I don’t know about you, but I am getting sick of the endless search for something to watch on Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime. Mostly, it’s because I don’t want to devote days on end to a show that I’ll get sucked into and inevitably binge. I could just watch a movie, but I can never seem to find a movie I’m in the right mood for. Lately, I’ve been spending a lot more time watching YouTube videos.

There’s something super refreshing about YouTube content. It feels a lot more personal, like I’m spending time with another real person, which satisfies my yearning for social connection a tiny bit.

I also appreciate that I can spend as much or as little time as I want watching YouTube and I usually don’t feel like I have to binge every single video a creator has put out.

I thought I’d share some of the YouTube channels I’m really enjoying lately. These are mostly smaller channels that you might not have heard of and they’re all age-appropriate and mom-friendly; no Dude Perfect or PewDiePie on this list (no judgment if you’re a fan of those)!

My Favorite YouTube Channels:

1. Planterina

If you’re into collecting and caring for houseplants like me, this is the channel for you. The creator, Amanda, has such a laid-back vibe and a way of making you feel like you’re just hanging out and chatting. I’ve learned so much from her channel and appreciate her fondness for plants. I’m delighted by the way she gushes about every single plant as if they’re all her favorite. I can totally relate!

2. Falconry and Me

This is a quickly growing channel that documents falconer, Amy, and her birds of prey. Falconry is the use of a trained bird of prey to hunt wild animals. Amy doesn’t show any hunting action or anything graphic. In her videos, she shows off her amazing birds and teaches viewers all about them. The one that will steal your heart though is Fable, the talking Raven. Again, this is a channel I find soothing and just a delight to watch.

3. Charisma on Command

This is a super cool channel for anyone who is interested in interpersonal skills. Each video teaches a rule, principle, or method on interacting with others and presenting the best, most confident version of yourself. I like that each video features real people, celebrities mostly, employing the techniques “in the wild,” so you really get a sense of what it looks like in practice. This channel might be boring for those of you that are naturally charming and charismatic, but for people like me (introvert, hate small talk, terrible at ending a conversation, etc.) this YouTube channel is really helpful.

4. Shrouded Hand

This channel is for the shamelessly morbidly curious out there. Each video covers a true crime, psychological, paranormal, supernatural, weird, spooky or esoteric topic. You already know if this is the kind of thing that appeals to you. The videos are well researched, nicely produced, and super interesting. A warning – some of these videos show graphic images.

5. Cubbyemu

This channel features a toxicologist who covers odd medical cases. The videos are really well made and the stories are interesting. The creator teaches human physiology and medical terminology along the way and supports his videos with professional medical references. This is another channel that might not be for everyone if you’re squeamish about medical talk. There’s nothing graphic and I always learn something new.

Let me know if any of these channels are interesting to you and what some of your favorite YouTube channels are!

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Emily
Emily is a Colorado Springs native who is passionate about volunteering and community engagement. She currently serves on the board of Teen Court and works for the Rocky Mountain ADA Center. Her pre-teen daughter, Amelia, keeps her busy, challenged and entertained. Emily is a self-proclaimed nerd and spends time reading, going to shows, playing games and exploring Colorado. She is obsessed with otters and soft pretzels and is a member of the Cloud Appreciation Society. She hopes to inspire and inform other young, single mothers and to be a resource for any parent in a non-traditional family. Emily is a brand new aunt and you better believe she’s going by “Auntie Em.”