Real-Life Heroes on YouTube for Tweens and Teens
Watch these trailblazers share stories from their inspiring journeys, big and small.
Topics: Recommendations
Do your tweens and teens love inspirational real-life stories? The creators on these YouTube channels have some pretty awesome ones to tell. From dedicated dancers and athletes to change-makers engaging in random acts of kindness, the world is filled with all kinds of people doing incredible things. And the best part? Many of them are everyday folks who simply feel motivated to be the best they can be. There's a whole lot of courage, empathy, and bravery to be found on these channels—what will they inspire in you?
These creator channels, playlists, and videos are available to tweens and teens in the YouTube Supervised Experience, reviewed by Common Sense Media's affiliated partner Sensical, and were chosen for their ability to inspire empathy and understanding through true stories and experiences.
Channels
Meet Katya Echazarreta, the first Mexico-born woman to go into space. On her channel, she shares her journey as a NASA electrical engineer, as well as her work with the Space for Humanity organization. She inspires viewers to ask big questions, and also shares insight into her emotional experience as an astronaut.
Playlists
No Days Off: Season 2 | Whistle (age 8+)
Perseverance is the name of the game for these young athletes. This playlist is a collection of videos featuring tween and teen athletes following their passions. From gymnastics and hockey to scooter tricks, viewers will get a glimpse into the dedication that these athletes put into perfecting their skills.
The Lead Up | Teen Vogue (age 15+)
From a teen dancer to a professional violinist and an Olympic skateboarder, this playlist showcases the diverse daily routines of young trailblazers. Each video offers viewers a window to observe the featured subjects' routines, which may inspire journeys of their own.
Videos
"4 Stories About Overcoming Disabilities" | Great Big Story (age 11+)
Motivation and heroism come in many forms. This video showcases the incredible journeys of four people with disabilities pursuing their passions. Their stories of resilience, determination, and triumph show that anything is possible.
Meet Ezra French: sports ambassador, Paralympian champion, and inspiring hero. Ezra triumphs as he goes the distance in the world of track and field. His hopeful story illuminates a path for young dreamers everywhere.
"Random Acts of Kindness Triathlon | The Science of Happiness" | Participant (age 13+)
This video uncovers the science behind kindness through random acts of it. Participant's Science of Happiness program combines research with real-life action, showing viewers how spreading kindness can begin one step at a time.
"The Wavemaker of Change | Garvita Gulhati" | National Geographic India (age 13+)
Meet Garvita Gulhati, the "wavemaker of change," whose mission is to empower urban citizens to shrink their water footprint by reducing waste. This video is a great example of the power of one person's dedication to making a difference in the world.
"Upworthy Voices: Jaden Jefferson Is a Star Storyteller!" | Upworthy (age 13+)
With an insatiable curiosity and a knack for asking tough questions, teenage truth-seeker Jaden Jefferson tackles issues fearlessly and uncovers news in his community and beyond. Jaden's activism shows that age is no barrier to creating positive change.
"I Took a Gap Year to Travel the World" | wholesomesimon (age 15+)
By exploring the unknown (and the possibility of failure), Simon Kim finds community during his gap year and shows that the journey of figuring out who you are is ongoing and worthwhile. As Simon documents his adventures and growth, he demonstrates the importance of vulnerability and reflection, proving that not all heroes wear capes.
"For Those Waiting for Life to Happen" | Life of Riza (age 15+)
Do you ever feel like life is passing you by, or even that you're waiting for it to happen? Riza knows that feeling. Sometimes, being a hero in your own daily life can be about the small stuff: writing things out, trying new activities, and making mistakes. In this video, Riza shares what she's learned about life and finding identity, guiding viewers to be active participants in their own lives.
Don't miss the rest of our "Best of" YouTube Kids lists -- and be sure to check out more "Best of" YouTube tween and teen lists, too!
Where to watch:
These titles were reviewed by Common Sense Media's affiliated partner Sensical, a free service from the for-profit Common Sense Networks.
Do your tweens and teens love inspirational real-life stories? The creators on these YouTube channels have some pretty awesome ones to tell. From dedicated dancers and athletes to change-makers engaging in random acts of kindness, the world is filled with all kinds of people doing incredible things. And the best part? Many of them are everyday folks who simply feel motivated to be the best they can be. There's a whole lot of courage, empathy, and bravery to be found on these channels—what will they inspire in you?
These creator channels, playlists, and videos are available to tweens and teens in the YouTube Supervised Experience, reviewed by Common Sense Media's affiliated partner Sensical, and were chosen for their ability to inspire empathy and understanding through true stories and experiences.
Channels
Meet Katya Echazarreta, the first Mexico-born woman to go into space. On her channel, she shares her journey as a NASA electrical engineer, as well as her work with the Space for Humanity organization. She inspires viewers to ask big questions, and also shares insight into her emotional experience as an astronaut.
Playlists
No Days Off: Season 2 | Whistle (age 8+)
Perseverance is the name of the game for these young athletes. This playlist is a collection of videos featuring tween and teen athletes following their passions. From gymnastics and hockey to scooter tricks, viewers will get a glimpse into the dedication that these athletes put into perfecting their skills.
The Lead Up | Teen Vogue (age 15+)
From a teen dancer to a professional violinist and an Olympic skateboarder, this playlist showcases the diverse daily routines of young trailblazers. Each video offers viewers a window to observe the featured subjects' routines, which may inspire journeys of their own.
Videos
"4 Stories About Overcoming Disabilities" | Great Big Story (age 11+)
Motivation and heroism come in many forms. This video showcases the incredible journeys of four people with disabilities pursuing their passions. Their stories of resilience, determination, and triumph show that anything is possible.
Meet Ezra French: sports ambassador, Paralympian champion, and inspiring hero. Ezra triumphs as he goes the distance in the world of track and field. His hopeful story illuminates a path for young dreamers everywhere.
"Random Acts of Kindness Triathlon | The Science of Happiness" | Participant (age 13+)
This video uncovers the science behind kindness through random acts of it. Participant's Science of Happiness program combines research with real-life action, showing viewers how spreading kindness can begin one step at a time.
"The Wavemaker of Change | Garvita Gulhati" | National Geographic India (age 13+)
Meet Garvita Gulhati, the "wavemaker of change," whose mission is to empower urban citizens to shrink their water footprint by reducing waste. This video is a great example of the power of one person's dedication to making a difference in the world.
"Upworthy Voices: Jaden Jefferson Is a Star Storyteller!" | Upworthy (age 13+)
With an insatiable curiosity and a knack for asking tough questions, teenage truth-seeker Jaden Jefferson tackles issues fearlessly and uncovers news in his community and beyond. Jaden's activism shows that age is no barrier to creating positive change.
"I Took a Gap Year to Travel the World" | wholesomesimon (age 15+)
By exploring the unknown (and the possibility of failure), Simon Kim finds community during his gap year and shows that the journey of figuring out who you are is ongoing and worthwhile. As Simon documents his adventures and growth, he demonstrates the importance of vulnerability and reflection, proving that not all heroes wear capes.
"For Those Waiting for Life to Happen" | Life of Riza (age 15+)
Do you ever feel like life is passing you by, or even that you're waiting for it to happen? Riza knows that feeling. Sometimes, being a hero in your own daily life can be about the small stuff: writing things out, trying new activities, and making mistakes. In this video, Riza shares what she's learned about life and finding identity, guiding viewers to be active participants in their own lives.
Don't miss the rest of our "Best of" YouTube Kids lists -- and be sure to check out more "Best of" YouTube tween and teen lists, too!
Where to watch:
These titles were reviewed by Common Sense Media's affiliated partner Sensical, a free service from the for-profit Common Sense Networks.
Common Sense Media offers the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age.
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