YouTube may not be as popular as it once was, but I’m still an avid watcher of certain creators I’ve grown up with, or found recently who make content that reflect where I am in my life. If you feel like you’ve binge watched everything on Netflix, aren’t sure where to start on another platform or are just looking to expand your subscription box, here are some of my favorite YouTube channels that I watch religiously.
- Margot Lee
I discovered Margot my senior year of high school while I was in the process of applying to college. At the time she was a junior at Syracuse University, a school I had a high interest in at one point. I became obsessed with all of her college content: days in the life, weekend vlogs and Q&A’s about college life. She was someone who helped me prepare for what to expect when I got to this new phase of my school life. In 2022, Margot is now living her life post-grad in New York City, simultaneously working as a content creator and marketing professional. This duality is what makes her unique. She has all the qualities of bigger YouTubers I enjoy such as a simplistic and aesthetically pleasing Emma Chamberlain-esque editing style, brand deals that are actually useful and a brand of content I feel like I can’t find anywhere else. However, she is also still a lovely person who remains grounded and family-oriented, and is unafraid to show her true self, vulnerability and the lowlights of her life on camera. She is a breath of fresh air and one of my favorite vloggers of all time.
- Niki and Gabi DeMartino (separately)
Many avid YouTube fans may recognize these names—the self-proclaimed “opposite twins” that have gained over 10 million subscribers on their joint channel Niki and Gabi. However, during quarantine, the two were apart and unable to film on that channel consistently. They started putting a lot of time and energy into their own separate vlog channels, NIKI DEMAR and fancy vlogs by gab. Niki’s channel includes fashion hauls, personal updates and vlogs chronicling her experience trying to make it as an independent musician. Gabi posts shopping challenges, glow up routines, home renovations and personal vlogs, all in her signature cottage-core, fancy aesthetic. I enjoy their separate channels as a way to feel more connected to each of them, since they are not as professionally produced as the content on their main channel.
- KianAndJc
Who would I be if I made a YouTube channel list without my favorite channel of all time? I’ve been watching KNJ since their inception in 2015 after the breakup of iconic collab channel O2L. Kian and Jc are some of the funniest, most genuine creators on the platform, and go above and beyond to always create content that’s never been done before. Their niche humor and friendship has created a tight-knit community of fans that love to be in on the inside jokes. If you don’t watch them, or haven’t caught up with them since 2014, I suggest taking a look. Between swapping girlfriends for a day, staying inside a trash can for 24 hours and trying every hot sauce in the world, you’re sure to find at least one video that will have you crying laughing at their antics.
- Dyl & Wyl
If you’re a KNJ fan, you also might be a Dyl & Wyl fan. These two best friends are an extension and integral part of that friend group. They film challenges and tags including “Letting Our Friends Control Our Lives For 24 Hours,” “We Tried To Learn Spanish In One Hour,” roommate Olympics, spelling bees for a cash prize, and trivia. The mellow, chill vibe of Will balances perfectly with the more outgoing, loud Dylan, and it’s obvious these two have been best friends and brothers for over 20 years. Their passion for their content and growth over the last couple of years on their channel has been a joy to watch.
- Chris Klemens
Last, but not least, is Chris Klemens, a 29-year-old comedian from Delaware who bounces back and forth between his home state, LA, and New York City vlogging, hosting street interviews with strangers, and most recently documenting the building his new home. Chris is an extremely genuine creator, who always puts the needs of others first. He films a lot of content with family and friends, and never shies away from speaking out on injustices or promoting ways to get involved in activism with the causes he cares about. He is a perfect balance between hilarity, real life relatable content in vlog form and challenges. I highly recommend watching his channel!