.