Deep Dives and Happy Accidents: YouTube Channels That Hooked Me
Sometimes, YouTube knows me better than I know myself. What starts as a quick search for a woodworking technique spirals into an evening spent learning about urban planning, watch restoration or the secret to a perfect fried chicken sandwich. These are the channels I never expected to love—but now, I can’t stop watching.
Some of the YouTube channels I watch align with my hobbies, like woodworking and music. Others opened doors to topics I hadn’t given much thought to before the algorithm intervened. And yet, each one shares a common thread: a passion for craft, creativity and expertise. Whether it’s building furniture, designing cities, fixing watches or cooking in Michelin-starred kitchens, these creators make their subjects irresistible.
If you’re looking for something new to dive into—or if you just want to see what YouTube’s finest have to offer—here’s a list of channels that keep me coming back.
Woodworking & Furniture Making
I first discovered Cris’ channel during her Tiny Apartment project, where she transformed an oddly shaped Lisbon apartment with custom carpentry. Her videos combine clear, practical explanations with ambitious, skillful builds, making you feel like you’re learning right alongside her.
Chris’ furniture designs are stunning, but what really sets his channel apart is the way he breaks things down. His videos aren’t step-by-step tutorials but deep dives into the challenges and problem-solving that come with woodworking. Thoughtful, precise and packed with insights, this is one for anyone who loves craft at its finest.
Nick’s furniture is inventive, stylish and full of character. Watching his videos feels less like following a how-to guide and more like unlocking new possibilities. His projects inspire, challenging you to think beyond the ordinary.
Building & City Planning
I didn’t realize how much I cared about buildings and cities until I started watching Stewart Hicks. A professor of architecture, he distills complex urban design concepts into engaging, visually compelling explanations. His use of models and graphics makes even the most technical topics feel accessible and fascinating.
Philip, a real-world urban planner, takes his expertise to Cities: Skylines, where he builds digital cities with a professional’s eye for detail. His videos are more than just entertainment—they’re lessons in smart city design, infrastructure, and the delicate balance between beauty and function.
Music & Production
Jack’s synth reviews and comparisons are what brought me to this channel, but his enthusiasm, musicianship, and sheer joy for sound kept me watching. Even if you’re not in the market for a new instrument, his videos are engaging, fun and packed with knowledge.
If you use Native Instruments’ Maschine, Jef's channel is essential viewing. His tutorials and reviews are clear, insightful, and endlessly useful. More than just a gear guy, he brings a deep love for music-making to every video, making his channel a treasure trove for home producers.
Unexpected Obsessions
I never thought I’d find watch repair fascinating, but here we are. Marshall’s calm narration and detailed restoration process make every video oddly satisfying. Watching a broken, grimy timepiece meticulously restored to its former glory is a lesson in patience, precision and pure craftsmanship.
London’s Food Scene: High & Low
Jack and Will, chefs at Fallow London, take you inside their kitchen to explore techniques, recipes, and culinary history. Whether they’re reviving Michelin-starred dishes from decades past or demonstrating simple but brilliant ways to cook eggs, their videos are informative, approachable and appetizing.
The Pengest Munch might seem niche, but the Connoisseur is, after all, primarily a fried chicken journalist for the mandem. If you know, you know. Come for the wings, stay for the crep check… boom-bow!
These channels have introduced me to new interests, deepened my appreciation for my own hobbies and provided countless hours of entertainment. Some are purely instructional, others are just fun to watch, but all of them showcase passion, skill and creativity in a way that makes you want to learn more. If the algorithm is going to keep leading me down rabbit holes, at least they’re good ones.