We all spend hours scrolling through Facebook and YouTube, watching videos that entertain, inspire or just help us kill our valuable time. But what if those same videos could double as lessons to help you learn English? Think about it! Expanding your vocabulary, improving your pronunciation or sharpening your communication skills. All while enjoying the content you genuinely would watch to pass time. Sounds perfect, doesn’t it? So, here is a list of YouTube channels (and one bonus Facebook page) that are not your typical “language learning” platforms but can help you learn English in a fun and engaging manner.
- Tried and refused productions:
If you’re a fan of Bollywood or love exploring cinema in depth, this channel is a must-watch. Anmol Jamwal is the brain behind Tried and Refused Productions, which offers high-quality reviews of Bollywood movies. But this isn’t just another movie review channel. Anmol dives deep into everything from the history of Bollywood and the journeys of actors to the cultural background that makes Indian cinema unique.
What makes this channel exceptional for English learners is the language Anmol uses. His reviews are articulate with a sophisticated vocabulary that feels natural but educational. You’ll often find him using descriptive terms and idiomatic expressions that enrich your understanding of English. And it’s not just the vocabulary; his clarity and cadence can help improve your listening comprehension and pronunciation. Personally, I find his discussions so engaging that learning English feels like a bonus while soaking up his movie insights.
- JaidenAnimations
JaidenAnimations is not your typical educational channel, but it is incredibly effective for improving your English. Especially your speaking skills. Jaiden, the creator, narrates her life stories through charming and visually captivating animations. Her videos cover a range of everyday events of her life, like adopting her cat or unexpected medical emergencies. But she has a knack for turning ordinary moments into engaging stories.
What sets her apart is her use of descriptive language and vibrant adjectives. She doesn’t just tell you what happened; she paints a picture with her words, and she will make you feel the events with her language. Listening to her is like attending an advanced English speaking class, but way more fun. Her natural flow and conversational tone can help learners understand how to describe events or express feelings more vividly. I find her videos to be a mix of entertainment and subtle learning that keeps me hooked.
- Joanna Ceddia Archive
Joanna’s videos are about the little joys and absurdities of life. She is known for her quirky and relatable content. From trying her hand at art to experimenting with random DIY projects, her humour and down-to-earth personality make her videos delightful to watch. Joanna Ceddia might no longer be actively creating videos, as her channel was deleted for reasons unknown, but her charm still lives on in this archive channel.
For English learners, Joanna’s videos are an excellent resource for conversational English. As a native Canadian, her speech is fluid, precise, and full of colloquial expressions. Watching her feels like listening to a friend with excellent command of the language. You will pick up everyday phrases, improve your listening skills and gain confidence in speaking English. The beauty of her content is that you don’t even realise you’re learning. It’s just fun.
- MasterChef World
I know cooking competitions do not scream “language learning,” but trust me MasterChef World is an underrated gem for improving your English. The show brings together contestants from all over the world, each with their unique accents, expressions, and ways of communicating in English. Watching them interact is like sitting in a melting pot of languages and cultures. All bound by a shared love for food.
You will learn a lot more than just cooking recipes here. You can learn vocabularies related to food, cooking techniques and even dining etiquette just by watching this show. Words like “julienne”, “broil”, “savoury”, and “plating” will surely add flavour to your English vocabulary (pun intended). Plus, the judges and contestants often share heartwarming stories, which makes the experience not just educational but also emotionally enriching. For me, this channel turned out to be an unexpectedly enjoyable way to learn both English and a bit about global cuisine.
- Doctor Mike
Doctor Mike’s channel is proof that learning can be both entertaining and eye-opening. While he is a doctor and often talks about medical topics, his videos are far from dry or overly technical. He reviews medical scenes in movies, plays games with a medical twist and much more. Doctor Mike keeps things light and fun. He even shares personal tidbits, like his adventures with his adorable dog, Bear.
For English learners his content offers an excellent opportunity to expand your vocabulary. Particularly in the medical field. Words like “diagnosis,” “symptoms,” “procedure,” and “prognosis” are some words that you can use in your everyday conversation which I learned from watching Doctor Mike. But even if you’re not aiming for medical fluency, his conversational tone and natural charisma make his videos easy to follow. Plus let’s be honest… his good looks don’t hurt! Whether you’re here for the knowledge or just to enjoy his charming personality, you’ll leave his channel smarter than you came.
- Bonus: GMB Akash (Facebook Page)
This is not a YouTube channel, but GMB Akash’s Facebook page deserves a spot on this list. Akash is a photographer from Bangladesh who shares powerful stories of everyday people through his lens. Each of the photos he posts comes with a beautifully written caption in English that offers glimpses into lives that are often overlooked.
Reading the captions he wrote aloud has been a great way for me to improve my pronunciation and fluency. The stories are raw, emotional, and inspiring which makes them memorable. Hence, the words will stick in your memory for a long time. Alongside improving your English, you get a chance to learn about the diverse cultures and challenges faced by people in Bangladesh. It’s a unique blend of language practice and storytelling that leaves the lasting impression on the readers mind.
Learning English does NOT have to mean sitting through boring grammar lectures or memorising endless vocabulary lists. These channels will make you immerse yourself in the language while enjoying content that will also resonate with your interests. This is why I tried to incorporate a diverse range of content creators on my list. Whether it’s movies, animations, cooking, or inspiring stories, there’s something here for everyone.
So, which channel will you dive into first? Or do you have a favourite that’s helped you learn English in an unexpected way?