Top 10 News Youtubers to Watch in 2025

Jessica Li
Chief of Staff

In this article, we will explore the Top 10 News YouTubers, diving into the unique styles and content of creators like Philip DeFranco, The Young Turks, Secular Talk, CNN, and Vice News. We'll break down what makes each of these channels stand out in the crowded digital news landscape.

1. Philip DeFranco

Who is Philip DeFranco?

Philip DeFranco, whose real name is Philip DeFranco, is a prominent YouTube content creator known for his engaging news and pop culture commentary. He launched his YouTube channel on September 16, 2006, and has since amassed millions of subscribers and billions of views. You can explore more about his work on his YouTube channel.

Philip DeFranco is based in the United States, with his birthplace being New York City, NY.

Audience

Philip DeFranco's audience primarily consists of young adults and adults who are keen on staying updated with news and pop culture. For instance, his viewers frequently engage with content on current events and trending topics, such as political updates and celebrity news, indicating a preference for timely and relevant information.

Key Metrics

Philip DeFranco's YouTube channel boasts impressive statistics that highlight his influence and reach:

  • Engagement Rate: 4.73%
  • Subscribers: 6.56M
  • Average Video Length: 26.27 minutes
  • Video Views: 2.26B

Content Focus

  • Philip DeFranco creates news and pop culture content, discussing current events, trending topics, and significant news stories.
  • He covers a wide range of topics, including celebrity news, political events, social issues, international news, and technology.
  • His style is direct and engaging, often starting with a signature greeting and mixing news reporting with personal commentary.

2. The Young Turks

Who is The Young Turks?

The Young Turks, created by Cenk Uygur and Ben Mankiewicz, is a prominent news and commentary program that joined YouTube on December 21, 2005. Known for its progressive stance, the channel covers a wide range of topics including politics, entertainment, and pop culture. You can explore more about their work on their YouTube channel.

The Young Turks, a prominent news and commentary program, is based in the United States.

Audience

The audience that tends to watch The Young Turks is primarily composed of younger, politically active viewers who lean towards progressive ideologies. For example, they frequently engage with live broadcasts and members-only content, indicating a high level of interest in real-time political commentary and exclusive insights.

Key Metrics

The Young Turks' YouTube channel showcases impressive statistics that highlight its significant influence and reach:

  • Engagement Rate: 4.26%
  • Subscribers: 6.09M
  • Average Video Length: 13.29 minutes
  • Video Views: 6.94B

Content Focus

  • The Young Turks produces news and political commentary videos, often featuring live discussions and debates.
  • They cover a wide range of topics including social issues, political campaigns, and current events.
  • The channel also offers members-only content, podcasts, and special segments, providing in-depth analysis and exclusive insights.

3. Secular Talk

Who is Secular Talk?

Secular Talk, hosted by Kyle Edward Kulinski, is a YouTube channel that provides news and political commentary from a populist left perspective. Kulinski launched the channel on April 22, 2008, and has since garnered a substantial following. You can explore more about his work on his YouTube channel.

Secular Talk, hosted by Kyle Kulinski, is based in Westchester County, New York, U.S.

Audience

The audience that tends to watch Secular Talk is primarily composed of politically active individuals who lean towards progressive and populist left ideologies. For example, viewers frequently engage with Kyle Kulinski's live streams and community posts, indicating a strong interest in real-time political discussions and direct interaction with the host.

Key Metrics

Secular Talk's YouTube channel showcases impressive statistics that highlight its significant influence and reach:

  • Engagement Rate: 7.57%
  • Subscribers: 1.4M
  • Average Video Length: 9.6 minutes
  • Video Views: 1.29B

Content Focus

  • Secular Talk produces news and political commentary videos, often focusing on current events and political developments from a populist left perspective.
  • The channel frequently covers controversial and trending topics, such as political scandals, policy debates, and electoral politics.
  • Secular Talk also features segments like "Kyle & Corin Podcast" and "Secular Talk(ing Smack)," providing in-depth discussions and personal insights on various issues.

4. CNN

Who is CNN?

CNN, known for its comprehensive news coverage, joined YouTube on October 2, 2005. The channel has amassed 17.3 million subscribers and features a wide range of content, from current events to in-depth analysis. You can explore more about their work on their YouTube channel.

CNN is based in the United States, with its headquarters located in Atlanta, Georgia.

Audience

The audience that tends to watch CNN is primarily composed of adults who are keen on staying updated with global news and current events. For example, viewers frequently engage with content on major political events and figures, such as the featured video on Trump’s administration picks, and long-form storytelling episodes hosted by Anderson Cooper, indicating a preference for in-depth analysis and comprehensive news coverage.

Key Metrics

CNN's YouTube channel showcases a wide range of news content and in-depth analysis.

  • Subscribers: 17.3M
  • Average Video Length: 31.06 minutes
  • Video Views: 418,746

Content Focus

  • CNN produces comprehensive news coverage, including breaking news, in-depth analysis, and live reporting on global events.
  • The channel features special shows and series, such as "The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper" and "The Lead with Jake Tapper," offering detailed insights and expert opinions.
  • CNN also creates content on a variety of topics, including politics, entertainment, science and technology, health, and culture, ensuring a broad range of interests are covered.

5. Vice News

Who is Vice News?

Vice News, a division of Vice Media, is known for its immersive and often unconventional journalism. The channel joined YouTube on December 16, 2005, and has since amassed a significant following. You can explore more about their work on their YouTube channel.

Vice News is based in the United States, with its headquarters located in New York City, New York.

Audience

The audience that tends to watch Vice News is primarily composed of individuals interested in unconventional journalism and global issues. For example, viewers frequently engage with series like "The War on Drugs" and "WEEDIQUETTE," indicating a strong interest in controversial topics such as drug culture and political activism.

Key Metrics

Vice News, a division of Vice Media, is known for its immersive and often unconventional journalism.

  • Subscribers: 18.7M
  • Average Video Length: 13 minutes and 9 seconds
  • Video Views: 217,315

Content Focus

  • VICE News produces immersive and often unconventional journalism, covering a wide range of topics including culture, crime, and political activism.
  • The channel features series like "The War on Drugs" and "WEEDIQUETTE," which explore controversial topics such as global drug policies and marijuana culture.
  • VICE News also delves into unique and personal stories through series like "I Was There" and "Informer," offering firsthand accounts and insider perspectives.

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6. BBC News

Who is BBC News?

BBC News, officially known as the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), is a division of the BBC responsible for news and current affairs. The channel joined YouTube on April 8, 2006, and has since become a significant source of global news with an impartial perspective. You can explore more about their work on their YouTube channel.

BBC News is based in the United Kingdom, with its headquarters located in Broadcasting House, London.

Audience

The audience that tends to watch BBC News is primarily composed of adults interested in current affairs, politics, and global news. For example, viewers frequently engage with content on significant events like the Israel-Gaza conflict and the US Election 2024, indicating a preference for timely and comprehensive news coverage.

Key Metrics

BBC News is a significant source of global news with an impartial perspective.

  • Subscribers: 17M
  • Average Video Length: 7 minutes
  • Video Views: 301K

Content Focus

  • BBC News produces a variety of content including news videos, live broadcasts, shorts, and documentaries, covering a wide range of topics such as current events, politics, and international conflicts.
  • The channel features structured playlists based on themes and ongoing events, making it easier for viewers to find related videos and stay updated on specific topics.
  • In addition to regular news videos, BBC News offers short-form content and documentaries, providing both in-depth analysis and quick updates.

7. The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Who is The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, hosted by Stephen Colbert, is a popular American late-night talk show that joined YouTube on May 27, 2015. The channel features a variety of content related to the show, including full episodes, monologues, guest interviews, musical performances, and web exclusives. You can explore more about their work on their YouTube channel.

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is based in the United States, with its location at the Ed Sullivan Theater in Manhattan, New York.

Audience

The audience that tends to watch The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is primarily composed of adults who enjoy late-night comedy and political satire. For example, viewers frequently engage with Stephen's opening monologues and guest interviews, indicating a strong interest in humorous takes on current events and celebrity insights.

Key Metrics

The Late Show with Stephen Colbert's YouTube channel offers a variety of content related to the show, including full episodes, monologues, guest interviews, musical performances, and web exclusives.

  • Subscribers: 9.59M
  • Average Video Length: 8-11 minutes
  • Video Views: 2.3M

Content Focus

  • The Late Show with Stephen Colbert produces a variety of content including full episodes, opening monologues, guest interviews, musical performances, cold opens, taped segments, and web exclusives.
  • Key segments include "The Colbert Questionert," where guests answer quirky questions, and "Meanwhile," which focuses on bizarre and humorous news stories.
  • The channel features comedic and satirical takes on current events, politics, and entertainment, often through pre-recorded skits and live performances.

8. LastWeekTonight

Who is LastWeekTonight?

LastWeekTonight, hosted by John Oliver, is a popular YouTube channel that joined the platform on March 18, 2014. The channel features satirical takes on news, politics, and current events, often delving into complex topics with humor and in-depth analysis. You can explore more about their work on their YouTube channel.

LastWeekTonight is based in New York, New York, with its production taking place at the CBS Broadcast Center.

Audience

The audience that tends to watch LastWeekTonight is primarily composed of adults who enjoy satirical takes on current events and political issues. For example, viewers frequently engage with videos like "TikTok Ban: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)," which has garnered over 3.5 million views, indicating a strong interest in humorous yet in-depth analysis of contemporary topics.

Key Metrics

LastWeekTonight, hosted by John Oliver, is a popular YouTube channel that offers satirical takes on news, politics, and current events.

  • Subscribers: 9.64M
  • Average Video Length: 24-27 minutes
  • Video Views: 3,528,875

Content Focus

  • LastWeekTonight produces satirical and comedic takes on current events, politics, and social issues, often delving into complex topics with humor and in-depth analysis.
  • The channel features a mix of long-form video essays, shorter clips, and web-exclusive content, providing both comprehensive coverage and quick insights.
  • Hosted by John Oliver, the content includes monologues, interviews, and investigative pieces, offering a blend of informative and entertaining segments.

9. Tim Pool

Who is Tim Pool?

Tim Pool, whose real name is Timothy Daniel Pool, is a well-known journalist and commentator on YouTube. He joined the platform on December 22, 2011, and has since gained a substantial following for his breaking news and political commentary. You can explore more about his work on his YouTube channel.

Tim Pool is based in the United States, with his birthplace being Chicago, IL.

Audience

The audience that tends to watch Tim Pool is primarily composed of adults interested in breaking news, political commentary, and cultural issues. For example, viewers frequently engage with videos like "Chicago Has FALLEN, Violent Crime & Gangs Are Rampant As Authorities DO NOTHING" and "Phil Labonte Says Trump MUST USE The FULL LEGAL POWER Of The Presidency To FIX The Government," indicating a strong interest in discussions about crime, government policies, and political figures.

Key Metrics

Tim Pool's YouTube channel, Timcast, offers a mix of breaking news, political commentary, and cultural discussions.

  • Subscribers: 1.38M
  • Average Video Length: 13 minutes
  • Video Views: 55,634

Content Focus

  • Tim Pool creates breaking news videos, providing timely updates on significant events around the world.
  • He offers commentary on political and cultural issues, often delving into controversial and polarizing topics.
  • His content includes a mix of formats such as podcasts, live streams, and short clips, catering to various viewer preferences.

10. Breaking Points

Who is Breaking Points?

CNN, officially known as the Cable News Network, joined YouTube on October 2, 2005, and has since become a major source of global news and in-depth analysis. The channel features a wide range of content, from breaking news to comprehensive reports on current events. You can explore more about their work on their Breaking Points channel.

Breaking Points, hosted by Krystal and Saagar, is based in the United States.

Audience

The audience that tends to watch Breaking Points is primarily composed of politically engaged individuals interested in anti-establishment viewpoints and independent news analysis. For example, viewers frequently engage with videos like "CounterPoints FRIDAY" and "2024 Candidate Interviews," indicating a strong interest in current political events and in-depth discussions with political figures.

Key Metrics

Breaking Points, hosted by Krystal and Saagar, is a fearless anti-establishment YouTube show and podcast.

  • Subscribers: 1.37M
  • Average Video Length: 24-27 minutes
  • Video Views: 652K

Content Focus

  • Breaking Points produces political commentary and analysis, offering in-depth discussions on current events, public policies, and social issues.
  • The channel features interviews with political figures and candidates, providing viewers with diverse perspectives and insights.
  • Breaking Points critiques mainstream media and establishment politics, presenting alternative viewpoints and independent news analysis.

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