For indie filmmakers looking to hone their craft and get tips and tricks from some of the most successful filmmakers in the industry, YouTube is packed to the brim with free content that can help you grow your knowledge and skills.
However, there’s so much content, it can be hard to know where to start. So we’ve plucked out some of our favorite filmmaking channels that cover a wide variety of topics, from software tips and tricks to film analysis.
Here are our picks for the 15 best YouTube channels for filmmakers that you need to subscribe to this year.
Justin Odisho
Justin Odisho has amassed a huge following, thanks to how much content he can create in a given week.
Averaging 3-4 videos per week, he covers all sorts of topics, from gear reviews to After Effects and Adobe Premiere Pro tutorials.
Number of Subscribers: 866K
Most Popular Video:
The Wandering DP
The Wandering DP started as a podcast and has now expanded into a content-rich YouTube channel that focuses on the art of cinematography.
From lighting tutorials to in-depth analysis of the visual elements of popular TV shows and films, if you’re interested in cinematography, this channel is packed with premium content.
Number of Subscribers: 54.9K
Most Popular Video:
Flick
Instead of focusing on just cinematography or directing, Flick covers topics across all of the film industry. From career information about the intricacies of working on a professional film set to more technical gear reviews, there is literally something for everyone on this eclectic channel.
Whether you’re just starting out in the industry or a seasoned pro, this is one channel you need to give a watch.
Number of Subscribers: 17.6K
Most Popular Video:
Becki and Chris
Becki and Chris is a channel created by a filmmaking couple of the same names and is a great example of clean, wholesome content focused on getting the most out of your film gear and unlocking your creativity. Part DIY filmmaking guide, part lifestyle channel, this couple give everyone a peek into their lives as professional filmmakers who share their life together.
Number of Subscribers: 291K
Most Popular Video:
Of Two Lands
A channel run by another creative couple, Florent and Amberly. They offer filmmaking tips by first shooting stunning documentary-style shorts and then breaking down the gear and techniques they use to create their shots.
They take advantage of the amazing natural landscape of Australia, where they live, to create content that is as beautiful as it is educational.
Number of Subscribers: 24.4K
Most Popular Video:
Indy Mogul
Indy Mogul has been pumping out content for well over a decade, and there's a good reason they're still one of the top filmmaking YouTube channels of all time.
They mix humor with helpful educational content that covers everything from gear to lighting to editing tutorials. They are all about helping indie filmmakers improve their craft, but their deep dives into film history and content reviews mean that there's something for everyone, even if you don't enjoy the more technical stuff.
Number of Subscribers: 1.28M
Most Popular (Recent) Video:
StudioBinder
This channel balances film theory analysis with filmmaking tutorials and offers a wide variety of content that filmmakers of all skill levels can enjoy.
Run by a popular production management software company, this corporate channel gets things very right, largely due to their access to Hollywood tastemakers who sit down for interviews and masterclass-style videos that provide valuable insight into how the best in the business hone their craft.
Number of Subscribers: 814K
Most Popular Video:
Cinecom.net
Cinecom.net is a filmmaking thrill ride, where the creators participate in everything from crazy filmmaking challenges to more typical film technique tutorials.
There are even fun, and insightful "shorts" that cover a wide variety of podcast-like topics such as "What gear do I regret buying?" and other hot takes. With multiple new pieces of content every week, this is a nonstop pipeline of filmmaking-related content.
Number of Subscribers: 2.22M
Most Popular Video:
Create together remotely, in real time
Filmmaker IQ
Filmmaker IQ combines podcast-like commentary content with in-depth filmmaking tutorials that are presented with power-point style and rival many college filmmaking courses in their comprehensive detail.
Honestly, we'd recommend checking out this channel before you shell out big bucks on a filmmaking course.
Number of Subscribers: 388K
Most Popular Video:
Philip Bloom
If you like gear reviews, Philip Bloom has you covered.
It would be hard to imagine a piece of gear that Philip hasn’t done a thorough review of, and because of that, this channel is a great resource if you’re in the market for your next camera or lens purchase.
Number of Subscribers: 228K
Most Popular Video:
Film Courage
If your passion is screenwriting, Film Courage is a channel you need to check out. It features in-depth interviews with some of the most successful writers in Hollywood, as well as inspiring content to help young writers get "unstuck" and finally finish their dream manuscript. Even if you're not a screenwriter, this channel will help you better understand the art of storytelling for film.
Number of Subscribers: 346K
Most Popular Video:
Aputure
If you’re passionate about cinematography and specifically want content that focuses on improving your lighting and learning how to use the latest in lighting gear, you need to check out Aputure.
Aputure's channel not only demonstrates how to use their proprietary gear but also gives fantastic demonstrations on how to light for a wide variety of moods and scenarios in your projects.
Number of Subscribers: 250K
Most Popular Video:
PremiumBeat by Shutterstock
Shutterstock’s channel for filmmakers, PremiumBeat, goes above and beyond and is packed full of tutorials that will teach you how to edit like a pro.
Want to master After Effects, Premiere Pro, or Final Cut? There are hundreds of tutorials that will have you editing and creating visual effects that rival the pros.
Number of Subscribers: 190K
Most Popular Video:
Film Riot
Speaking of vfx, Film Riot's bread and butter have been teaching up-and-coming filmmakers how to create stunning visual effects for over a decade.
This hyperactive filmmaking team delivers content at rapid-fire speeds but still provides plenty of visuals and step-by-step demos to help you expand your visual effects toolkit.
Number of Subscribers: 1.78M
Most Popular (Recent) Video:
TIFF Originals
If you like getting an insider scoop on the best and newest developments in independent filmmaking, the official YouTube channel of the Toronto International Film Festival is a cinephile’s dream.
From online screenings of nominated shorts to celebrity interviews, this is the film festival experience we’ve all been craving in our post-pandemic world.
Number of Subscribers: 144K
Most Popular Video:
This list barely covers the tip of the iceberg when it comes to diving into the millions of hours of content that are available to help budding filmmakers and seasoned pros alike refine their craft.
If you’re struggling to work closely with your filmmaking team in the world of remote work, check out Evercast. Evercast allows you to stream your edit sessions in HD while video chatting and exchanging notes with your team, all under one platform. It works with any popular video production software and will allow your team to work together seamlessly through every step of the creative process.
