Whether you enjoy beauty hacks, comedic commentary videos, or an in depth documentary series, here are ten YouTubers who are making notable content that everyone should be watching. In this golden age of YouTube, countless creators work tirelessly to produce content that challenges Netflix quality. Be not discouraged of the JoJo Siwas and Logan Pauls of the world; YouTube remains a place where viewers can retreat from the stresses of everyday life into a ten minute video ranging from ghosts to makeup or memes.
1. Beauty
Yes, the beauty community may be in shambles right now with countless scandals and channels and influencers becoming “canceled,” but many positive and consistent beauty gurus remain. Shannon Harris (Shaaanxo) delivers tri-weekly videos about first impressions, weird product reviews, and chatty “get ready with me’s.” She successfully manages her own makeup brand in New Zealand and offers a fresh perspective and charming accent to comment on beauty products we may not find in America. Probably the most consistent and honest YouTuber, Tati Westbrook (GlamLifeGuru) posts every weekday, reviewing hundreds of different products, giving nothing less than her total truth. Credible and consistent content on beauty tips and tricks is out there under the layers of drama and ended careers.
2. Comedy/Commentary
YouTube is currently saturated with commentators and former Viners trying to make comedic careers, and surprisingly, many of them have succeeded in gaining millions of subscribers and producing genuinely funny content. YouTubers such as Cody Ko, Danny Gonzalez, and Drew Gooden provide commentary on the cringe-worthy, gross, or strange videos also occupying YouTube. These careers often expand outwards to podcasts or comedy tours, but their weekly videos prove to be some of the best short term entertainment available today.
3. Horror/True Crime
Not a place for skeptics, the paranormal YouTube community is stronger than ever as more and more believers arise. Talking about conspiracy theories, unsolved mysteries, or personal paranormal experiences, this side of YouTube provides entertainment for believers and skeptics alike, as the seemingly impossible becomes probable. Paranormal investigator Loey Lane reads viral scary stories, visits haunted locations, and shares her own encounters with ghosts on her channel. Kendall Rae reports extremely researched true crime cases and conspiracy theories to her loyal audience. Her podcast, “Mile Higher,” allows for her and her husband to dive deeper into these subjects, as the couple provides extremely insightful and educated opinions on cases that have been troubling the police and media for years. This community may seem strange and secluded at first, but it waits for those willing to open up their minds, or perhaps their third eye, to what lies beyond reality.
4. Lifestyle
This category may seem daunting with threats of vloggers and toy unboxers making millions off of ASMR eating videos, but there are plenty of creators developing innovative content on fashion and beauty in a new and interesting way. Namely, Safiya Nygaard produces videos you never thought you would care about until you watch twenty-five minutes of how to dress based on your zodiac sign. Famous for her videos dressing in the styles of different decades, Nygaard puts an extraordinary amount of effort and research into her videos, and it shows. It would also be a shame not to mention Trisha Paytas, who despite any opinions one may have, proves to be utterly entertaining time and time again. If you value something more aesthetic, watch Mark E. Miller travel beautiful landscapes and explore the world of photography and videography. The openness of this category allows there to be something for everyone within it.
5. Documentary Series
It would be criminal to write about YouTubers who are currently soaring without mentioning Shane Dawson. In his over a decade long YouTube career, Dawson moved from sketches to eating videos and life hacks to eight part documentary series exploring themes of mental illness. Dawson’s newest work highlights his filmmaking skills in a way never seen before, without sacrificing his comedic and charming personality. As he takes on challenge after challenge with his boyfriend and friends, Dawson cannot help but create captivating content that will leave viewers longing for part two to come out. Rivaling the production value of television shows, Dawson’s content being on a free website should be cherished until his talent is realized and he moves onto bigger and better platforms.
So, instead of watching Netflix or Hulu during your next study break, try tuning into one of these awesome YouTubers instead.