January 27 update: This article has been updated to include two more D&D YouTubers.
Anyone who frequents this blog will surely agree that the written word is the ideal form of Dungeons and Dragons content, but even I have to admit that the visual medium comes a close second.
And while we haven’t (yet) launched any sort of D&D Dispatch YouTube channel, there are still plenty of entertaining and knowledgeable creators that you could learn a thing or two from through viewing their videos.
I’ve put together a list of a few of my favorites for you to check out — and if I missed someone you think deserves a spot on the list, let me know in the comments below!
- See also:
JoCat
The wiggly dinosaur head behind the A Crap Guide To D&D series, JoCat most recently pulled off the most incredible feat known to D&D: Actually getting players in a room (well, in this case, a video) together at the same time.
Taking20
With tips for both DMs and players, Cody from Taking20 delves into some of the most interesting issues facing TTRPG players, as well as providing a veteran DMs perspective on the intricacies of running the game.
Puffin Forest
If you want to hear about some seriously silly (some may even say, Abserd) D&D stories, Puffin Forest is your guy. His animation style is just as endearing as the situations he finds himself in at the D&D table, making his videos little adventures in and of themselves.
Blaine Simple
With videos spanning everything D&D from What your favourite D&D dice says about you to How to time travel in D&D, Blaine Simple provides some eye-opening insights alongside his meme-y art style to make for some truly enjoyable content.
Ginny Di
Ginny Di has the YouTube game on lock. As a knowledgeable DM, experienced player, and D&D themed music maker, Ginny’s videos explore the more human(oid) side of D&D with videos like 10 things DMs wish players knew and The five hardest things about tabletop roleplaying.
Plus it doesn’t hurt that she does some seriously stunning cosplay.
Runesmith
Runesmith combines a calmingly commanding voice with some incredible insights to make videos that are equal parts entertaining and informative. Check out the channel’s Basically [monster]s series for the rundown of some of the game’s most iconic baddies; you won’t be disappointed.
MonarchsFactory
Dael Kingsmill is probably one of the the smartest D&D creators out there. Not only does she highlight weak points in the current systems, she offers interesting — and incredibly creative — alternatives for how to tackle them as a DM.
Aspiring dungeon masters would be doing themselves a disservice by not subscribing, as I know I’ve implemented a number of her suggestions at my own table.
XP to Level 3
Featuring everything from DM advice to D&D stories to some seriously hilarious skits, XP to Level 3 is the kind of channel that you can easily find yourself binging for hours on end.
Zee Bashew
Look no further for informative and aesthetically pleasing deep dives into individual spells than Zee Bashew’s Animated Spellbook series. The detail he puts into his animations is only bested by the knowledge Zee has of the spells he’s covering.
Probably the most professionally done channel on the list; and that’s saying something.
Matthew Colville
From worldbuilding to politics to just straight up DM tips, Matt Colville has been making D&D content on YouTube for over four years, and DMing for far longer. Check out his Running The Game series for a treasure trove of info.
Runehammer
Runehammer knows how to make YouTube videos exciting. With high-energy editing, Runehammer combines stunning visuals with well crafted D&D knowledge to make some unforgettable videos.