75+ Inspiring People on YouTube
It’s not all cat videos and Pewdiepie.
I love YouTube. I love Vloggers, I love fail videos and I love Pewdiepie- the most subscribed person on YouTube.
That said.
I tend to go to YouTube when I'm bored and not sure of what to do with myself- I'm looking for entertainment, for purpose, for inspiration.
This is exactly the point when we all need a boost, a shot in the arm of inspiration, ideas and goodness that get us back to be being more engaged and “alive”, before we waste time and energy listlessly scrolling around the internet and getting nowhere.
Like a diet plan, I switched out the junk food of fail videos and pranksters, for a more balanced diet of TED talks, TGIM and Mateusz M videos.
Since making the change I have lost a ton of “wait”. I’m no longer listless feeling as though I am waiting for things to happen. YouTube now gives me news ideas, new resources and some inspiration to press forward.
As a collator of all things inspiring, I'm subscribed to dozens of great channels sharing a wealth of wisdom and great ideas- now I’m sharing them with you.
Having a ton of inspiration constantly pouring into your social feeds is a great insurance policy against feeling down, depressed, bored or uninspired.
It’s a digital safety blanket.
And so to the list…
From Thank God It’s Monday (TGIM) to his motivational mixtape and the famous “guru” story — Eric Thomas posts new content weekly.
Every Day “coach Giggs” gives you a brief 2–3 minute “Pep” talk about life and business, tackling one topic in each video. With 1000+ uploaded already and a new one every day, it’s worth checking out.
Aimed at bodybuilders and athletes, there is a lot to be said for the “never give up” messages which resonate in nearly every video.
4. Mateusz M
Clips of movies and sporting events, overlaid with famous motivational speeches and music make Mateusz M’s videos highly addictive- some of them with millions of views.
5. Robin Sharma
From talks he has given, to his short and informal “vlogs”, Robin Sharma tackles issues such as procrastination and routine. He also has some animated word videos which are fun to watch.
6. Tony Robbins
In the world of motivation, Tony needs little introduction. His presence on YouTube and his physical presence help transform his words and drive you to action.
7. Big Think
Big Think is, in a way, a modern day version of the Academy of Achievement. With 60M+ views and hundreds of videos, they aim to bring knowledge to their viewers — direct from some of the most influential people of our time.
8. TED
“Ideas worth spreading” is the TED mantra and their YouTube channel contains hundreds of their best videos.
9. MyComeUp
Containing some great “words of wisdom” videos as well as short sound bites, MyComeUp is a great source of inspiration from materialistically successful people in the public eye.
10. YouAreCreators
A collection of famous speeches overlaid onto videos containing relevant quotations. Sounds like a basic idea but it works very well.
11. Brendan Burchard
American author, success coach and “the next Tony Robbins”, Brendan’s videos are enlightening, passionate and simple to understand.
Creative Mornings are a lecture group for the creative community- not too dissimilar to TED. I recommend their “shorts” video section but if you are creative there are 1000+ videos to enjoy.
This channel shares motivational and inspirational videos found elsewhere on YouTube.
14. Marie TV
A collection of great “how to” videos, focussing on creating a business and life you love.
TJOP is a channel that creates short, thought provoking and inspiring videos- some of them asnwering huge life questions such as “what do I desire?”
16. Adam won’t lose
Although aimed at body-builders, the videos created and shared here are thoughtful, unique and inspiring.
17. Tragedy and hope
A selection of thought provoking videos to change the way you view yourself and the world around you.
This channel for PositivelyPositive.com, a website dedicated to bringing uplifting voices and messages to their community everyday.
19. MotivationGrid
The Channel for MotivationGrid.com, a BuzzFeed style site sharing inspiring viral content.
20. Mind Tools
MindTools focusses on practical tips and strategies relevant to the workplace, from leadership to time management and communication, there are some great “how to” videos to be found here.
21. Shiv Khera
Short, snappy videos from the man who brought us “winners don’t do different things, they do things differently.”
22. Wayne Dyer
A large collection of videos and playlists covering Dr. Dyer’s talks on spirituality, law of attraction and more..
23. Brené Brown
Famous for her “what makes you vulnerable makes you beautiful” TED talk, Brené’s Youtube channel covers similarly honest and courageous topics about being authentic.
Truly inspiring videos covering introducing kindness and compassion in the classroom. Hearing children talk on being kind to others and understanding compassion is heart warming. Read more here.
25. Celestine Chua
Celes runs PersonalExcellence.co, one of the largest and most frequently updated self improvement sites I have come across in my Every Day Should Be Fun travels.
26. Marc and Angel
Marc and Angel have been inspiring their ever growing audience since 2006.
27. Matt Morris
Matt focusses on financial freedom through network marketing and passive revenue streams. Although he talks a lot about money, it’s his insight into self mastery and success in business which are worth watching.
28. Jack Canfield
The author of Chicken Soup for the Soul, posting short inspiration and instructional success videos.
29. Soul Pancake
The people that brought us the amazing Kid President.
30. 99u
99u.com offer practical insights on making ideas happen- as well as providing inspiration.
31. Gretchen Rubin
Author of The Happiness Project, Gretchen is one of the most thought provoking writers on happiness.
Offering good ideas for everyday life, The School of Life tackle some of life’s pressing issues affecting our performance and happiness.
33. KarmaTube
A collection of inspiring videos helping you to be the change you wish to see in the world.
34. SimpleTruths
Created by Mac Anderson, SimpleTruths aims to make brief but inspiring books and videos.
35. Larry Winget
No more excuses- this guy will tell you straight why you’r poor, fat and unhappy — you have been warned!!
36. Addicted2Success
An entrepreneurial focussed website full of practical advice and inspiration from those who have made it (financially)
The YouTube channel for the world’s leading “spirit junkie”
39. Basquiat Picasso
At the time of writing, BP posts a new short motivational video every Friday.
40. GreatnessHQ
Uploading and sharing inspiring videos including some of the greats such as Muhammed Ali, Nelson Mandela and more.
41. Upworthy
Inspiring and thought provoking videos, designed to be shared.
Videos relating to happiness, well-being and the work of Action for Happiness.
43. Headspace
Headspace are dedicated to meditation and mindfulness. Their YouTube channel focusses on mediation — how to do it, when to do it and more.
44. Isaiah Hankel
Author or Black Hole Focus
, Isaiah has uploaded some Robin Sharma-esque short, snappy and sometimes candidly shot videos covering topics ranging from limiting beliefs, to negotiating salary, to “habit stacking”
45. Younes Marxieu
At the time of writing there were only a handful of videos from Younes, but each one is a masterpiece in itself — similar style to Mateusz M (mentioned above).
Their website produces beautiful inforgraphics, on their YouTube channel they focus on entrepreneurs and startups- often explaining how certain businesses became successful. “We explain entrepreneurship and start-ups visually”
47. The Chopra Well
Deepak Chopra’s YouTube channel, containing videos about meditation, wellness and the Ask Deepak selection of videos.
48. Intent
Sharing and harnessing the power of intention, as intention leads to action.
49. Karen Salmansohn
Easy to absorb insights for achieving happiness.
Oprah’s day time self help talk show.
51. Elliott Hulse
Yes he swears, yes he’s tough, but he speaks a lot of truth and answers submitted questions (mostly aimed at men)
52. Hooplaha
Videos guaranteed to make you smile
53. FinderMinds
Get your daily dose of personal growth with FinerMinds.
54. Brad Montgomery
A “comedy” motivational speaker who makes the business case for happiness.
55. Bob Proctor
Creating results that stick, through a pragmatic and
56. Kelly Swanson
Comedian. Motivational speaker. Storyteller.
57. Peace is the way
Peace is the Way Films’ work is connected to ordinary people and communities who made a decision to do something positive and constructive to make the world a better place.
58. Everyone Matters
Every single human being is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect- and that includes YOU.
59. Wellcast
In this quirky, animated show, they explore the physical, mental and emotional paths to wellness.
60. Relax Channel
Relaxing music designed to help you… relax.
61. RelaxDaily
Background music instrumentals for the mind, body and soul.
62. AwesomenessFest
Awesomeness Fest is an annual non-profit event that brings together people who are, by nature, driven to change the world.
63. Actualised.org
Master your psychology. Create an extraordinary life.
64. AJ Salas
Inspiring words from famous poets, authors and figures.
Each video has a clear message, powerful visuals and excerpts from famous speakers to drive you into action. Addictive!
66. Shots of Awe
Ever ponder the miracle of life? Or perhaps wonder about the evolution of intelligence? In Shots of Awe, Jason Silva chases his inspiration addiction as he explores these topics and more.
67. LiveHappy
Live Happy is the lifestyle company taking a holistic approach to happiness and leading a global movement by providing content, tools and products that inform seekers, achievers, and givers, inspiring them to live happy and make the world a happier place.
Google and PeaceJam have now come together to launch “One Billion Acts of Peace” — an international global citizen’s movement led by thirteen Nobel Peace Laureates and designed to tackle the toughest issues facing humanity. Between now and 2018, young people and adults will work together to create one billion high quality projects addressing the roots causes of the most important problems facing our planet.
69. Greater Good Science Centre
The Greater Good Science Centre studies the psychology, sociology, and neuroscience of well-being, and teaches skills that foster a thriving, resilient, and compassionate society.
70. Lewis Howes
Founder of The School of Greatness and all round passionate amazing person.
71. Ping Pong Studio
A channel dedicated to helping the world with motivational videos.
72. Go For No
Aimed primarily at salespeople, but applicable throughout life, Go For NO encourages us to “increase our failure rate” as this reduces fear of failure and ironically increase success rate.
73. The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows
Giving names to complex feelings which we all share, but struggle to verbalise.
Motivation to inspire those in need of it. Their message is simple; never give up on your goals and aspirations in life
What’s your why? Will you fight for it?
76. Roger Crawford
Motivational speaker, author and force of nature!
If you dream it, you can become it.
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Want more? check out my full 100+ Sources of Inspiration article or head straight to my blog.
James is the creator of Every Day Should Be Fun, a blog dedicated to finding and sharing inspiring content. Learn more about his story, his goal and his legacy.
