Despite being launched in 2005, YouTube has retained and strengthened its spot as the top video content platform. With 2.49 billion active monthly users, it beats TikTok’s 1.04 billion by a long shot. While it was once only seen as a suitable platform for creators of long-form video content, introductions like YouTube Shorts and carousel posts are making the app more accessible for those who thrive on creating a mix of long and short-form content.
YouTube has exploded, especially in recent years, into a trusted community where people go to learn everything, from hobbies to life experiences. With so many users, though, we get that starting a channel can feel daunting. So we’ve built you a list of 120 YouTube channel ideas spanning 12 categories: from beginner-friendly, generalist ideas to more niche channels relating to specific skills or experiences.
Whether you’re hoping to build a community around your passions or generate a steady income, there’s bound to be a channel idea that fits – it’s just a matter of exploring your options. So, with all that being said, let’s take a look!
120 YouTube channel ideas
Beginner YouTube channel ideas
When you're just starting on YouTube, choosing something that genuinely excites you is key. As a beginner, it’s easy to feel pressure to produce high-quality content right away, but remember, everyone starts somewhere. Authenticity builds viewership, and sharing your unique perspective and experiences is really the only way to make your channel stand out.
Typical beginner-friendly content can be daily vlogs where you share snippets of your life, giving your audience a chance to connect with you personally. Remember, it doesn’t have to be anything special! Some of the best-performing vlog channels are popular simply because they’re relatable and comforting to viewers.
As we said, choose something that genuinely excites you. It’s not like you can’t evolve with your channel over time! Cooking tutorials can be fun to engage with an audience that loves food but may not know where to start. Or maybe travel is your passion? You could showcase your adventures and inspire others to explore the world. All kinds of DIY projects are popular, as they tap into a huge community of creative viewers, and if you’re a bookworm, your reviews could be popular with fellow readers.
Fitness journeys, study tips, beauty and makeup tutorials, and tech reviews are also all great places to start.
With YouTube recently rolling out AI tools like the Inspiration Tab (an assistant that suggests video concepts, titles, thumbnails, outlines, and even a few lines of script), there’s no excuse not to get started.
- Daily or weekly vlogs
- Get ready with me’s
- Storytimes
- Mukbangs
- DIY crafts
- Book reviews
- Video gaming plays
- Thrifting hauls
- Beauty and makeup tutorials
- Funny content/skits
Faceless YouTube channel ideas
Okay, we hear you – showing your face online is daunting. And yes, it’s true that showing up on camera can help you build trust and loyalty with viewers faster (especially if your goal is to use YouTube as a sales funnel for a product or service), but it’s also true that you can build a channel without ever needing to reveal your identity.
Faceless YouTube channels allow you to explore a range of content without the pressure of being on screen. What kinds of content do faceless channels produce? Surprisingly, some really popular stuff. Animation shorts, for example, can be a great way to tell stories or convey messages creatively, attracting viewers with visual appeal. And they don’t need to be anything professional by any means. In fact, The Big Lez Show, a cartoon created for YouTube and done entirely in Microsoft Paint, went on to get a deal with the Comedy Channel.
Another popular, faceless content type is voiceover storytelling. If you’re creative and can combine narrative skills with engaging visuals, you could use voiceovers to build a captivated audience. Popular storytelling formats include horror, motivational, and mystery. For example, YouTube creator The Dark Somnium has built an audience of over 830,000 engaged viewers by reading Reddit ‘creepypastas’ – entirely faceless.
ASMR videos have gained massive popularity for their soothing qualities, providing relaxation and comfort to viewers. We don’t entirely get this one, but the numbers speak for themselves, as YouTube has over 500,000 ASMR channels.
- Animation shorts
- Voiceover storytelling
- ASMR videos
- Compilation videos
- Whiteboard explainers
- Nature sounds
- Audio podcasts
- Digital art timelapses
- Screen recording tutorials
- Mystery or horror stories
Niche hobby channel ideas
Listen up, all you hobby enthusiasts! This section is for you.
Sharing your skills on YouTube could be a profitable project. According to HubSpot, learning is the second most popular reason people use the platform (second only to relax with some much-needed entertainment). RJ Knits has grown his channel to 250k dedicated knitting subscribers since 2014, with an impressive 21,410,466 views.
If you have a hobby that you’re passionate about, it’s time to turn it into a YouTube channel. Niche hobby channels are great because they attract specific, dedicated audiences who share your interests, making it easier to build a community. While it would be impossible to cover every hobby, chances are, yours can be monetized. We’ve listed some popular examples below, and they all work for one simple reason: showing somebody how to do something builds an immediate relationship.
For example, model building allows you to showcase your craftsmanship and techniques, attracting fellow enthusiasts eager to learn. Many YouTube viewers are eager to start their own green spaces, so if you have a green thumb, you can offer advice for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.
Photography tutorials are always popular, especially with the growing creator economy. If you’re good with a camera, you can give your audience tips and insights into capturing better images.
And who doesn’t love a hit of nostalgia? Apparently, lots of us because collectible reviews are wildly popular on YouTube. Knitting, sewing, and crochet projects cater to a wide range of age groups and demographics, so you can quickly build an audience. As you can see, the key to a hobby-focused channel is community building, so think about what value you can bring. Ask yourself, ‘What do I wish I could’ve known when I first started?’
- Model building
- Gardening tips
- Photography tutorials
- Collectibles reviews
- Knitting or crochet projects
- Gaming strategies
- Painting techniques
- Birdwatching experiences
- Hiking adventures
- Sewing tutorials
Educational channel ideas
Education is a powerful tool, and YouTube is a fantastic platform to share knowledge and inspire learning. It’s accessible, it’s free, and there’s pretty much nothing you can’t find a tutorial on. So, if you are passionate about teaching, consider creating an educational or learning channel.
You don’t need to have a teaching qualification to teach on YouTube – think of it like being a community tutor. So long as you have specialized skills or knowledge and aren’t offering legal, health, or financial advice, you don’t need to stress. Just ensure your content is user-friendly, clear, and factual. For example, language learning channels help viewers acquire new skills and connect with cultures around the world. Teaching phrases, common words, and pronunciation in your native language could be valuable to many viewers, especially those looking to travel or move overseas.
Science experiments are a huge hit with kids, encouraging them to engage with scientific concepts through fun and accessible content. History explainers and documentaries are a hit with audiences who have a niche interest in history (or even just with students). And, of course, any math tutorials that simplify complex concepts will always be highly searched, making your content likely to keep growing over time.
If you want to create educational content, choose something you have above-average knowledge of. This is your strength when it comes to your content plan. Below are just ten examples of educational channel ideas – but there are many more!
- Language learning
- Science experiments
- History documentaries
- Math tutorials
- Financial literacy
- Coding lessons
- Art history
- Environmental awareness
- Public speaking tips
- Creative writing
Lifestyle and wellness channel ideas
According to McKinsey, 82% of US consumers now consider wellness a top or important priority.
Lifestyle and wellness channels have a special appeal as they inspire viewers to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. Note that when we say lifestyle and wellness, we don’t mean fitness and exercise – that’s a category we’ll dive into below. When it comes to wellness, we’re talking about the holistic aspect of living in accordance with mind, body, and soul.
Minimalism tips, for example, are a popular format of YouTube content that can encourage others to declutter their lives and focus on what truly matters (thanks, Marie Kondo). Mental health awareness is a vital aspect of wellness, too. As openness around vulnerability grows online, sharing your personal journey or tips you’ve learned to be at peace can help others navigate their struggles.
Sustainable living is also more important than ever, and offering practical advice can empower viewers to make eco-friendly choices. Homesteading, tox-free living, and tiny home content are all popular YouTube categories with millions of monthly viewers.
Meal prep ideas can help busy individuals eat healthier, and productivity hacks can streamline people’s daily routines.
Meditation guides provide a path to mindfulness, and parenting tips can help new parents seeking support feel less alone. Wellness content aims to provide solutions to a healthier lifestyle, whatever they may be.
- Minimalism tips
- Mental health awareness
- Sustainable living
- Meal prep
- Productivity
- Meditation
- Parenting
- Styling help
- Cleaning hacks
- Home organizing
Tech and gadget ideas
Love technology and dream of a brand deal with Samsung or Apple? You’re in luck! Research has shown viewers are likely to buy or make a purchase decision after watching a product video, and advertisers have taken note. Basically, technology and gadget reviews are not only popular but possibly rather lucrative content forms if you know your stuff.
Product reviews are one of the top YouTube categories, which makes sense. Compared to other video-sharing platforms, YouTube prioritizes longer-form content (the average user watches 48.7 minutes of YouTube daily), which makes it easier to conduct a more in-depth analysis. Plus, many people prefer to tune in and watch reviews on the big screen (desktop).
Smartphone comparisons, reviews of smart home devices, laptop reviews, gaming hardware reviews, software tutorials, app reviews, drone footage, and unboxings are all engaging forms of technology content with high viewership and big potential for partnerships.
Since starting in 2010, Unbox Therapy has grown to 24.8M subscribers and consistently receives products to review for free.
- Smartphone comparisons
- Smart home devices
- Laptop reviews
- Gaming hardware
- Software tutorials
- App reviews
- Wearable technology
- Drone footage
- Tech unboxing
- Cybersecurity tips
Food and beverage channel ideas
The great thing about food content is that everybody eats! Food and beverage content is a constant crowd-pleaser on YouTube.
Plus, you don’t need to be a chef. In fact, going back to our point about relatability, people are less intimidated by tutorials from other everyday people. However, it’s worth picking a niche when it comes to food, as there’s so much content in this category to compete with. Having a pointed approach will help you attract a community of viewers rather than random clicks and views.
Vegan and plant-based cooking has a huge (and always growing) viewership on YouTube. Then again, the same can be said for keto-based or FODMAP cooking. Craft cocktail recipes can introduce viewers to mixology, sharing tips for creating beautiful drinks at home. Baking is a beloved pastime, and showcasing your skills can inspire others to get creative in the kitchen.
Perhaps you aren’t interested in any of these specialties, and that’s fine! Lunchbox ideas are a hugely popular content form for parents looking for quick, nutritious meals who don’t have much time. Whether you’re attempting spicy foods or cooking with a budget, food challenges engage viewers and encourage them to participate. Plus, taking part in challenges is a sneaky way to boost your content in the algorithm.
- Lunchbox ideas
- Teach a specific cuisine
- Food challenges
- Vegan cooking
- Meals for busy people
- Cocktail recipes
- Baking
- Food reviews
- Healthy meal ideas
- Nutritional advice
Travel and adventure channel ideas
A way to monetize traveling? Sign us up! 78% of US citizens said influencers prompted them to explore new destinations, restaurants, or attractions. By capturing your travels, you could inspire others to do the same. Even better, subscribers to travel channels tend to spend more time watching travel content, with watch time being 86% longer on average per view.
Cultural experiences are obviously a huge hit. Not only can you showcase local traditions and customs, helping viewers connect with different cultures, but certain cultural landmarks and experiences will always have a high search rate, increasing your chances of going viral off your travel videos.
For the thrill-seekers, any adventure sports like rock climbing or surfing have a dedicated audience base and opportunities to monetize through brand partnerships and product promotions. From finding cheap flights to packing efficiently, travel hacks streamline the travel process for viewers who are apprehensive or traveling for the first time.
And if you can’t jet-set, use your hometown to create city guides, secret spots, and food recommendations. Or, consider doing travel gear reviews to assist viewers in selecting the best equipment for their adventures.
- City guides
- Budget travel tips
- Travel gear reviews
- Cultural experiences
- Adventure sports
- Couples travelling
- Travel hacks
- Road trip vlogs
- Solo travel tips
- Luxury travel
Creative channel ideas
Pivoting on educational content: if you have a flair for creativity, consider launching a channel focused on the arts. Creative channels have a large potential reach, from kids to amateurs and professionals looking to improve their craft.
Take a look at Art for Kids Hub, a family channel that makes videos for kids to follow along to that are very similar to the infamous and beloved TV show Art Attack. With 8.46M subscribers, they must be doing something right!
What other forms of creative and artistic content are popular? Really anything! Drawing tutorials, music covers, dance choreographies, jewelry making, crafting, DIY projects, film reviews, graphic design tutorials, painting tips, acting and theatre exercises, vocal coaching, stand-up comedy – you name it, if it’s creative, there are people wanting to watch and learn!
With creative and educational content, once you’ve built your audience, you can start segmenting your videos into free and paid categories. This allows you to give subscribers access to more in-depth, higher-quality content and fairly increase your YouTube monetization.
- Drawing
- Music covers
- Dance and choreography
- Vocal coaching
- Theater and acting
- Crafting
- DIY projects
- Film reviews
- Poetry
- Design tutorials
Current events and commentary channel ideas
Commentary channels have exploded in popularity on YouTube, and it's easy to see why. We all crave genuine perspectives, and these channels offer us a unique blend of entertainment, information, and engagement. Plus, they’re often filmed in a way that makes each viewer feel like it’s a one-on-one conversation, adding to the potential for connection. Many successful creators, like Philip DeFranco, CinnamonToastKen, and D’Angelo Wallace, have built loyal followings by diving into current events, pop culture, and social issues.
Viewers are hungry for transparent creators who share their real, unfiltered thoughts on topics they’re passionate about, whether dissecting the latest viral trends, offering critiques on popular films, or discussing societal issues. This format encourages engagement, as audiences feel invited to join the conversation, share their views, and even debate points raised in the videos.
Many channels focus on politics, dissecting current events and providing analysis that helps viewers navigate the often complex political landscape. Pop culture is another hot topic, where creators weigh in on the latest celebrity news, music releases, events, or movies, giving their takes and often adding humor or critique.
But one of the most successful types of commentary on YouTube? Reacting to other YouTube videos. It’s low effort, allows for creative reuse of other people’s content, and can boost SEO in descriptions and titles. For many, watching their favorite creator summarise a video is preferable to watching the original content. Just food for thought.
- Politics
- Pop culture
- Sports
- Environmental
- Technology
- Social issues
- Celebrity news
- Reaction videos
- Book and film critiques
- Podcast recordings
Fitness and health channel ideas
60% of teens and adults in the US believe virtual environments will make finding a fitness or exercise routine significantly easier – and YouTube is one of them. YouTube channels for fitness and health are not new, but they are still one of the most popular forms of content. And for PTs, activewear designers, or instructors, they can be an obvious way to build your brand and find new clients or customers.
Casey Ho of Blogilates started her channel in 2009 and has grown it to 10.2 million subscribers today (fun fact: I’ve been there since the start and still do her workouts today, proving YouTube audiences are by no means fleeting).
P.S. Influencer marketing is huge in this niche, with opportunities to work with brands like Nike, Adidas, World Gym, Vital Proteins, and many more.
- Home workout routines
- Yoga and stretching
- Nutrition tips
- Fitness challenges
- Flexibility
- Weight loss journeys
- Sports training tips
- Mobility training
- Product reviews (supplements, gear)
- Gym programs
Finance and investing channel ideas
As financial literacy becomes more crucial, starting a finance and investing channel (for those with some know-how) can be a great way to empower viewers to take control of their finances.
For example, stock market insights could educate viewers on investing basics, helping them navigate the complexities of trading. Cryptocurrency and gold discussions are big on YouTube as keen investors swarm toward non-fiat currencies. Sports picks can cater to sports enthusiasts looking for betting insights. And when it comes to real estate, guidance is valuable from investors, sales agents, buyers' agents, and mortgage brokers alike. Plus, real estate professionals can simultaneously use their YouTube channel to add credibility to their professional brand and increase lead generation.
In a less specialized sense, you could create financial content around saving hacks to provide creative ways to build an emergency fund or save for big purchases. This could attract huge audience numbers. Or, if you’re a side hustler or digital entrepreneur, content that discusses passive income strategies can inspire viewers to explore alternative income streams, promoting financial independence.
- Budgeting
- Stock market tips
- Cryptocurrency
- Real estate investing
- Saving hacks
- Passive income strategies
- Debt management
- Sports picks
- Retirement planning
- Interviews with financial experts
How Much Money Can You Make With a YouTube Channel?
It’s not just for those with millions of subscribers, monetizing your YouTube channel is a tangible opportunity that many creators just like you have tapped into. In fact, you can make money with your YouTube channel in multiple ways.
Ad revenue
The most common of these is generating ad revenue. To be eligible for ad revenue, you’ll need to join the YouTube Partner Program, which requires you to have at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours over the past 12 months. This threshold can seem daunting, but many creators are able to reach it through consistent, engaging content uploads. Once you meet these criteria, you can start earning money from ads that play before, during, or after your videos.
The amount you earn from ads varies significantly based on several factors, including your niche, audience demographics, and viewer engagement. On average, YouTubers earn between $0.25 and $4.00 per 1,000 views, known as CPM (cost per thousand impressions). This means that a channel with 100,000 views might earn anywhere from $25 to $400 from ad revenue alone. Remember, this is just one piece of the puzzle.
Brand sponsorships and affiliate marketing
In addition to ad revenue, many creators enhance their income through sponsorships. Partnering with brands can be a fun way to monetize your channel, especially if you have a loyal and engaged audience, and it can also boost your exposure. Brands often look for creators who align with their values and target demographics, so as you grow your channel, you'll likely attract sponsorship opportunities.
And then, you have affiliate marketing, which also significantly generates income for many YouTubers. Promoting products or services and including affiliate links in your video descriptions can earn you a commission for each sale made through those links. Creating product reviews or tutorials can be particularly effective, as your audience is more likely to trust your recommendations. Successful affiliate marketers will see their earnings grow as their audience expands and engages more with their content.
Sales funnel
Funneling sales is another avenue for monetization. If you sell products or services online, you can use your YouTube channel to generate leads and interest in your business and direct your viewers to an external marketplace or community where they can directly purchase from you (you know, like Whop). This method allows you to capitalize on your audience's interest, turning casual viewers into actual customers.
By strategically placing calls to action in your videos – whether to check out your online store, sign up for a newsletter, or join a membership community – you can drive traffic and create a steady stream of income. This approach helps monetize your channel and strengthens your brand by building a deeper connection with your audience.
Tips for Starting a YouTube Channel
Have a consistent filming schedule
Creating a regular upload schedule helps build anticipation among your audience. Whether it's weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, consistency shows your commitment and helps viewers know when to expect new content.
Monitor performance (including comments and feedback)
Keep an eye on your channel's analytics to understand what content resonates most with your audience. Pay attention to comments and feedback, as engaging with your viewers can provide unique, personal insights and strengthen your community over time.
Get inspired by other creators
Look at successful channels in your niche for inspiration. Analyze their content, style, and engagement strategies, but remember to stay true to your unique voice and vision. Adapt ideas rather than copy them, and use what you learn to enhance your own content.
Don't be afraid to make mistakes
Starting a YouTube channel is a learning process. Don’t let the fear of making mistakes hold you back. Instead, look at any ‘failures’ (low watch count, negative comments) as opportunities for growth and improvement. Each video you create will help you refine your skills and build confidence.
Collaborate with other creators
Partnering with other YouTubers can help you reach new audiences and create fresh content. Look for creators with similar interests or audience sizes and explore collaboration ideas that benefit both channels.
Gradually invest in quality equipment
While going all out with expensive gear is tempting, start with what you have and upgrade over time. Focus on good lighting and clear audio initially, as these can significantly improve your video quality without breaking the bank.
Monetize Your YouTube Content With Whop
Monetizing your YouTube channel goes beyond simple views and likes; it’s about building genuine, lasting connections with your audience. When you cultivate a loyal community, your viewers are more inclined to support you in various ways, from purchasing digital products to subscribing to exclusive content.
That’s where we come into play. With Whop, you can direct your YouTube viewers to your online hub where they can buy digital products, access private communities, and unlock exclusive content without any of the usual restrictions. And the best part? You only pay a straightforward 3% on each transaction. Within just a few minutes, you can set up your account and start selling.
Want to make even more money from your YouTube content? Sign up to Whop today.
