List of the Best YouTube Channels in Different Categories

Last Updated: 

February 2, 2025

If you’re looking for entertainment or educational content, YouTube is the platform to be on. With over 2 billion monthly active users, YouTube has become one of the most popular video-sharing platforms on the internet. From music videos to tutorials, YouTube has it all.

One of the best things about YouTube is that it has a wide range of categories to choose from. Whether you’re interested in cooking, gaming, or beauty, there’s a category for everyone. In this article, we’ll be listing the top YouTube categories that you should check out.

YouTube categories are divided into 15 main sections, which include Film and animation, Autos and vehicles, Music, Pets and animals, Sports, and more. Each category has its own unique content that caters to different audiences. Whether you’re interested in watching funny cat videos or learning how to create a website, YouTube has got you covered.

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Top YouTube Categories

When it comes to YouTube, there are a plethora of categories to choose from. Here are some of the top YouTube categories that you might be interested in exploring.

1. Gaming

Gaming is one of the most popular YouTube categories, with millions of viewers tuning in to watch their favorite gamers play. From Let’s Plays to walkthroughs, gaming content is incredibly diverse and can cater to a wide range of interests. Some popular gaming channels include PewDiePie, Markiplier, and Ninja.

2. How-to and Style

How-to and style videos are also incredibly popular on YouTube. From makeup tutorials to DIY home improvement projects, these videos offer viewers valuable information and tips on how to do things themselves. Some popular channels in this category include Tasty, 5-Minute Crafts, and Bon Appétit.

3. Sports

Sports fans can also find a wealth of content on YouTube. From highlights and analysis to behind-the-scenes looks at their favorite teams and athletes, there is no shortage of sports-related videos on the platform. Some popular sports channels include ESPN, NBA, and NFL.

4. Music

Music is another hugely popular YouTube category, with music videos, live performances, and covers all finding a home on the platform. Some popular music channels include Vevo, Justin Bieber, and Taylor Swift.

5. Travel

For those with wanderlust, travel videos can be a great way to explore the world from the comfort of your own home. From travel vlogs to destination guides, there are plenty of travel-related channels on YouTube. Some popular travel channels include Kara and Nate, Mark Wiens, and FunForLouis.

6. News and Politics

YouTube is also a popular platform for news and political content. From news outlets to individual journalists and commentators, there is a wide range of content available. Some popular channels in this category include CNN, Fox News, and Daily Wire.

7. Comedy

Comedy is another popular YouTube category, with everything from sketches to stand-up finding a home on the platform. Some popular comedy channels include CollegeHumor and Jenna Marbles.

8. People and Blogs

People and blogs are a broad category that encompasses a wide range of content. From personal vlogs to lifestyle channels, this category is all about sharing experiences and connecting with others. Some popular channels in this category include Casey Neistat, Zoella, and Shane Dawson.

9. Pets and Animals

Pet and animal videos are incredibly popular on YouTube, with cute and funny clips of our furry friends racking up millions of views. Some popular channels in this category include The Dodo, Cole and Marmalade, and Doug the Pug.

10. Autos and Vehicles

For car enthusiasts, the autos and vehicles category is the place to be. From car reviews to restoration projects, there is plenty of content available for those who love all things automotive. Some popular channels in this category include MotorTrend, Doug DeMuro, and Jay Leno’s Garage.

11. Entertainment

Entertainment is a broad category that encompasses everything from movies and TV shows to celebrity gossip and pop culture news. Some popular channels in this category include Jimmy Fallon, The Ellen Show, and E! News.

12. Science and Technology

Science and technology videos are also popular on YouTube, with channels dedicated to everything from space exploration to the latest gadgets and tech news. Some popular channels in this category include Vsauce, Marques Brownlee, and NASA.

13. Animation and Film

Animation and film is another popular YouTube category, with everything from short films to animated series finding a home on the platform. Some popular channels in this category include Pixar, Film Riot, and Rooster Teeth.

14. Education

Education is a category that is all about learning, with channels dedicated to everything from math and science to history and literature. Some popular channels in this category include TED-Ed, Crash Course, and Khan Academy.

15. Non-Profit and Activism

Finally, non-profit and activism videos are also popular on YouTube, with channels dedicated to raising awareness and promoting social change. Some popular channels in this category include Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

16. Beauty and Fashion

17. Travel

18. Health and Fitness

That’s just a small selection of the many YouTube categories available. No matter what your interests are, there is sure to be something on YouTube that you’ll enjoy.

Analysis of Top Categories

When it comes to YouTube, there are a variety of categories that attract millions of viewers worldwide. In this section, we will analyze the top YouTube categories and provide insights into viewership trends, engagement metrics, and demographics.

a) Viewership Trends

According to Statista, the fastest-growing YouTube category worldwide in 2020 was “Movies and TV,” with a year-on-year subscriber growth of 279.5 percent. The “Entertainment” category followed with a growth rate of 148.3 percent. However, it is essential to note that these trends may change over time, and other categories may become more popular.

b) Engagement Metrics

Engagement metrics are essential for measuring the success of a YouTube channel. The “Gaming” category has the highest engagement rate, with an average of 4.9 percent. This is followed by “Beauty and Fashion” with an average engagement rate of 4.3 percent. On the other hand, the “News and Politics” category has the lowest engagement rate, with an average of 1.8 percent.

c) Demographics

Understanding the demographics of your audience is crucial for creating content that resonates with them. The “Education” category has the highest percentage of male viewers, with 67 percent. The “Food and Drink” category has the highest percentage of female viewers, with 81 percent. Additionally, the “Kids and Family” category has the highest percentage of viewers aged 13 and under, with 42 percent.

In conclusion, analyzing the top YouTube categories can provide valuable insights into viewership trends, engagement metrics, and demographics. By understanding these factors, content creators can tailor their content to their audience and increase their chances of success on the platform.

d) Impact of Categories on YouTube Algorithm

When you upload a video to YouTube, you are required to choose a category for it. This category helps YouTube understand what your video is about and where it belongs on the platform. But does the category you choose have an impact on the YouTube algorithm? Let’s find out.

How Categories Affect the YouTube Algorithm

According to a source, YouTube’s algorithm takes care of categorizing your videos for you. This means that even if you don’t choose a category for your video, YouTube will still categorize it based on its content. However, choosing the right category can help improve your video’s visibility and reach.

When you choose a category for your video, YouTube uses it to understand what your video is about and who it should be recommended to. For example, if you upload a cooking video and choose the “Food & Drink” category, YouTube will recommend your video to people who are interested in cooking and food-related content. This can help increase your video’s visibility and reach a wider audience.

Choosing the Right Category

Choosing the right category for your video is important if you want to increase its visibility and reach. Here are some tips to help you choose the right category:

  • Choose a category that accurately represents your video’s content.
  • Choose a category that is popular and has a large audience.
  • Avoid choosing a category that is too broad or too specific.

It’s also important to note that YouTube frequently updates its categories, so make sure to check for any changes before uploading your video.

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