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Popular Comedy YouTubers Kids Go Crazy Over

From silly skits to wacky challenges to entertaining rants, YouTube offers kids quick hits of comedy that they can't find anywhere else.

Topics: Screen Time

Ask kids what they like to watch on YouTube, and the answer is almost always, "Something funny!" (If they're not watching Minecraft videos, beauty vloggers, or other kids, that is.) So it's no wonder kids are often glued to their devices. Humor -- mixed with a random quality kids love -- is something YouTube has in abundance. Also, the stars are more "real" than scripted, polished, and predictable TV and movie stars. But YouTube videos aren't always age-appropriate, which why it's important to know what your kids are watching.

It can be challenging to manage what your kids see on YouTube -- but it's doable. The thing is, even when your kid logs on to watch a specific channel that you've approved, the related channels could be wildly inappropriate. YouTubers also appear in lots of other places on the web. Many actively cultivate audiences on Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and other social media. And many YouTubers are the subjects of fan fiction (stories about them written by fans on platforms such as Wattpad), which extends a YouTube star's influence and reach. The bottom line is: Kids love to laugh -- and they'll bounce around YouTube to find whatever tickles their funny bones. Our advice? Try to watch with them and talk about the videos when you can. Here are some of the most popular comedy YouTubers for kids. Language and content can be an issue on all of these, so note the recommended ages.


DanAndPhilGames

While these Brits offer mostly humorous game commentary, their spin-off channels, Danisnotonfire and Amazingphil, also are super funny. Their classic British self-deprecating humor keeps things light.

Best for: Tweens

Goodmythicalmorning

Rhett and Link, the comedy duo behind this daily talk show, are able to inject some educational material into their humor. Their sketches, music videos, taste tests, and other random offerings are wholesome fun.

Best for: Tweens

Markiplier

With one of the most highly subscribed-to channels on YouTube, Markiplier is creative and prolific. He offers a wide range of entertainment, including funny gaming videos, animated parodies, and comedy sketches.

Best for: Tweens and teens

Miranda Sings

With her sloppily applied red lipstick, nasal whine, mismatched outfits, and madcap original songs, Miranda Sings gives new life to the phrase "geek chic." There's really no time when Miranda isn't joking, such as when she burps, coughs, or otherwise misspeaks -- so you don't want to follow any of the advice in her book, Selp-Helf.

Best for: Tweens and teens

Thomas Sanders

Reminiscent of a young Jerry Seinfeld, Thomas Sanders is the kind of guy who can make anything funny. He doesn't rely on gimmicks or costumes; it's usually just him speaking into the camera. He applies his unique point of view to a range of topics, from modern gender roles to why nerds are cool.

Best for: Tweens and teens

Smosh

Another highly subscribed-to channel, Smosh is actually comedy duo Ian Andrew Hecox and Anthony Padilla. Their fairly elaborate videos include animation, parodies, and comedy sketches.

Best for: Tweens and teens

Shane Dawson

A longtime YouTuber, Shane Dawson offers everything from films to music videos to song parodies to comedy sketches. More confessional than other comedy YouTubers, Dawson is honest about his rocky upbringing and teaches kids how to find humor in almost any subject.

Best for: Teens

Joey Graceffa

Another longtime YouTuber, this actor, singer, director, and budding author uploads a video every day, to the delight of his young fans. He starts every video with, "Good day, everyone, welcome to today's video," setting an upbeat tone for the lighthearted fun to follow.

Best for: Teens

Liza Koshy

This versatile actress plays dozens of characters with funny accents and silly costumes. There's nothing she won't do for a laugh (including eating expired candy). But sometimes she gets serious, such as when she interviewed Barack Obama.

Best for: Teens

NigaHiga

This guy does it all: skits, parodies, challenges, and more. He does so much, in fact, that's he's launched additional YouTube channels. Kids love his silly (and sometimes thought-provoking) sketches for their originality and pro editing.

Best for: Teens

Lele Pons

This internet star became famous by posting outrageous skits on Vine. She now uses her self-deprecating humor in fairly elaborate skits, such as "Catwoman's Untold Story." Kids might also know her from her book, Surviving High School.

Best for: Teens

Kellie Sweet

With her signature phrase, "What's poppin'?," Sweet lets you know she's ready for fun. Though she also offers beauty tutorials, Sweet can't hold back her funny side. She plays pranks on her mom, acts in silly sketches, and more.

Best for: Teens

Jay Versace

Some say Jay Versace is the internet's funniest teenager, but kids just love him for his self-described "carefree" attitude. Known for his hilarious impressions, outrageous characters, spot-on lip-synching, and lovable impressions of his mom, he also spreads positive messages on his Twitter and Instagram feeds.

Best for: Teens

Caroline Knorr
Caroline is Common Sense Media's former parenting editor. She has many years of editorial and creative marketing writing experience and has held senior-level positions at Walmart.com, Walmart stores, Cnet, and Bay Area Parent magazine. She specializes in translating complex information into bite-sized chunks to help families make informed choices about what their kids watch, play, read, and do.