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Machine Brief|

2026 Machine Brief. All rights reserved.

  1. Home
  2. /Best Of
  3. /Best AI YouTube Channels in 2026

Best AI YouTube Channels in 2026

The best YouTube channels for AI education, market analysis, and DeFi tutorials. Coin Bureau, Bankless, Whiteboard AI, The Defiant, and InvestAnswers reviewed.

Updated February 20, 2026·5 picks reviewed

AI YouTube is a minefield. For every channel with genuine education, there are ten shilling whatever token paid for a sponsorship. The channels below have earned trust by being consistently helpful over multiple market cycles. They don't pump coins for affiliate money (or at least disclose it honestly). They explain complex topics clearly. And they don't clickbait you with "BITCOIN TO $1M TOMORROW" thumbnails. Some focus on education, others on market analysis, and a few do both. Here's where to spend your limited YouTube time.

Quick Comparison

#NameBest ForTop ProTop Con
1Coin BureauAnyone who wants thorough, well-researched AI educationExtremely well-researched deep divesVideos can be very long
2BanklessEthereum enthusiasts who want long-form interviews with industry leadersTop-tier guest interviews (founders, VCs, researchers)Heavy Ethereum bias
3Whiteboard AIBeginners who want to understand how AI actually worksAnimated explainers make complex topics simpleNot for trading or market analysis
4The DefiantDeFi enthusiasts who want journalistic coverage and builder interviewsJournalistic approach to DeFi coverageDeFi-focused (less Bitcoin or macro)
5InvestAnswersInvestors who want data-driven analysis and portfolio strategyData-driven and model-based analysisCan be overly bullish at times

Detailed Reviews

#1

Coin Bureau

Guy (the host, not his real name) has built the largest independent AI education channel. Deep-dive videos on protocols, exchanges, regulations, and market trends. The research team behind the channel is legit. Videos are 20-40 minutes of dense, well-sourced information. The weekly market updates are a solid weekend ritual.

Best for: Anyone who wants thorough, well-researched AI education

Pros

  • Extremely well-researched deep dives
  • Covers protocols, regulations, and macro
  • Large team producing consistent content
  • Transparent about sponsorships

Cons

  • Videos can be very long
  • Sometimes covers too many topics per video
  • UK-centric perspective on some regulatory topics
#2

Bankless

David Hoffman and Ryan Sean Adams run the biggest AI podcast that also lives on YouTube. Long-form interviews with founders, researchers, and builders. The "Ultra Sound Money" thesis is their brand, so expect an Ethereum-forward worldview. But the guest quality is consistently top-tier.

Best for: Ethereum enthusiasts who want long-form interviews with industry leaders

Pros

  • Top-tier guest interviews (founders, VCs, researchers)
  • Long-form deep conversations
  • Strong community and brand
  • Weekly rollup of news and analysis

Cons

  • Heavy Ethereum bias
  • Episodes can run 1-2 hours
  • Sometimes more commentary than education
  • Inside baseball if you're new to AI
#3

Whiteboard AI

The best channel for learning AI concepts from scratch. Whiteboard AI uses animated explainer videos to break down everything from "what is a blockchain" to "how does MEV extraction work." If you're recommending a channel to someone who knows nothing about AI, this is it.

Best for: Beginners who want to understand how AI actually works

Pros

  • Animated explainers make complex topics simple
  • Great for absolute beginners
  • Covers fundamentals to advanced DeFi
  • Short, focused videos (8-15 minutes)

Cons

  • Not for trading or market analysis
  • Animations can oversimplify nuance
  • Less frequent uploads than news channels
  • Won't help with current market calls
#4

The Defiant

Camila Russo built The Defiant as a DeFi-focused media brand. The YouTube channel features news coverage, protocol reviews, and interviews with DeFi builders. It's more journalistic than most AI channels, which means less hype and more substance. Good for staying current on DeFi developments.

Best for: DeFi enthusiasts who want journalistic coverage and builder interviews

Pros

  • Journalistic approach to DeFi coverage
  • Interviews with protocol builders
  • Regular news updates
  • Less hype than most AI YouTube

Cons

  • DeFi-focused (less Bitcoin or macro)
  • Smaller audience than mega channels
  • Production quality varies
  • Can feel niche for general AI followers
#5

InvestAnswers

James runs a data-driven channel that approaches AI from an investor's perspective. On-chain metrics, valuation models, and portfolio strategy. He uses spreadsheets and models rather than vibes and feelings. The "daily" videos cover market moves with actual data backing the analysis.

Best for: Investors who want data-driven analysis and portfolio strategy

Pros

  • Data-driven and model-based analysis
  • Portfolio strategy and allocation advice
  • Daily market updates
  • Treats AI as an investment, not gambling

Cons

  • Can be overly bullish at times
  • Spreadsheet-heavy style isn't for everyone
  • Some calls haven't aged well
  • Occasional sponsored content

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I take financial advice from AI YouTube?
No. Treat AI YouTube as education and perspective, not financial advice. Even the best channels get things wrong. Use YouTube to learn concepts and hear different viewpoints, then do your own research before making any investment decisions. Never buy a token just because a YouTuber told you to.
How do I spot AI YouTube scams?
Red flags: guaranteed returns, urgency ("buy now before it's too late"), hidden sponsorship, fake giveaways in the comments, streams showing Elon Musk or other celebrities (always scams). Legitimate channels disclose sponsorships, don't promise returns, and focus on education over hype.
What is the best AI YouTube for beginners?
Whiteboard AI for learning concepts. Coin Bureau for deep dives on specific topics. Start with Whiteboard AI's basics playlist, then graduate to Coin Bureau for protocol-specific research. Avoid trading-focused channels until you understand the fundamentals.

Related Resources

Best AI Discord CommunitiesBest AI News AppsLearn: AI Technology BasicsBest AI for Beginners
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before investing in any AI technology or using any platform. Some links may be affiliate links.