YouTube has come a long way since it was first launched in April 2005. It was originally a hodgepodge of random videos featuring people doing mundane things — indeed, the very first YouTube video, posted by the website’s co-creator Jawed Karim, was him at the zoo commenting on the size of elephant trunks. But fast forward to today, and the majority of videos that people watch feature polished, slickly produced content that rivals what you can watch on television. While Pewdiepie and Casey Neistat garner tens of millions of views for each of their videos, there are plenty of unique and interesting channels that are just as fun to watch even if the subscription totals are more modest. Here are YouTube channels that you should definitely check out.
Bald and Bankrupt
There are plenty of traveling vlogs to choose from, but Englishman Benjamin Rich is truly one of a kind. He eschews flashy music, drones, and pleas to “smash that subscribe button” as he explores the farthest reaches of the former Soviet Union, using his fluent Russian speaking skills to make friends with the local babushkas (Russian grandmothers) and gopniks (Slavic street toughs) along the way. His dry sense of humor and ability to spontaneously craft a narrative makes this channel very addictive.
Omeleto
If you’re a fan of short films, Omeleto has you covered. Channel creator Allen Tsai gathers movies that have been screened at Sundance, Cannes, and other prominent film festivals. Some have even won Academy Awards. The channel has posted more than 400 featurettes to date, with around 5 new uploads every week. When you’ve got a long flight ahead and a short attention span, downloading a few of these short films is a great way to pass the time.
Shiey
Shiey (real name Marius Bublys) is a Lithuanian adventurer who surfs trains around Europe, claims to the top of buildings and towers, engages in daring physical feats, and explores nuclear bunkers and abandoned factories. He somehow manages to squeeze into narrow tunnels — which gives the viewer a serious case of claustrophobia just watching it — as he and his friends navigate through underground passages. Occasionally he also has to evade guards that have spotted him in their warehouse, creating some exciting tension.
