Podcasts aren’t just for listening anymore. Thanks to YouTube, we can now watch the hosts and guests from our favorite shows as they discuss all the stories that keep us hooked.
Podcasts began to emerge back in 2004, but in the last few years they have skyrocketed in popularity and are now recognized as a leading form of entertainment and information. Some of the biggest categories include true crime, self-improvement, technology and science, which are quite intricate topics.
Video podcasts provide a visual aspect which can add a lot of value to your podcast experience, particularly if you want to follow along with multiple debates, learn about a new subject or just want to feel more immersed in the conversation with your favorite creators.
We’ve put together a list of the best podcasts on YouTube according to viewers. Whether you’re searching for your next binge-watch or you’re just starting to explore the world of podcasts, this list may have just what you’re looking for. Scroll down to find your new podcast fix!
If you want to learn more about podcasts, you might like our article about their recent rise in popularity.
Top 15 podcast channels according to viewers
This list was made using the reviews and opinions of users on Favoree and Reddit.
In no particular order:
1. Darknet Diaries – 400K Subscribers
“Darknet Diaries” is a podcast that investigates the shadowy world of cybercrime, hacking, and technology’s darker side. Hosted by Jack Rhysider, it features true stories from the internet, including tales of hackers, data breaches, and cybersecurity incidents.
Through interviews and research, the podcast sheds light on complex issues, and their ethical, legal, and societal implications.
2. Dear Hank & John – 14K Subscribers
“Dear Hank & John” is an advice podcast hosted by authors, YouTubers and brothers Hank and John Green, well known for their channel “vlogbrothers”.
The duo covers topics ranging from life’s trivial puzzles to more profound dilemmas, whilst answering questions submitted by listeners. This podcast is comedy, advice, and personal anecdotes all in one, making it a unique listen in the podcasting world.
3. H3 Podcast – 3M Subscribers
Hosted by YouTube couple Ethan and Hila Klein, “H3 Podcast” is a talk show for comedy, internet culture, and trending social media topics. The podcast features a wide range of guests, from celebrities to internet personalities, hosting casual interviews and discussions on contemporary issues.
Following the success of their YouTube channel, H3H3Productions, this podcast has become a popular show for unfiltered conversations and entertainment, but is also known to be surrounded by a lot of controversy. Some of the hosts’ outspoken opinions have ruffled some feathers in the past, leading non-fans to place this channel as one of the worst YouTubers.
It seems if you like them you like them, and if you don’t, you really don’t!
4. The Joe Rogan Experience podcast – 20M Subscribers
The Joe Rogan Experience is a conversation podcast hosted by comedian, UFC commentator, and actor Joe Rogan. Launched in December 2009, the show features a wide range of guests, including comedians, actors, scientists, politicians, and other public figures.
The style of the show is very informal, hosting discussions and debates around a diverse range of prominent and often controversial topics such as philosophy, health, politics and more. The Joe Rogan Experience has now grown into one of the most popular and influential podcasts on the platform.
Although this podcast is so popular among many, there are also a lot of people of the opposite opinion. This show faces a significant amount of criticism on Favoree as some viewers state they find it to be an unreliable source of information and a negative listening experience.
5. Ear Biscuits – 600K Subscribers
Loved “Good Mythical Morning”? You’ll enjoy this podcast. “Ear Biscuits” is a podcast hosted by Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, where they discuss their personal lives, experiences, and insights into pop culture and current events.
With a touch of humor, “Ear Biscuits” gives an insight into the thoughts and perspectives of two of the internet’s most popular personalities. Rhett and Link’s engaging storytelling and chemistry make this podcast a fan favorite.
6. HoneyDew Podcast – 250K Subscribers
“HoneyDew Podcast” is hosted by comedian Ryan Sickler. Aiming to highlight the lowlights, this podcast invites guests to share their most embarrassing stories.
Sickler’s unique comedy and empathy creates a space where guests can open up about their personal struggles and misfortunes, often finding humor in hardship.
7. Your Mom’s House – 2M Subscribers
This podcast is hosted by married comedians Tom Segura and Christina Pazsitzky. Known for their humor, irreverence, and unique take on everyday life, this podcast covers all sorts of topics including pop culture, bizarre internet clips and funny stories.
The hosts have a playful banter between themselves and their occasional guests, making this show a go-to for laughter and entertainment.
8. Stuff You Should Know – 200K Subscribers
“Stuff You Should Know” is an educational podcast that explores a wide range of themes, from science and history to pop culture and obscure facts.
Hosted by Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant, the show breaks down complex subjects into easy-to-watch episodes, providing intriguing insights and explanations about the world. If you’re curious about hows and whys behind everyday phenomena, this could be the podcast for you.
9. Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend – 9M Subscribers
In this series we watch renowned TV host and comedian Conan O’Brien forming friendships with his celebrity guests through witty and insightful conversations.
Featuring a mix of famous actors, comedians, musicians, and other personalities, the podcast reveals a more personal side of Conan as he engages with his guests beyond the typical talk show format.
10. Swindled – 20K Subscribers
This gripping true crime podcast analyzes the darker side of human nature, specifically white-collar criminals, con artists, and the impact of corporate greed.
With detailed research, “Swindled” exposes notorious cases of fraud and corruption, explaining how these crimes are committed and the effects they have on victims and society. The podcast not only narrates the events but also examines the systemic issues that allow these swindles to occur.
11. Hardcore History – 500K Subscribers
Dan Carlin’s “Hardcore History” is an immersive podcast that tells the tales of historical events with a narrative style. Carlin’s enthusiastic approach brings a fresh perspective to major historical episodes, from ancient battles to pivotal moments in modern history.
This podcast aims to make complex subjects interesting and easy to understand for a wide audience.
12. Huberman Lab – 7M Subscribers
The “Huberman Lab” podcast, hosted by neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman, dives into the science of the brain, body, and all things human health.
Dr. Huberman translates scientific research into practical advice, giving listeners useful information to improve their mental and physical well-being.
Covering topics from sleep to stress management, this podcast bridges the gap between scientific concepts and how to apply them in everyday life.
13. Well There’s Your Problem Podcast – 120K Subscribers
This is a unique podcast that explores engineering disasters throughout history, with a humorous twist. The hosts dissect the technical flaws and human errors that lead to the most catastrophic failures.
From collapsed bridges to malfunctioning machines, “well there’s your problem” gives an educational yet entertaining look at the importance of engineering principles and the lessons learned from these mishaps.
14. Criminal – 4K Subscribers
This podcast is hosted by Phoebe Judge, who delves into a new case in each episode. She covers a diverse range of cases, from historical criminal events to contemporary issues within the criminal justice system, focusing on the human stories behind the crimes.
Phoebe examines the motivations, consequences, and moral complexities of crime, making this podcast a compelling listen for anyone fascinated by the darker aspects of society.
15. Fall of Civilizations – 1.4M Subscribers
“The Fall of Civilizations Podcast” is a documentary-style podcast that explores the collapse of ancient civilizations around the world. Each episode explains the causes leading to the downfall of these societies, from environmental disasters to warfare and beyond.
Narrated with detail, the podcast brings to life the stories of empires and cultures, offering valuable lessons on the cyclical nature of human history.
Podcasts are a fantastic way to expand our knowledge and discover new interests, and these channels are a great place to start!
If you liked this article, you might also like our list of best documentary channels on YouTube; another effective way to learn about the wonders of the world.
