You may have already seen the dozens of websites and tools we've recommended in our how to learn a foreign language guide, or our list of Spanish learning apps, websites, and techniques – which of course include Brainscape's Spanish flashcards.
But today, we're talking about FREE videos! YouTube is packed with pronunciation, vocabulary, and culture content. Watching foreign-language videos on YouTube allows you to capture visual cues and lip movements, while giving you the opportunity to interact with other learners with similar interests.
So we've chosen our top 10 favorite YouTube channels for learning Spanish. You can also make that video-watching more "active" by making flashcards in Brainscape for all the new words and phrases that you learn along the way.
So without further ado, here are our favorite channels (in no specific order):
Learn Spanish YouTube channels you should know
1. Butterfly Spanish
Ana has been producing YouTube videos for Spanish learners for over a decade, and still posts monthly updates. She's an expert on breaking down complex linguistics into simple, everyday terms, with plenty of detail on the differences between Mexico, Spain, and Latin America. She also has a handy express Spanish course for going on vacation that pairs well with Brainscape's Spanish Level 0.
2. Real World Spanish Lessons
This channel provides real examples of Spanish at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Laura focuses on entertaining videos based on everyday life scenarios. Her videos are a great way to expose yourself to real-world Spanish spoken slowly and clearly.
3. Speak Spanish Faster
The main goal of this channel is to help you become a more confident Spanish speaker. The videos are brief and each focuses on a specific topic, for example how to order food, learn without being discouraged, or master Caribbean Spanish. These videos emphasize that it's not essential to speak perfectly right way ... but that practice makes perfect!
4. Dreaming Spanish
This is a unique YouTube channel that teaches Spanish through authentic experiences. Each video is like taking a small trip to destinations that speak Spanish! If you're a new learner, this will become your go-to channel. It covers basic topics and helps you get a gist of the language in a short amount of time. There's new content every 3 days so you won't get bored!
5. Spanish with Qroo Paul
This channel has everything from expanding your vocabulary to understanding the intricacies of Spanish gerunds. With popular videos covering a range of topics, Qroo Paul provides grammar-focused content to enhance your language-learning journey. Join him on his YouTube channel, @QrooSpanish, and unlock the secrets to mastering Spanish with ease. ¡Vamos a hablar español!
6. Language of Earth
This channel features lessons on a few languages: Spanish, English, French, Hindi, and German. Its Spanish beginners playlist focuses on brief vocabulary lists, from family words to the names of kitchen items. It's a great way to prime yourself with an initial introduction to vocabulary and pronunciation before testing yourself with flashcards.
7. SpanishPod101
This channel provides an entertaining overview of Spanish language, life, and culture. It has free lessons on various useful topics (like fiestas!) and all the videos are in Spanish with available English subtitles (if you need them). These videos are aimed at intermediate and advanced learners, with the narration at a normal speed and a few interactive elements.
8. Spanish and Go
This adorable duo is perfect for anyone who's looking to travel to Spanish-speaking countries. This is the place to go if you want to learn real-world Spanish that will actually serve your conversational needs. Jim and May offer interesting insights on tricky cultural details (such as the Señora vs. Señorita debate), take you on adventures, and teach Spanish all at the same time.
9. Why not Spanish?
This channel features straightforward intermediate-level lessons with Cody, a Spanish learner, and Maria, his Spanish teacher. The student/teacher dialogue is an effective way to bring lessons home. Plus, you get the chance to 'participate' in activities and reply to lesson prompts.
10. esaudio
For the real grammar freaks, try trabeojoj’s channel videos on Spanish grammar. This is aimed for more advanced speakers of Spanish, but it will help you fine tune your speech by reviewing the ins and outs of the language. Their large selection of videos range from every thinkable topic of Spanish grammar.
Use YouTube as a supplement in your learning
These channels are great for entertainment and a bit of passive learning. Just remember that the real progress will come from a combination of resources, like tutors, activities, and tools.
Brainscape is one of the best tools out there to Learn Spanish. It provides a comprehensive, incremental way to build your Spanish vocabulary and grammar practice via adaptive audio flashcards, along with the world's most effective spaced repetition system for language learning. Brainscape's 'Learn Spanish' product is an essential part of any language study suite.
And remember, if you're looking for a more complete set of resources, check out our guide on how to learn Spanish more efficiently, with tons of great resources to help you practice your reading, speaking, and writing. ¡Buena suerte!