Buzz
Social media and the internet often get criticized for spreading misleading information. Anyone with an unusual belief or a conspiracy theory can easily reach millions. Bad ideas can spread like wildfire. However, the internet is also the most powerful tool ever created for sharing knowledge. While not everyone has the time to dive deep into complex subjects, there are brilliant individuals who dedicate their time to summarizing years of learning into engaging videos for anyone interested.
Here are ten YouTube channels that could help make you a bit smarter just by watching them.
10. PBS Space Time
Let’s begin with the most difficult concept to grasp in the universe – the universe itself. Though, technically, it is the only thing we can fully understand. PBS Space Time is a channel that tackles almost every physics topic imaginable, aiming to make the vast subject of the universe just a little bit easier to comprehend.
The channel explores everything from the birth of the universe (the Big Bang and even before) to its possible end. You’ll also learn what time is, why it exists, and what happens if you reverse its flow. Some topics can become quite intricate (I’ll never fully grasp the geometry of space-time), but they are always captivating.
Curious to know if the expansion of space will eventually tear apart every atom in existence? Then this is the channel for you.
9. Wisecrack
Pop culture is often seen as a waste of brainpower, right? It turns out that film and TV can actually be quite intellectually stimulating. You just need to look at it from the right perspective. Wisecrack is a channel that delves into the philosophy behind all of your favorite shows.
Whether it’s exploring nihilism in BoJack Horseman or the cosmic pessimism in Rick and Morty, you’ll discover how these shows engage with some of the deepest philosophical ideas ever written. They even have a series called 'Deep or Dumb' that helps you decide whether something is truly profound or just pretending to be.
They also delve into real-world topics like why democracy is challenging and how advertisements attempt to influence your thoughts. At the very least, you’ll come to realize that you’re not alone in your existential crisis – everyone is grappling with the search for meaning.
8. SciShow
SciShow is one of the best YouTube channels for short science videos. Name any area of science, and they’ve likely covered it. Ever wondered how a beetle can survive being eaten by a frog and crawl out the other side? There's a video for that. Curious about the latest updates on the coronavirus? They read and summarize the newest scientific studies.
In addition to biology, they also explore physics and chemistry. Combine those three subjects, and you’ve pretty much got everything covered. By focusing on some very specific topics, they open up huge, fascinating concepts. Have you ever wondered why humans have hair on their buttocks?
For those with a more cosmic curiosity, they also have a sister channel, SciShow Space, dedicated to all things beyond Earth. From the solar system to the outer limits of the universe, there’s something for everyone.
7. Objectivity
Museums can feel static at times. The glass cases often create a barrier between you and the captivating objects inside. Plus, there are countless items that museums simply don’t have room to display. Objectivity is a channel that goes beyond the glass to explore the stories behind these hidden treasures, bringing their narratives into the light.
Curious about the Pope’s collection of space rocks? There's a video featuring his fragment of Mars and all his meteorites. You won’t just see the collections, you’ll uncover the fascinating stories behind them. How exactly do you choose a piece of moon rock to present to the Pope?
Along with mind-blowing science, you’ll discover touching human stories. You can learn which pages Sir Isaac Newton folded the corners of in his books because they intrigued him. And if you're wondering how to clean a mummy, you'll need a curator with an impressive amount of saliva.
6. Periodic Videos
Not everyone has the privilege of stepping into a laboratory, but if you're curious about what goes on inside, Periodic Videos offers the next best thing. Hosted by the lively Professor Sir Martyn Poliakof, who boasts decades of chemistry experience, the channel originally offered quick explainer videos about each element of the periodic table. Since then, Brady Haran, who also produces the Objectivity series, has ventured into some of the most peculiar chemical reactions you can imagine.
Professor Poliakof’s enthusiasm for watching experiments unfold is positively infectious. In fact, viewers have even begun sending him samples, allowing him to conduct even stranger and more curious experiments. One example? A video where a metal spoon melts in a cup of tea.
The Periodic Videos team doesn't just stay in the lab—they've ventured into some intriguing places beyond it. For those with a taste for precious metals and diamonds, there are videos showing how these materials are produced. You’ll also learn why lab coats in such facilities are purposely made without pockets to ensure that nothing can be pocketed or stolen.
5. Veritasium
Veritasium stands out as one of the largest science channels on YouTube, and its appeal lies in Derek Muller's fearless approach to hands-on experiments. Whether it’s testing if you can swim in a pool filled with small balls or standing in front of a flamethrower to see if a centimeter of aerogel can stop the heat, Muller is always ready to put his body on the line for science.
After the captivating experiment wraps up, the science behind it is revealed. If you’ve ever wondered how microwaving grapes can create plasma, Veritasium will explain not only how it's done but also why it’s possible—and why it might be a good idea to avoid trying it yourself.
It's always amusing to watch scientists engage in nerdy debates. So, to spark another lively discussion, which one truly reigns supreme: turbulent flow or laminar flow?
4. True Facts
Zefrank, the creator of a series of videos about different animals, has one of the best voices in the world of natural history – sorry, Sir David Attenborough. Zefrank's delivery, however, couldn't be more different from a classic nature documentary.
While spotlighting lesser-known creatures like the nudibranch, Zefrank enjoys having some fun. You'll discover their radula, a unique, toothy tongue, and learn why you should definitely avoid French kissing one.
The evolutionary groups of the octopus can be unintentionally discovered in the most amusing ways, such as when someone describes one of them as looking like "an alien got freaky with a weather balloon." Zoology has never been more captivating.
3. Kurzgesagt
Kurzgesagt creates videos that explain enormous topics in a concise format. When they claim to cover big subjects, they truly mean it. For example, one video explores the largest stars in the universe, making our sun appear minuscule in comparison.
Some of their videos might evoke existential dread. One in particular discusses the concept of the false vacuum, highlighting how a single fluctuation in the universe's fabric could potentially lead to its destruction. But don’t worry – there likely isn’t a wave of nothingness speeding through space that could wipe everything out.
No need to panic, though, as Kurzgesagt also offers philosophical videos to uplift viewers after their more somber explorations. One such video delves into the idea of optimistic nihilism – though whether it’s truly optimistic may vary depending on your perspective.
2. Numberphile
Mathematics can often feel like a dry subject. Abstract concepts in pure math may seem irrelevant to our everyday lives. However, it turns out that math is a powerful tool that can push our understanding of the universe in mind-blowing ways.
Ever wondered if it’s possible to prevent spilling beer from a four-dimensional bottle? Numberphile explores not only impossible scenarios but also delves into the personal side of mathematicians. You’ll discover how one mathematician earned a billion dollars, or why another turned down a million.
The videos also capture the excitement of pure mathematics. One highlights a fascinating competition between two philosophers vying to identify the largest number possible – a true ‘Royal Rumble’ for math enthusiasts.
1. Minute Physics
Imagine if you could just watch a video that's only a minute long and instantly grasp some of the most complex concepts in physics. Well, that would be amazing, but unfortunately, Minute Physics isn't entirely truthful. Most of its videos go well beyond a minute, though that's just a tiny detail.
Through unique, hand-drawn illustrations, this channel delves into everything from the tiniest subatomic particles to massive galactic clusters. You’ll discover how Cold Fusion could potentially be achieved at room temperature, and even learn about the true shape of the universe.
The channel also explores everyday curiosities, like why the sky is blue, how bicycles work, and how far Legolas can actually see with his elf eyes.
