YouTube’s a great place to get lost watching cute animals, hilarious bloopers, and music videos. But, did you know it’s one of the best ways to learn a new hobby or skill completely for free? While there are millions of videos to choose from, start with these YouTube channels for learning new hobbies and skills.
1. YouTube Learning
While not a channel on its own, YouTube Learning is a collection of educational YouTube channels. If you don’t have an interest in mind, start here to see what might resonate with you. It’s also a great way to discover new educational channels on everything from nature and science to math and DIY.
If you also want to pick up more general knowledge, try out CrashCourse and CrashCourse Kids.
2. Cooking
Thanks to the variety of cooking videos on YouTube, your friends might just think you’ve had professional training. All it takes is some patience and the right channels.
- America’s Test Kitchen – This channel breaks everything down step by step to help you create amazing meals, even as a complete beginner. New videos are uploaded frequently, so you’ll always have something new to learn.
- Food52 – Make delicious recipes by cooking alongside experienced chefs. Techniques and tips help you go from beginner to pro.
- Food Wishes – Whether you want to make something complex or simple, Food Wishes will help you achieve it.
3. Learning a Language
Whether you want to travel around the world or just love the challenge of picking up a new language, try these incredibly helpful YouTube channels for learning languages:
- The Travel Linguist – Use the 101 series videos (16 languages) to pick up useful words and phrases. Or, dive more in-depth with the Portable series (4 languages) to learn 600 words.
- Easy Languages – Real street interviews from around the world teach you using native speakers, while you learn about local culture.
- Innovative Language Learning – Offers a variety of languages with short, simple lessons. Individual language channels are available as well.
4. Play a New Instrument
Forget expensive music lessons. Start your journey with a new instrument on YouTube. You can find lessons for pretty much any instrument, but here a few of the top channels:
- PGN Piano – Learn theory, how to play numerous songs, and much more in fun, easy to follow videos.
- Guitareo – Learn how to pick up guitar skills quickly with new videos released every week. You even learn how to play songs from day one.
- JustinGuitar – Learn both guitar and ukulele with numerous beginner lessons and song tutorials.
- Pianote – Learn from real pianists and instructors through hundreds of free lessons.
- Drumeo – Discover how to keep rhythm, try out different techniques, and get inspired by world-renowned drummers.
5. Learn to Draw
Wish you could be an incredible artist or just be better at Pictionary? If you’re like me and even your stick figures don’t turn out right, try out these YouTube channels for learning some new artistic skills:
- Emmy Kalia – Discover the techniques you need to create realistic looking portraits from this amazing artist.
- Circle Line Art School – Everything you wanted to know about creating perspective in your art is right here. And yes, it’s great for beginners too.
- Art of Wei – These fun videos are designed to make you a better artist, even if you’re just starting. Learn to draw portraits, cartoons, animals, and more.
6. Knitting & Crochet
Want to make your own clothes, blankets, hats, and other neat stuff? Grab some yarn and learn to knit or crochet. Luckily, YouTube has you covered with these useful channels:
- VeryPink Knits – A variety of videos teach you techniques and guide you through popular projects with step-by-step instructions.
- Studio Knit – Learn everything you ever wanted to know about knitting starting completely from scratch.
- The Crochet Crowd – Learn to crochet by creating actual projects through stitch along videos.
- Bella Coco – Learn a wide variety of techniques for all skill levels.
7. Programming
Wish you could develop your own games or websites from scratch? Naturally, YouTube has everything you need to get started. Try out these channels to learn to code:
- Brackeys – Learn how to develop a video game through step-by-step tutorials.
- freeCodeCamp – This free coding project covers a little bit of everything, so it’s a great place to learn a variety of languages in one place.
- Tuts+ Web Design – If you want to master web design, this channel is ideal, especially for beginners.
- LearnCode.academy – Beginner and fast-track courses help you learn web design quickly.
8. DIY & Home Improvement
Whether it’s basic home repairs, fixing a car, or building your own furniture, you’ll definitely want to try out these YouTube channels for learning DIY and home improvement techniques:
- This Old House – When it comes to renovating a home, look no further than this straight-forward channel.
- Steve Ramsey Woodworking for Mere Mortals – Woodworking is no longer intimidating with the growing library of tips and tricks here.
- I Like To Make Stuff – Learn to build both small and large projects along with home improvement tips.
- Scotty Kilmer – Learn how to maintain your car without a costly mechanic.
Wrapping Up
If there’s something you want to learn, check YouTube. While you can’t trust every single video, there’s a wealth of videos to help you learn almost anything for free. All it takes is a little time and patience. What are your favorite YouTube learning channels?
