Why YouTube is such a sick tool for learning and 5 of my favorite YouTube channels

Hey there, Justin Bernard here!

Today I’d like to discuss why YouTube is such as fantastic tool for learning, as well as 5 of my favourite YouTube channels!

YouTube was created in early 2004 and has literally changed the way we share videos, promote content, view viral videos, as well as learn new material. Everything is on YouTube - everything from music videos, cooking videos, car videos, to video tutorials on just about any subject. Today I will be discussing 5 of my favourite YouTube channels that have taught me 5 very distinct aspects in my life that have had a long-term influence on my life. Let’s begin:

Channel 1: Niko Slash

Because of my love of rock n’ roll and guitar music, Niko Slash was my introduction to guitar playing (starting late 2010).

I adored the band Guns N’ Roses, and I was a huge idolizer of their lead guitarist Slash. Not only was Slash the most influential guitarist in his time, but Slash’s guitar playing and attitude was just so revelating. Needless to say, I wanted to be the next Slash.

Niko Slash shared the same love and passion I had for Slash. Through my adolescence, I grew up with many struggles and troubles. Naturally, guitar became my therapy. Slash’s blues style was definitely a game-changer for me, and anyone who could play like Slash was worthy to be revered. Niko Slash was that contestant. Even though he only plays through videos, Niko’s abilities was the greatest guitar tutor I ever learned from. He would post guitar tabs, teach people online through video calls, and his videos would display guitar tabs as he played, essentially teaching people for free. Niko was talented, modest, and best of all mysterious (like Slash). He would never reveal his face. He also had a family, where you would see his young daughter running around in the background of his videos.

Channel 2: Brackeys

Growing up, I adored videos games. As a young child, I became passionate about video games and making videos games. I would use easy to learn software such as GameMaker (which was completely codeless).

Later in life, I was introduced to Brackeys - a YouTube channel designed to teach all things related to Unity (a very popular game engine). Needless to say all this game development stuff led me to taking a course at Algonquin College (2018-2020). There I learned the fundamentals of coding in various languages, as well as mastering game engines such as Unity and Unreal Engine.

Even though Brackeys had discontinued in 2020, his videos remain a legacy. The host, Asbjørn Thirslund, is (in my opinion) the greatest tutor for game development on YouTube. He had a huge following and was greatly respected. He was passionate and charismatic about his videos, and overall just a great guy. It was sad to see him leave because all his videos very informative, funny, and well made. If your interested in the fundamentals of coding and game development and don’t have the money for school, I highly recommend watching Brackeys!

Channel 3: Video Copilot

Video Copilot was the introduction to my love of filmmaking and creating videos. It was also the reason I enrolled in a Film Foundation’s course in Vancouver of 2011.

It started in early middle school, where me and my cousins made a funny lightsaber battle video. I was already well versed with computers, and so I was able to learn Adobe After Effects relatively fast. I posted this video on YouTube, which ended up making me quite popular in highschool. From there on, I was known for making videos and I had the reputation “the director”.

This essentially all started with the channel Video Copilot - a channel that features content to teach others how to edit and produce film. Not only are their videos very informative and fun, but the best introduction for any inspired filmmaker. I learned how to splice video, combine them together, apply post-production, and learn to 3D model and render effects digitally. I absolutely loved Video Copilot, and I recommend anyone who’s interested in video effects to checkout Video Copilot on YouTube.

Channel 4: BibleProject

It wasn’t soon after I left Vancouver, I fell into a minor depression. Life had become meaningless and I felt I was destined for desolation. Faith was my only resort at this point, which greatly lead me to the discovery of my next channel Bible Project.

This YouTube channel literally taught me all 66 books of the Bible in the span of a month. Their videos are short lived - around 5-10 minutes each - but each video goes astonishingly indepth about each section of each book in the Bible. It is a very resourceful and accessible tool for anyone eager to learn the Bible.

The cool thing is that with my understanding of the Bible and game development, I ended up making a Jesus game for mobile devices (iOS and Android). The game features a Bible questionnaire where people can learn the Bible together, either online or with family and friends. Needless to say, the channel Bible Project was a huge influence on this game project.

Because of Bible Project’s short-lived videos, it makes learning the Bible easy, especially to those who don’t have the time to read the extensive texts of the real Bible. For anyone interested in learning the Bible relatively fast, I definitely recommend Bible Project’s videos!

Channel 5: JavaScript Mastery

Lastly I will discuss the most important channel for my learning in design and development, JavaScript Mastery.

When I entered the program of Mobile App Design and Development (which I’m currently enrolled), JavaScript Mastery was the reason I was able to get up-to-date on web development quickly. This channel is extremely resourceful, full of depth and the videos are brilliantly made. This channel taught me everything frontend and backend, as well as fullstack development solutions (such as the MERN or PERN stack) in a short-matter of time.

Needless to say, JavaScript Mastery is a great source of information for any inspiring developer. The videos are short as not to lose the viewer’s attention, and their content is fresh and exciting. I truly recommend JavaScript Mastery for those in the development field, or simply interested in all things technology!

Anyways those were my top 5 channels on YouTube that I really appreciate. They all have great sources of information to learn from, and accessible to anyone of all ages and located all around the world. They are free to watch and fun at the same time. Whether your into guitar, game development, the Bible, filmmaking, or web development, I suggest checking out any of these channels! You won’t be unsatisfied, guaranteed!

I appreciate you reading my blog just now, and I hope you have a great day! God bless 🙂✝✝✝

Justin Bernard