Isn’t YouTube a destination for mindless distractions?

Actually, non!

YouTube is a French learner’s paradise.

On YouTube, French learners can find hundreds of free channels and videos to—you guessed it—learn French.

So when it’s time to learn French, YouTube makes a lot of sense.

But this leads to another challenge.

The quality of French YouTube lessons can vary a lot. You have to spend a ton of time sorting out the best French learning YouTube channels, especially if you’re a beginner.

That’s why we’ve done the sorting for you.

Below you’ll find the 10 best YouTube channels to learn French in 2022, from mega-popular language instructors to unique sources of native-level French and more.

But you’re wondering—out of all the resources you could be using, why learn French on YouTube?

• You might already have books or a teacher, but you can diversify your language learning and vocabulary with multiple sources.

• You can watch at your own pace and review anything you don’t understand.

• The best French learning content on YouTube is actually really good. I’d argue that the need to compete with the rest of YouTube has forced these teachers to work even harder.

• Did I mention it’s free?

Learn French on YouTube: 10 Info-packed Channels in 2022 for Classroom Quality Language Lessons

So without further ado, here are our top 10 recommendations for learning French on YouTube. Most of these channels are designed specifically for French learners, but we’ll also cover some that’ll get you started with understanding and using authentic French—the type native speakers actually use in real conversations.

1. Learn French with FrenchPod101.com

As sweet as a chocolate éclair and as crisp as a slice of French toast, FrenchPod101’s video lessons offer a slick and comfortable introduction to the language.

Head to the playlists page to see all their series for different levels and learning goals. There are tons of videos covering the basics, including vocabulary, cultural insights and study tips.

FrenchPod101 specifically designs its videos to be informative but entertaining. The videos are presented by engaging native speakers and French experts.

This channel is a smart place to start your YouTube French learning, because it’ll give you the foundations but you can also stick with it as you advance towards fluency.

For absolute beginners, check out the series “French in 3 Minutes” (linked above). If you’re looking for videos about grammar, FrenchPod101 has a great section for intermediate and advanced learners called “Ask a French Teacher.”

If you enjoy these videos, check out FrenchPod101’s popular video and audio podcast lessons. There are hundreds of lessons with more being added all the time. Plus, the podcasts come with PDF lesson notes and access to a community of French learners and speakers. It’s a great option to diversify your French studies.

2. Learn French with Alexa

Alexa is someone you warm to immediately. Her French lessons win top marks for fun as they have a rich vein of humor running through them. For example, in some of the lessons, you’ll see her interact with a puppet. Don’t panic or run for the hills, this isn’t a silly gimmick. It’s actually quite a good way to make the learning enjoyable and interesting.

All of the lessons involve Alexa speaking straight to the camera and her words are accompanied by subtitles in French. Her teaching style is conversational and engaging and she naturally slips in the English translations as she goes along.

Many of the videos are short, at about two minutes in length, but there are some even shorter ones. Blink and you might just miss them. A few of the video lessons are devoted to the conjugation of just one verb such as boire (to drink), dormir (to sleep) and avoir (to have)—it’s a very snappy way to get to grips with some of the basics.

Alexa also occasionally does livestreams where she’ll answer your French questions live!

The French learning video series on YouTube is aimed squarely at beginners.

3. Learn French with Pascal

Learn French with Pascal has lots of free videos that are aimed at the beginner and intermediate French language student. There’s no teacher in sight, just graphics and subtitles. The presentation is sharp and succinct with a conversational style. Most of the lessons last for about five to 10 minutes.

4. Coffee Break French

Coffee Break French is a popular learner’s resource that posts a variety of free learning resources on YouTube.

The focus is learning French for real-life situations, and the host will often shoot videos in places such as the Paris Metro. Among the highlights of this channel is the good, lively presentation.

5. Learn French with Vincent

Vincent is an experienced French educator and a popular YouTube language instructor and his channel is aimed at all levels. There are a lot of videos here on grammar, vocabulary and everyday situations.

6. Monde des Titounis

For families learning French together, Monde des Titounis (World of Titounis) is a popular French kids’ channel. The content includes age-appropriate songs and short stories designed to expose children to French when they’re young enough to absorb it without too much effort.

But they’re also great for adult French learners. Since the videos are made for French kids, they’re not so hard to follow and they don’t feel like language study. They incorporate fun topics like drawing lessons or arts and crafts.

Monde des Titounis is a great first step into authentic French content. You’ll hear basic vocabulary and sentence structure, while the relatively simple themes and supporting illustrations help with comprehension.

7. Classiques du Cinema Français

Watching movies in French is a strategic way to start preparing for real, live French conversations.

On one hand, the dialogue is usually at a natural pace and sometimes there are tricky accents or background noise. On the other hand, you know the context of the conversation and you can always slow down, rewind or put subtitles on the video for added support.

Classiques du cinema français (Classics of French Cinema) is a YouTube playlist offering tons of classic movies, from comedy to horror and lots more, for free.

It may be hard at first, but if you dedicate yourself to watching every film in the playlist, you’ll be listening to French without straining in no time!

8. Bruno Maltor’s Travel Vlog

Thinking about going abroad? Or just need to satisfy some wanderlust from home? Travel vlogs like Bruno Maltor’s are a popular genre on YouTube.

Maltor is well-known in France, and in my personal opinion, not only is the content he offers amazing, but he also has a very neutral accent perfect for all levels of learners. Many of his videos also come with quality subtitles (not just the iffy auto-generated YouTube ones), which are the perfect training wheels for understanding natural and informal French.

9. Livres Audio

This YouTube channel is a treasure trove of free, public domain audiobooks in French. It’s a great way for upper-intermediate and advanced learners to give their listening skills a dedicated workout—while enjoying some of the best that French literature has to offer.

These recordings are hours long, so try to set reasonable listening goals for yourself. As you practice (and get more wrapped up in the story) you’ll find yourself able to hold longer and longer listening sessions.

Note: Some of the videos are recorded in English, so be sure to do a quick preview listen before choosing one.

10. Français avec Pierre (French with Pierre)

Français avec Pierre is a YouTube channel that makes videos completely in French. While this may be a little intimidating for beginner learners, English and French subtitles are available for all videos.

Besides, French-only audio is a great way to be immersed in French and learn useful grammar, vocabulary and tips at the same time. For example, the video above gives learners 10 austuces pour parler comme un Français (10 tips for speaking like a French person), and learners have access to subtitles in languages like English, Arabic and Czech.

In addition to the videos available on the YouTube channel, Français avec Pierre users can access additional learning material on their website. These materials include exercises, transcripts and in-depth French courses for beginner and intermediate learners.

Don’t know where to start? Useful playlists include free French lessons, French short stories and French grammar lessons.