The Best YouTube Channels That Actually Teach You to Get Better

In an era where hours of gameplay are recorded and uploaded daily, the best YouTube channels stand out not by entertainment value alone—but by how effectively they help you improve as a player.

These creators aren’t just great at the game—they’re excellent teachers. They break down complex ideas, analyze mistakes, and offer actionable advice that often beats trial-and-error grinding.

Watching random gameplay doesn’t offer insight. High-quality coaching content guides your improvement, offering frameworks and methods proven to work. It’s the difference between running blind drills and following a structured training regimen.

The best channels invest time into scripting, editing, and researching game systems and mechanics. They treat gameplay as a learning experience—not just entertainment.

If you want to get better, follow content creators who analyze, break down, and explain—rather than simply entertain with playthroughs. These are the channels that teach, and that’s why they top this list.

Game Maker’s Toolkit & Extra Credits: Learning Design and Strategy

If you want to understand the foundations of game mechanics, psychology, and systems that shape competition, Game Maker’s Toolkit (GMTK) and Extra Credits are two must-subscribe channels.

Mark Brown, the creator of GMTK, explores what makes game levels intuitive, how systems reward player choices, and why pacing matters. While his content leans toward developers, smart players absorb these lessons too.

Extra Credits, meanwhile, packages deep concepts into short animations. They’ve tackled topics like risk vs. reward, learning curves, and user psychology. If you’re serious about improving—not just playing—then understanding how games are built gives you an advantage over those who just “react.”

By learning how developers think, you begin to recognize intentional design elements. You become aware of pressure points in game flow, map movement patterns, and the psychology behind enemy actions. That awareness elevates you from being reactive to being strategic.

Read also: How to Build the Ultimate Retro Gaming Setup

ProGuides & Skill Capped: Structured Guides for Competitive Growth

For players trying to climb competitive ladders, especially in games like League of Legends, Valorant, or Overwatch, channels like ProGuides and Skill Capped offer structure.

ProGuides is known for its ranked tips, role-specific drills, and patch-by-patch updates. Their videos walk you through macro decisions, timing, and champion mechanics in ways most coaches don’t.

Skill Capped focuses on breaking down gameplay from high-elo players and turning those habits into drills you can use. Watching their content feels like getting a mini-coaching session. These aren’t surface-level tips. They’re frameworks for long-term growth.

The difference between these channels and others is the focus on improvement systems. They help you track progress, understand what to practice, and reduce random learning.

MatPat’s Game Theorists: Understanding the Psychology of Play

MatPat’s Game Theorists doesn’t just cover gaming—it dissects it. While many of the channel’s videos dive into lore, some offer surprisingly deep psychological breakdowns of gaming behaviors.

When you start to understand why players behave a certain way, or how games influence our decision-making, you gain tools that help you anticipate, react, and adapt.

These insights aren’t just entertaining—they’re applicable. You begin to notice patterns in your own thinking: when you tilt, when you overcommit, when you hesitate. You start to adjust in real time. That’s what makes Game Theorists more than just content—it becomes part of your mental training.

CS2 & Counter-Strike Creators: Tactical and Mechanical Drills

Creators like 3kliksphilip, NadeKing, and PimpCSGO have built libraries of practical lessons for shooters like Counter-Strike 2. They don’t just talk about settings—they guide you through positioning drills, utility usage, and pro-level map control.

These are creators who think like analysts. They don’t give you broad “get better” tips. They show you when to peek, how to hold angles, and why a certain smoke changes the round. Even if you don’t play CS2, you can apply these principles to other shooters.

Precision. Preparation. Positioning. These creators help refine all three.

How to Choose the Right Channel for You

Finding the right YouTube channel isn’t about popularity—it’s about fit. To truly improve, you need creators who match your learning style, goals, and level.

Start by defining what you want. Do you need help with aiming, decision-making, or mental performance? Once you know what you’re struggling with, search for creators who focus on those topics. For example, if map knowledge is weak, look for breakdowns from analysts who walk through maps in slow motion.

Pay attention to how creators teach. Some use humor. Others are more analytical. Choose the format that keeps you engaged and helps you retain information. If you find yourself zoning out during a video, it’s not the right teacher for you.

Also look for creators who produce series or structured playlists. One-off tips won’t transform your game. Consistent content builds routines.

Most importantly, apply what you learn. Don’t just watch. Pause the video, take notes, and jump into practice right away. The right channel is the one that not only teaches—but inspires you to act.

One Data-Backed Reason YouTube Learning Works

According to a 2023 report by Think With Google, 70% of gamers say YouTube is their primary learning platform for improving game performance. This isn’t surprising.

Unlike generic tutorials or long text guides, YouTube offers visual feedback, updated strategies, and personalized discovery based on your preferences.

FAQ: Best YouTube Channels for Improvement

1. Can I actually improve just by watching videos?
Only if you apply the lessons. Watching alone won’t work—you must combine it with practice.

2. Should I focus on one channel or follow multiple?
Start with one that fits your needs. Expand only when you’ve built consistency.

3. What types of videos are best—long guides or short tips?
Use both. Long guides build depth, short tips offer reminders. But make sure each video solves a specific problem.

4. How do I stay motivated through video-based learning?
Set a learning goal before watching. Write down takeaways and measure your improvement weekly.

5. Can I use these channels for any genre?
Yes. FPS, strategy, MOBAs, fighting games—all have high-quality creators.

6. How do I know if a YouTube channel is credible?
Look for channels with consistent uploads, transparent credentials, and positive feedback in the comments. If they cite sources, show results, or include community interaction, that’s a good sign they’re reliable.