11 English Videos with Subtitles

When you watch English videos with subtitles, you’re learning even though you’re also being entertained.

English subtitles will take you from “What are they saying?” to “I can totally understand this!”

In this post, you’ll learn more about why watching English videos with subtitles works, but first, I’ll tell you about 11 great YouTube channels to watch English videos with subtitles, to get you started on your video learning journey today.

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1. 6 Minute English

This BBC series includes a collection of English videos with subtitles that are each around six minutes long. They’re easy to watch because of the length and they come in a variety of topics. Many of the videos are educational and interesting, so besides learning English you can also learn some fun facts about everything from sea creatures to astronauts.

Each video comes with easy-to-read subtitles and are presented in simple language to make sure you can understand. Just click the speech bubble icon on the lower right side of the video screen to turn them on.

The videos also come with quiz questions, vocabulary lists and full transcripts to improve your understanding.

2. FluentU English

The FluentU English channel gives you the tools to take real-world English-language resources and use them to learn English—as it’s actually spoken by natives.

Improve your English listening skills with sitcoms, talk shows and reality TV.

Think about big ideas while studying English with TED talks.

Learn the latest English slang to make your conversation more lively.

You can even learn how to use Hollywood movies to learn English:

• An uplifting biography with Will Smith
• A gripping historical drama with Benedict Cumberbatch
• A political comedy with Steve Carrell
• A comic book super-villain’s story with Joaquin Phoenix

If you really want to dig in deep to specific videos, try the FluentU program.

3. Rachel’s English

This YouTube channel gives simple English video lessons and easy-to-understand English conversations with subtitles. These videos are great for learning pronunciation because Rachel speaks slowly and carefully so that you can follow along.

The subtitles help you understand what she’s saying and make it easy to write down words you need to look up later. Unlike many YouTube channels that use automated subtitles (which are often wrong) Rachel’s English creates their own, high-quality subtitles.

Rachel’s English covers lots of topics. One cool focus of this channel is commonly used slang. Rachel will use words that aren’t formal but are often used in everyday English speech. These are words you won’t learn in a textbook but she makes it easy to understand how to say them and how to use them.

4. TED Talks

TED Talks open up a world of personal opinions (beliefs or ways of thinking) and ideas. Most of the talks are only about 10 or 15 minutes long, although there are also many longer videos available to watch.

You can choose from TED Talks on just about any topic you can imagine: history, fashion, the environment, food and language, among many other choices.

Though TED Talks are given by speakers from all over the world, a lot of the talks are given in English.

Subtitles for English and other languages are created by native speakers. They are reviewed very carefully, so you can trust them to be accurate (correct).

Subtitles are easy to use on TED Talk videos: Just click or tap on the white “speech bubble” in the lower right corner of any video and look for the English subtitles.

For further study, you can look at a transcript (written-out version) of a talk. There is also a “reading list” of books and articles to help you learn more about the topic of a talk.

5. Learn English Conversation

This channel focuses on story. Each English conversation video presents a short story with very easy-to-understand dialogue. The videos start at a basic level and contain easier vocabulary than some of the other English subtitle resources.

To help you learn even more, Learn English Conversation includes a lot of repetition to help the words stick. The speakers will point at an object as they say the name to make sure you know what they’re talking about.

The repetition, plus the subtitles, will help you remember vocabulary words and their pronunciation. Although the subtitles on this channel are created automatically by YouTube, they’re mostly accurate because the speakers talk so slowly and clearly.

6. English Speeches

“English Speeches” is this amazing YouTube channel that really brings language learning to life.

It’s a treasure trove of powerful speeches from influential people worldwide, and it’s not just about learning English; it’s about getting inspired and motivated too.

The speeches cover all sorts of cool topics, from leadership to personal development, and they’re delivered with such clarity that it’s perfect for learners.

What’s even better is that they throw in subtitles, so you catch every word. It’s not just about language skills; it’s like a pep talk and language lesson rolled into one. 

7. Learn English with TV Series

“Learning English with TV Series” is an engaging and educational YouTube channel dedicated to helping language learners improve their English proficiency through popular TV series.

The channel curates clips from well-known shows, carefully selecting scenes that highlight common phrases, expressions, and diverse vocabulary.

Each video is accompanied by subtitles, making it accessible for learners at various proficiency levels. The channel’s approach not only aids in language acquisition but also offers cultural insights and context, making the learning process both enjoyable and effective.

Even though “TV series” is in the channel’s name, they also subtitle music videos, movies and more. There’s a lot of content, so you’ll always find something you want to watch.

8. VOA Learning English

This English learning channel from VOA News aims to teach you the language with up-to-date videos with subtitles about current events and culture. For example, you can learn English from popular movies or important vocabulary used in English news.

The level of Learning English is a bit more advanced than some of the other resources I’ve shared with you today, but there are a lot of topics to choose from if you’re interested in news events or research.

This website is a little bit different from the others because it doesn’t just contain videos. The site also has several news articles with the option to add audio and hear the news article read out loud. While it isn’t the same as watching a video with subtitles, it still gives the benefit of hearing words spoken at the same time as you see them written.

9. Zen English

“Zen English” is a YouTube channel that takes a calming and mindful approach to language learning. It’s like this serene space where you can absorb English in a relaxed manner.

The channel focuses on providing lessons and tips for learners who want to achieve a sense of tranquility while improving their English skills.

The videos cover various aspects of language learning, offering practical advice on grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation in a soothing and easy-to-follow style.

With a commitment to creating a positive and stress-free learning environment, “Zen English” is not just about language; it’s about cultivating a peaceful mindset as you embark on your language journey.

10. Daily English Conversation

This YouTube channel includes a wide variety of English conversations with subtitles. They’re organized in convenient playlists so you can easily choose videos for speaking practice, vocabulary building, learning English through stories and more.

Some of the most helpful Daily English Conversation videos focus on pronunciation. The speaker will read a phrase at different speeds and with different intonations while you read along with the subtitles. This is great practice because it’ll help you recognize the phrases said by different people and in different contexts.

11. PBS Nature

PBS is an amazing American broadcasting company that produces extremely interesting documentary films and TV series. You can browse their collection by clicking on the Shows and Video tabs.

One of my personal favorites is their PBS Nature series, which covers natural phenomena and animals all over the world. With beautiful cinematography and clever narration, the shows are really well made and easy to enjoy.

Should Subtitles Be English or Your Language?

While there are some benefits to having subtitles in your native tongue, the best way to learn English with subtitles is to put them in English. In fact, research has shown that watching English videos with English subtitles has a greater impact on language learning than watching with foreign subtitles or with no subtitles.

One of the great things about English subtitles is their repetition. You’ll get to hear and see new words, which can make them more memorable.

Subtitles will also help you associate your written English with spoken English. In a classroom setting, you may learn how to read in English but still feel unsure about how to speak it well. Watching videos with English subtitles will show you how to pronounce each word correctly, how it’s spelled and how to use them in conversation, all at once.

Finally, watching an English video with English subtitles is an immersive way to learn. Learning through immersion (surrounding yourself with the written and spoken language) is one of the best and quickest ways to learn English. That’s because it forces you to use English and think in English, rather than relying on translations. It’ll increase your listening comprehension and give you unbeatable conversation skills.

 

Check out these resources, where you’ll find so many enjoyable English videos with subtitles to choose from.

The added repetition of subtitles will help your English learning, but the great videos may even make you forget that you’re learning a language.