I highly prefer learning through watching videos over reading rulebooks. So I’m constantly checking out YouTube channels for all things board games. 

Here’s some of the top YouTube channels for reviews, run throughs, game design and more! 

These are not in any particular order necessarily, just highly rated and subscribed to board game channels.

Top Board Game YouTubers (General & Reviews)

Here’s a list of popular channels that focus on board game reviews:

1. The Dice Tower – Tom Vasel, Zee Garcia, and crew are among the most well-known reviewers and commentators in the hobby.

2. Shut Up & Sit Down – British-Canadian group famous for hilarious, cinematic, and insightful board game reviews.

3. No Pun Included – Engaging, thoughtful reviews with great production quality and humor.

4. Watch It Played – Rodney Smith focuses on clear, friendly rules explanations and tutorials.

5. BoardGameCo – Alex Radcliffe discusses game reviews, collection management, Kickstarters, and market trends.

6. Quackalope – Jesse Anderson and team do in-depth game overviews, Kickstarter previews, and creative storytelling videos.

7. Before You Play – Monique and Naveen do cozy, detailed playthroughs with great teaching segments.

8. Rahdo Runs Through – Richard Ham gives enthusiastic run-throughs of games with emphasis on mechanics and player experience.

9. Actualol – Board game comedy, skits, and reviews from Jon Purkis — super entertaining and clever.

10. Man vs Meeple – High-quality reviews, previews, and interviews with designers and publishers.

Board Game Playthrough & Strategy Focused Channels

If you’re looking for fun playthroughs to see if you might like a board game, many of these channels do a great job of showing you before you have to buy.

1. The Brothers Murph – Fun, personality-driven playthroughs and discussion videos.

2. 3 Minute Board Games – Concise, high-energy reviews that fit into three minutes (great for quick overviews).

3. One Stop Co-op Shop – Excellent for solo and cooperative games, including Marvel Champions, Arkham Horror, and Gloomhaven content.

4. Heavy Cardboard – Edward Uhler’s channel for heavy Eurogame playthroughs and strategy discussions.

5. Gaming Rules! – Paul Grogan provides professional rules explanations, playthroughs, and rulebook consulting insights.

6. JonGetsGames – Calm, thoughtful walkthroughs and rules overviews; ideal for understanding gameplay before buying.

7. Slickerdrips – Relaxed playthroughs, often solo or co-op games.

Thematic & Niche Board Game Content Creators on YouTube

From couples focused channels to a stand up comedian, there’s lots of variety in the board game YouTuber channels:

1. ThinkerThemer – Great couple who focus on the aesthetic, theme, and gameplay balance of modern board games.

2. Meeple University – Rules teach videos, previews, and collaborations with publishers.

3. Shelfside – Witty, well-produced skits and reviews with a younger, energetic tone.

4. Our Family Plays Games – Fun and inclusive family-focused channel with strong community vibes.

5. Grant Lyon – Stand-up comedian and board gamer who mixes humor and game reviews.

Board Game Design & Industry-Focused YouTube Channels

1. Board Game Design Lab – Interviews and insights for aspiring board game designers.

2. Jamey Stegmaier – Creator of Scythe and Wingspan publisher; shares behind-the-scenes design and publishing advice. (See some of his best board games here)

3. Game Boy Geek – Clean, professional reviews with an emphasis on helping players “find the next game you’ll love.”

4. Tabletop with Wil Wheaton (archived but legendary) – Brought many people into the modern board game hobby.

Popular Board Game Channels on YouTube Wrap Up

So that’s quite a long list of great board game YouTubers. I’m sure there are a bit more that didn’t make the list that are great, but we will leave it at this for now. 

If you enjoyed this list and want to checkout more from SLG, you might want to read:

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• How to Make Your Board Game Prototype
• Board Gaming on a Budget
• Fun Inference and Deduction Games