If you’re not streaming, you’re missing out on a massive market. Yes, much of the streaming services out there focuses on entertainment, an area we as academic scholars often see as unnecessary and superfluous (until we need to unwind after spending months on a project).  

However, there are millions of ways streaming services assist in the pursuit of knowledge, particularly through the industry of e-learning, and YouTube is one of the most popular forums for these educational programs.

Academic e-learning in science has skyrocketed over the past two decades, rising to an astounding 900% growth that reaches over an audience of more than one billion people. This audience includes students, teachers, professionals and researchers. Since the content is free, why not join in? As a researcher, you, too, should be taking advantage of the available information out there by following these five YouTube channels.

List of the Top 5 Channels for Academics, Linked and Summarized

1. Science Magazine: The journal publication is already highly esteemed in the academic community, making any streaming service linked with it full of assuredly professional content. In the YouTube component of Science Magazine, the channel hosts videos that relate to current events in scientific news and research. You’ll find over 500 videos broken into categories that cover everything from archaeology to genetics. Even better, the videos relate to papers that have already been published in the journal, so if you like what you see, you can head over to the research and learn more.
   
2. Veritasium: Dedicated to determining the truth behind everything in existence, this channel showcases videos about science, math, education, and more. The premise is that just because something is true doesn’t mean it can be proven, such as the principle of infinity. Watch these videos when you’re ready to have a theory challenged or to work your brain around accepted concepts that seem to have no reality.
   
3. Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell: Kurzgesagt translated from German into English means “in a nutshell,” which is what all the videos on this channel purport to do. The team behind the show attempts to make science look as beautiful as possible by compounding difficult or otherwise boring topics into enjoyable stories. You can enjoy genetic engineering and nuclear energy if the story is told compellingly enough, and that’s what you’ll find on Kurzgegagt.
   
4. SciShow: If you’re one of those of us who enjoy expecting the unexpected, you want to watch SciShow. Each day of the week has a special theme, and new videos are released every day. There’s always something interesting to check out, so you’ll never lack for content. The aim is to answer questions we all wonder about but don’t know, like why trash can’t get thrown into volcanoes and destroyed once and for all. The greatest minds in science attack the before-now unapproachable questions. If you like SciShow, head over to CrashCourse, co-created by the same mind, Hank Green, as well as his brother, John.
   
5. Thebrainscoop: Moving beyond science concepts, The Brain Scoop ties history, art, and culture together with scientific principles. The creators head to museums and other places with authentic artifacts to give viewers a behind-the-scenes view of The Field Museum’s 40 million artifacts and original specimens. What’s the story behind each one? It could take 40 million years to learn it all, from meteors and fossils to the original books preserved in the famous museum.

Subscribe to YouTube, Then Head to Impactio for More Networking

Streaming channels are an often lucrative way to get your work in front of an audience of millions of viewers as a researcher. They’re also knowledge-filled, so even if you don’t plan on starting your own channel, they’re worth engaging in some screen time. You’ll be decompressing from your research project while still working your brain.

While you’re already online, head over to Impactio next. If you don’t already have an academic portfolio to start networking with other professionals, it’s easy to set one up. You’ll find your favorite YouTube streamers may already be there waiting to connect with you.

Impactio is a global network of researchers, PhDs, funders, and other essential contacts who could be integral to your next research project. Start viewing their CVs and portfolios, or post yours for others to check out your work, and create a network of vital followers with your Impactio membership.