As the world retreated indoors during lockdowns, the appetite for narrative content surged, leading to a remarkable rise in the popularity of documentaries. No longer confined to blockbuster cinemas or television, documentaries have found a space online.
By embracing a less formal approach, documentaries have become more accessible to a wider audience, particularly piquing Gen Z’s interest. Viewers no longer feel intimidated by complex subject matter; instead, they are drawn in by the allure of compelling storytelling and visuals.
In this article, we cover the best documentary YouTubers, exploring how they have reshaped the documentary landscape and redefined the way we consume non-fiction narratives.
Top 12 Documentary YouTubers in 2025
This list is compiled from the opinions of Favoree and Reddit users.
In no particular order:
1. National Geographic – 24M Subscribers
The worldwide classic National Geographic hooks audiences with breathtaking visuals and immersive storytelling.
Through its videos, viewers are transported to the farthest corners of the globe, from the depths of the ocean to the heights of majestic mountain ranges.
The channel’s educational value is priceless, offering glimpses into wildlife behavior, environmental conservation efforts, and cultural traditions, making learning both accessible and fun for viewers of all ages.
2. LEMMiNO – 6M Subscribers
Lemmino’s videos are a testament to meticulous research and attention to detail, drawing audiences into a world of curiosity and wonder. He unravels the enigmatic threads of the universe, leaving viewers hungry for knowledge and enlightenment.
With every video, there’s a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation, as Lemmino delves deep into the unknown, uncovering hidden truths and unraveling the mysteries that surround us.
3. VICE – 19M Subscribers
VICE is a provocative and boundary-pushing platform that covers the underbelly of society, tackling controversial topics with unflinching honesty. Through gripping documentaries, VICE exposes viewers to the raw realities of the world, stirring emotions of shock, empathy, and curiosity.
Their content often ventures into taboo subjects, sparking intense debates and challenging societal norms. Watching VICE’s videos can be a bit startling, as they confront viewers with uncomfortable truths and challenge preconceived notions, leaving a lasting impact long after the screen goes dark.
4. Mike Clum – 160K Subscribers
Mike Clum stands out with his exceptional cinematography and storytelling prowess, evident in his debut documentary capturing nine months of dedicated work alongside Boogie2988.
Despite having only two videos, including a trailer, Clum’s channel has garnered significant attention, with his first documentary amassing an impressive 6 million views within two weeks of upload. His ability to weave a compelling narrative, maintain a consistent tone, and pace the content effectively deserves an honorable mention in the realm of YouTube creators, showing immense potential for future endeavors.
5. DW Documentary – 6M Subscribers
DW Documentary stands as one of the most reliable and sincere news outlets globally, funded solely by taxpayer money. Renowned for its gold standard in journalism, it sets an example of quality in the media landscape.
Its documentaries, characterized by accuracy and depth, attract significant viewership without succumbing to sensationalism, leaving a lasting impact and contributing positively to global discourse.
6. Nick Robinson – 1.3M Subscribers
Nick Robinson is a blend of gaming, humor, and documentary. His videos exude genuine enthusiasm and authenticity.
With in-depth research, he shares personal anecdotes, navigates virtual worlds, and covers the wildest and most interesting internet and game mysteries. Each video leaves you feeling entertained, uplifted, and eager for a spontaneous trip to Japan.
7. ARTE.tv Documentary – 500K Subscribers
ARTE is a publicly funded, nonprofit TV channel that exclusively focuses on making educational content. They offer intellectually stimulating content, ranging from cultural explorations to political analyses, centered on Europe and beyond.
Known for its high-quality documentaries, segments, and news programs, ARTE is a hidden gem of thoughtful programming in the media landscape. With all programs available for free online, ARTE provides an accessible platform for enriching documentaries on a variety of topics.
8. Defunctland – 2M Subscribers
Defunctland, created by Kevin Perjurer, is the unrivaled champion of theme park documentaries on YouTube, boasting unparalleled research, editing, and creativity.
With each video, Perjurer exceeds expectations, covering the history and intricacies of defunct theme park rides and Disney attractions with impressive effort. His high production quality and captivating storytelling transport viewers into the world of theme parks, evoking memories and emotions through masterful narrative techniques.
9. Barely Sociable – 1.4M Subscribers
Barely Sociable has a cult following with its diligent research, balanced reasoning, and compelling narrative structure. With a radio-quality voice, the channel presents intriguing observations about society, leading viewers down satisfying rabbit holes.
Each video delivers a payoff in its final moments, seamlessly tying together the threads of investigation and leaving audiences both informed and enthralled. Barely Sociable’s format is a benchmark in the exploration of puzzling societal phenomena.
10. Noclip – Video Game Documentaries – 1M Subscribers
Noclip is a channel focused on video game documentaries, funded by a dedicated community of Patrons and free from sponsored content. Their mission is to uncover and preserve the stories behind video games, shedding light on the people who create them and those who play them.
Through their crowdfunded efforts, Noclip has unearthed lost video game-related media, including old television broadcasts, unreleased trailers, and unedited footage, with plans to archive and share their discoveries.
If you’re looking for recommendations for Gaming Documentaries, check out our article on the Best Gaming Documentaries on YouTube!
11. Matt Orchard – 300K Subscribers
Matt Orchard is widely regarded as one of the best YouTubers for true crime documentaries. His channel distinguishes itself through high-quality, masterfully crafted content, offering a unique and compelling approach to storytelling.
With thorough research and polished production, his documentaries explore a wide range of intricate cases, extending beyond the typical American crime narratives. His engaging narrative style, accentuated by a distinct voice and tone, deeply resonates with viewers, making his insights and perspectives particularly impactful.
12. Channel 5 – 3M Subscribers
Andrew Callaghan, the mastermind behind Channel 5, initiated his YouTube journey with a series of humor-filled, on-the-scene reporter-style videos, showcasing remarkable comedic timing and pacing.
Yet, deep down, Andrew aspired to tackle more substantive content. Breaking away from his former media affiliation, he ventured into creating culturally important works. His portfolio now includes profound coverage of diverse subjects, from gang members and cartels to the White Lives Matter rally, and much more.
Having gained significant recognition for these impactful pieces, Andrew now focuses primarily on producing interviews and documentaries, shedding light on various societal issues with his unique flair.
FAQ
Does YouTube have documentaries?
YouTube hosts a wide array of documentaries on various subjects, ranging from wildlife and culture to true crime and history. Many acclaimed channels produce high-quality documentary content exclusively for the platform.
What is the most subscribed documentary channel on YouTube?
The most subscribed documentary channel on YouTube is National Geographic, with 24 million subscribers. Renowned for its breathtaking visuals and immersive storytelling, National Geographic transports viewers to the farthest corners of the globe, offering educational and enlightening content.
Are there YouTube documentary channels with a focus on true crime?
Yes, there are several YouTube channels dedicated to producing compelling true crime documentaries. In fact, there are so many we decided to write an entire article about the Best True Crime Channels on YouTube!
