The Best Educational YouTube Channels for Kids Every Parent Needs to Know About

One of the biggest challenges that busy parents face is finding the time to properly vet and curate appropriate content for their children. This can be a frustrating and overwhelming task, especially if you don’t have a lot of experience in the education space. That is why it is essential that you find the best educational YouTube channels for kids.

The following list can be a great solution for parents who are looking for a quick and easy way to access high-quality educational content for their kids. You will discover a curated list of channels and videos that are both entertaining and educational and will help you save time and feel confident that your children are getting the best possible learning experiences.

Animated educational videos are a fantastic way to explain complex concepts in a way that children can easily understand. Storytelling videos can promote literacy and language skills, while art and craft tutorials can encourage creativity and fine motor skills. Music and dance videos can promote physical activity and cultural appreciation, and nature and wildlife documentaries can foster an interest in the natural world.

Videos about history, culture, and geography can expand children’s understanding of the world, and problem-solving and critical thinking activities can challenge young minds.

That being said, we’ve complied a list of the best educational YouTube channels for kids out there. We will cover a diverse range of educational videos that cater to different interests and learning styles, ensuring that every child can find something that they enjoy and benefit from.

If you are worried about YouTube’s recommendation algorithm exposing your child to inappropriate content or ads, you can safely download the YouTube videos with the help of YTD Downloader. This way, your kid can watch them anytime they want, without the need for an internet connection.

1. Sesame Street – 23.2M subscribers

This is a popular destination for children’s educational content that has been entertaining and educating kids for a long time. The content is mainly for preschool-aged children, but the content is also enjoyed by older children and adults.

The Sesame Street YouTube channel covers a wide range of subjects, including literacy, numeracy, science, social-emotional development, and more.

The channel features a variety of formats, including animated shorts, live-action skits, and songs, which keeps the content fresh and engaging.

One example of a video that stands out is “Elmo’s Song,” which has been viewed over 250 million times. The video features Elmo, a beloved Sesame Street character, singing and dancing to a catchy tune while teaching children the alphabet. 

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2. National Geographic Kids – 803K subscribers

The next entry on our list of the best educational YouTube channels for kids is National Geographic Kids. It’s a popular educational channel that offers a range of informative and engaging content for children generally between 6 and 12 years old.

The channel covers a lot of subjects, including science, nature, history, culture, and exploration. The content is presented through a range of formats, including animated shorts, live-action videos, and virtual reality experiences. It also offers content in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, and Portuguese. It is surely one of the best best educational YouTube channels for kids that you will find.

A video that stands out on the National Geographic Kids YouTube channel is about the giant Pacific octopus. The video is short and sweet, at 1:47 minutes and it offers kids all the knowledge they need to know about one of Earth’s most interesting creatures.

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3. TED-Ed – 18.6M subscribers

Ted-Ed is generally for kids above 8 years old, but the content can be enjoyed by viewers of all ages.

The reason why we think it’s a strong contender for the best educational YouTube channels for kids is its diversity of topics, which range from science, math, literature to history, and philosophy. The content is presented through animated videos.

The channel offers a range of video lengths, from short animations to longer ones. Additionally, the channel offers subtitles in multiple languages, making the content more accessible to viewers from around the world.

A video to watch is is “What Makes Muscles Grow?” This video uses engaging animation to explain the science behind muscle growth, breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-understand terms. The video is entertaining and informative, making it an excellent resource for anyone interested in health and fitness.

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4. Art for Kids Hub – 6.98M subscribers

The Art for Kids Hub YouTube channel is a popular educational channel that focuses on teaching children how to draw and create art. The target age group for the channel is generally between 5 and 12 years old.

The channel covers a wide range of subjects related to art, including drawing, painting, and sculpting. It is known for its easy-to-follow tutorials that break down complex techniques into simple, step-by-step instructions, making it accessible and engaging for young learners.

It offers a wide range of video lengths, from short, simple drawings to longer, more complex art projects, catering to different attention spans and learning styles.

A great start is the “How to draw a waterfall landscape” video, which guides viewers through the process of painting a beautiful waterfall scene, using simple techniques and easy-to-follow instructions. The video is relaxing and meditative, making it a great resource for viewers who are looking for a creative outlet and a way to unwind.

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5. Cosmic Kids Yoga – 1.41M subscribers

Here you will find fun and interactive yoga, mindfulness, and relaxation exercises designed specifically for children between the ages of three and eight years.

It covers a wide range of subjects related to yoga, including breathing techniques, yoga poses, mindfulness practices, and relaxation exercises. The channel is known for its unique approach to teaching yoga, using stories and adventures to engage young learners and make the practice more accessible and entertaining.

One example of a video that stands out on the Cosmic Kids Yoga YouTube channel is “Frozen – A Cosmic Kids Yoga Adventure!” This video uses the popular characters from the movie Frozen to guide viewers through a yoga adventure that incorporates storytelling, yoga poses, and mindfulness practices. The video is entertaining and engaging, making it a great resource for young learners who are looking to develop their yoga skills while having fun.

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6. Free School – 624K subscribers

Free School provides free educational videos for children between 6 to 12 years old.

The channel’s main focus is on providing educational content that is accessible to everyone, regardless of their educational background in a wide range of subjects including science, history, music, art, and more. 

A great video is “All about birds for children”, which explains the science behind bird flight in a simple and entertaining way. The video includes animated illustrations that show the different parts of a bird’s body that allow it to fly, and it also includes some interesting facts about different types of birds. This video is a great resource for young learners who are interested in science and nature.

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7. Scishow Kids – 957K subscribers

Scishow aims to teach kids (5-12 years) about science and the natural world. The channel’s videos cover a wide range of topics including animals, plants, space. 

The videos on the SciShow channel are designed to be fun and engaging for kids. They use a combination of animation, live-action footage, and humor to explain scientific concepts in an easy-to-understand way.

The channel covers a wide range of topics related to science and the natural world. This includes topics like the solar system, the human body, and different types of animals. This variety of topics helps to keep kids engaged and interested in learning about science.

You should start off by watching “Why Do We Get Hiccups?”, a video explains the science behind hiccups and why we get them. It uses fun animation to illustrate the different parts of the body involved in causing hiccups.

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8. CrashCourse Kids – 746K subscribers

When it comes to educational YouTube channels for kids (and even adults), few can beat CrashCourse kids in terms of quality and output. The Crash Course Kids YouTube channel is an educational channel that focuses on science, engineering, and math (STEM) topics for kids between the ages of 8 and 12.

The hosts use humor, animation, and storytelling to explain complex scientific concepts in an easy-to-understand way.

The videos on the channel are highly interactive and encourage kids to think critically about scientific concepts. The hosts ask questions and pose challenges to help kids engage with the material in a more meaningful way.

One video you should pay attention to is “What are Rocks and How do they Form?”. This video teaches kids about different types of rocks and minerals and how they are formed. The hosts use real-life examples and colorful animations to explain the geological processes that shape the Earth.

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9. Netflix Jr. – 14.3M subscribers

The Netflix Jr. YouTube channel is an extension of the popular streaming platform’s lineup of children’s programming.

It features high-quality children’s programming from some of the most popular shows on the streaming platform. The channel includes shows like “Octonauts,” “Word Party,” and “Ask the StoryBots,” which are all designed to educate and entertain young viewers.

Many of the shows featured on the Netflix Jr. YouTube channel have educational content that can help kids develop important skills like literacy, math, and problem-solving. For example, the show “Ask the StoryBots” teaches kids about science and the world around them in a fun and engaging way.

Watch “Ask the StoryBots: Why Do We Have to Recycle?” – In this episode, the StoryBots teach kids about the importance of recycling and how it can help protect the environment. The episode is educational, engaging, and features catchy songs that can help reinforce the lesson.

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10. Khan Academy Kids – 177K subscribers

Khan Academy Kids is a YouTube channel designed for children aged 2 to 7, created by the non-profit educational organization Khan Academy. The channel features a variety of educational videos that cover subjects such as math, reading, writing, social-emotional learning, and more.

Notable features of the Khan Academy Kids channel include its colorful and engaging animations, which help to make learning fun for young children. The channel also has a number of interactive features, such as games and quizzes, which encourage children to actively participate in their learning.

One standout video on the Khan Academy Kids channel is “Number grid”, which is a fun and engaging video that teaches children how to count from 1 to 100. The video features bright and colorful animations that help to make learning to count more enjoyable for young children.

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11. Kids Learning Tube – 1.74M subscribers

This is a popular educational channel designed for children aged 2 to 8. The channel offers a wide range of videos that cover a variety of subjects including science, math, geography, history, music, and languages.

One of the notable features of the Kids Learning Tube channel is its use of catchy music and animated videos to teach children about various concepts. The videos are presented in a fun and engaging way that appeals to young children, making it easier for them to retain and understand the information being presented.

You should start with ”the 7 Continents song”. This video uses a catchy song and colorful animation to teach children about the continents and oceans of the world. The song makes it easy for children to memorize the names of the continents and oceans and the visuals help them understand their locations on the map.

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12. Brainpop – 169K subscribers

The Brainpop YouTube channel is an extension of the popular educational website, Brainpop, that targets students in grades K-12. The channel covers a wide range of subjects including science, math, social studies, English language arts, engineering and technology, arts and music, and health.

Notable features of the Brainpop YouTube channel include its animated style and engaging storytelling, as well as its high production value and variety of content types.

One of the standout video series on the Brainpop YouTube channel is the “Brainpop Shorts” series, which covers a range of topics in a short, animated format. Another notable feature is the “Brainpop Educators” series, which provides resources and guidance for teachers using Brainpop in their classrooms.

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13. Ryan’s World – 34.8M subscribers

Ryan’s World is a popular YouTube channel featuring Ryan Kaji, a young child who shares his experiences with toys, games, and activities. This channel is for young children, typically between the ages of 3 to 8 years old, and has a lot of both educational and entertaining videos.

Ryan’s World is known for its high-quality production and fun, engaging, and educational content. The channel is easily accessible and features a wide range of videos that cater to different interests. The channel has a strong social media presence and actively engages with its viewers through various platforms.

Overall, Ryan’s World is a fun and exciting channel that caters to young children’s interests and helps them learn through play. One example is the “Ryan pretend play kids size shopping cart” where your kids will learn about healthy food and why it is important.

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14. PBS KIDS – 2.01M subscribers

PBS KIDS features a range of educational content on a variety of topics including literacy, math, science, social studies, and the arts.

The channel offers a variety of educational programming, including popular shows like “Sesame Street,” “Arthur,” “Curious George,” “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” and “Wild Kratts.” The videos are created with the goal of providing children with engaging and educational content that helps to develop their knowledge and skills while keeping them entertained.

Notable features of the PBS KIDS YouTube channel include its accessibility, with all videos being available for free, and its focus on education, with an emphasis on teaching children about important concepts and skills in a fun and engaging way.

One example video that stands out is “Nature Cat: Tally Ho! A Volcano,” which is part of the “Let’s Learn” series on the channel. The video provides a clear and engaging explanation of how volcanos work.

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15. Homeschool Pop – 1.06M subscribers

The Homeschool Pop YouTube channel is an educational resource designed for homeschooling families and teachers, with a focus on providing fun and engaging content for kids. The channel targets children in the elementary and middle school age range (grades K-8).

Homeschool Pop puts an emphasis on interactive learning, with many videos featuring quizzes, experiments, and other activities that encourage kids to get involved and participate. Additionally, the channel’s content is aligned with Common Core State Standards, making it a useful resource for homeschooling families and teachers.

You should watch first Continents of the World. This video provides a fun and engaging way for kids to learn about the geography of the world, as well as the names and locations of the seven continents and five oceans. It includes colorful animations, music, and interactive quiz questions to help reinforce learning.

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16. Socratica Kids – 124K subscribers

Socratica Kids covers a range of subjects including science, math, reading, writing, and history. The videos are designed to help children aged 5-12 years old learn and improve their knowledge and skills in these subjects.

The videos on Socratica Kids are presented in an engaging and entertaining way, with fun animations and illustrations that make learning fun. The channel also includes interactive quizzes and activities that help children retain what they have learned. Additionally, the channel features a diverse group of presenters, including children, which makes the content relatable to the target audience.

One video to watch is “The Moon for Kids”, where your kids will learn about the Moon in a fun and interactive way, everything in under six minutes.

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17. Hoffman Academy – 223K subscribers

The Hoffman Academy YouTube channel is an excellent resource for parents and children interested in learning piano. The lessons are designed for children ages 5-12, but can be useful for any beginner piano player.

Notable features of the Hoffman Academy include its clear and engaging teaching style, focus on building foundational skills, and emphasis on making learning piano fun and accessible to kids. The channel is also easy to navigate and well-organized, with lesson playlists and supplemental materials like sheet music and practice guides.

The standout videos on the channel are the piano lessons themselves, which are presented in a step-by-step format that is easy to follow along with. The lessons progress at a steady pace, building on previous skills and concepts, and include plenty of opportunities for practice and review. The lessons also incorporate fun and engaging activities to keep children interested and motivated, such as games, songs, and even puppet shows.

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18. Rock ‘N Learn – 1.86M subscribers

The Rock ‘N Learn YouTube channel offers educational videos designed for children ages 2-8. The channel covers a wide range of subjects including math, science, language arts, social studies, and more.

Rock ‘N Learn’s videos are known for their upbeat music, catchy songs, and engaging visuals, making learning fun and enjoyable for kids. The channel’s videos are designed to help children learn and retain information through the use of music and mnemonic devices.

Some notable videos from Rock ‘N Learn include “Sight Words Level 1” which helps children learn to read and recognize frequently used words, “Multiplication Rap” which teaches multiplication facts through music, and “Colors Shapes and Counting” which introduces young children to basic math concepts.

Overall, the Rock ‘N Learn YouTube channel is a great resource for parents looking for fun and engaging educational videos to help their young children learn and retain new information.

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19. Jack Hartmann Kids Music Channel – 3.81M subscribers

The Jack Hartmann Kids Music Channel is a popular YouTube channel that offers fun and educational music for young children. The target age group for this channel is preschoolers and young children up to around age 8.

Jack Hartmann’s music covers a wide range of subjects including literacy, math, science, social studies, and physical education. His videos are designed to help kids learn while they sing and dance along, making learning both fun and engaging.

One standout feature of the Jack Hartmann Kids Music Channel is the use of catchy tunes and memorable lyrics that make it easy for kids to remember key concepts. Some popular videos on the channel include “Count to 100”, “Sight Words 1”, “Alphabet Zoo”, and “Shapes and Colors”. These videos are great for teaching basic skills and concepts that are essential for young children’s development.

Another great feature of the channel is the inclusion of movements and dance routines that encourage kids to be active while they learn. The videos also include simple instructions that are easy for kids to follow along with.

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20. Mystery Science – 698K subscribers

Mystery Science is an online science education platform that offers engaging and informative science lessons for children in grades K-5. Their YouTube channel features a variety of science-related content, including experiment demonstrations, informative videos, and lesson plans that are designed to inspire curiosity and encourage hands-on learning.

The Mystery Science YouTube channel targets kids in grades K-5, with content that covers a wide range of science topics including Earth science, physical science, life science, and engineering. The videos are presented in an engaging and easy-to-understand format that is designed to make science fun and accessible for all children.

One example of a video that stands out is “How Do You Make a Rainbow?” which explains the science behind rainbows in a way that is easy for children to understand. The video uses simple demonstrations and animations to explain how light is refracted through water droplets to create the colors of the rainbow. It’s a great example of how Mystery Science is able to make complex science concepts accessible to children.

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21. ASAPScience – 10.4M subscribers

The ASAP Science YouTube channel features entertaining and educational science videos that are suitable for a broad audience, including children, teenagers, and adults. The channel is primarily geared towards individuals who are interested in science but may not have a background in it.

The videos on ASAP Science cover a variety of science topics, including biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology. The channel’s hosts, Mitchell Moffit and Gregory Brown, use simple and engaging animations to explain complex scientific concepts in a way that is easy to understand.

Some of the standout videos on the channel include “The Science of Procrastination,” which explains the psychology behind why people put things off, and “The Science of Sleep,” which discusses the benefits of getting enough sleep and the negative effects of sleep deprivation. Another notable video is “The Science of Happiness,” which explores the science behind what makes people happy and how individuals can increase their own happiness.

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22. Common Sense Education – 94.5K subscribers

The Common Sense Education YouTube channel is a great resource for parents and educators looking to help kids develop critical thinking skills and digital literacy. 

The channel offers resources and tools for kids of all ages, from kindergarten through high school.

Common Sense Education offers a wealth of resources for parents, educators, and students, including lesson plans, teaching strategies, and classroom activities. The videos are high-quality, engaging, and designed to help kids build skills and knowledge about technology and digital media.

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23. BabyBus – 32.4M subscribers

The BabyBus YouTube channel is an animated educational channel designed for young children ages 2-5. It focuses on teaching kids a variety of basic skills, including counting, the alphabet, colors, and shapes. The channel also introduces children to important life skills, such as safety rules, healthy habits, and social skills.

What sets BabyBus apart from other channels is its use of playful and engaging animations that capture young children’s attention and make learning fun. The videos also have a calming and gentle tone, making them perfect for helping kids wind down before bed or during quiet time.

One standout video is “Kiki and Miu Miu’s Birthday Party,” which teaches kids about the importance of sharing and cooperation. The video features relatable characters and a catchy song that will have kids singing and dancing along while learning valuable lessons.

Overall, the BabyBus channel provides an excellent introduction to educational concepts for young children and helps them develop a love for learning.

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24.The BrainScoop – 603K subscribers

The Brain Scoop YouTube channel is a science channel that is geared towards older children, teenagers, and adults. Hosted by Chief Curiosity Correspondent and Educator at the Field Museum in Chicago, Emily Graslie, the channel covers a wide range of scientific topics, including zoology, ecology, anatomy, and paleontology.

What sets The Brain Scoop apart is its unique approach to science education. Rather than presenting information in a traditional classroom-style lecture, the channel takes viewers behind the scenes of museums and research institutions, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of scientists and museum professionals.

Some of the standout videos from The Brain Scoop include “Why Do Some Animals Eat Their Own Poop?”, “The Secret Language of Plants”, and “Mammals vs Reptiles: The Important Differences”.

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25. Alphablocks – 1.88M subscribers

The Alphablocks YouTube channel is an educational resource aimed at children aged 3-6 years old. The channel is centered around a group of animated letters called the Alphablocks who go on various adventures and teach children how to read and spell.

The Alphablocks use a phonics-based approach to teaching reading and literacy, which is a method used in many schools and has been proven to be effective. The channel covers a variety of literacy concepts, including letter sounds, blends, digraphs, and word families.

One of the standout videos on the channel is “Alphablocks – The Cat Sat on the Mat,” which teaches children the short “a” sound and how it can be used to form words. The video is engaging, with colorful animation and catchy music, and it effectively breaks down the concept for young children.

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26. Kids Academy – 685K subscribers

The Kids Academy YouTube channel is an educational channel that focuses on teaching young children key skills in a fun and engaging way. The target age group for this channel is children between the ages of 2 and 10. The channel covers a variety of subjects, including reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.

One of the standout features of the Kids Academy channel is its use of animated characters to teach important concepts. These characters are fun and colorful, making them engaging for young children. The channel also features catchy songs and rhymes that help children remember important information.

One video that stands out from the Kids Academy channel is the “ABC Letters for kids” video. This video helps children learn the letters of the alphabet in a fun and engaging way. 

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How to get the most from educational videos on YouTube

Educational videos can be a great supplement to your child’s learning in school or at home. They can help explain concepts or provide a different perspective on a topic. If you are worried that you won’t do it the right way, here are some important tips.

  • Make sure that the content you choose is suitable for your child’s age group. Check the channel’s target audience and ratings before selecting a video.
  • Set time limits for how long your child can watch videos and make sure they take breaks in between.
  • Establish rules about the types of videos they can watch and what is off-limits.
  • It would be great if you could sit with your child and watch the videos together. This way, you can monitor what they are watching and help them understand the content better.
  • Encourage your child to ask questions and express their thoughts about the video. This helps them to engage with the content and retain information better.

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We hope our guide on best educational YouTube channels for kids has helped you discover some fantastic educational content for your children. Now that you’ve found some favorites, don’t forget to show your support! Consider subscribing to the channels, leaving positive comments, and even making a donation if possible.

Another great way to support the channels and ensure your kids have access to quality educational content is by downloading videos to create your own media library. This way, you can access the videos even when you’re not online and build a collection that your kids can revisit over time.