In this article, we will explore the Top 10 Poetry YouTubers, diving into the unique styles and contributions of each creator. Expect to see highlights on renowned names like Button Poetry, Suli Breaks, Neil Hilborn, Rupi Kaur, and George The Poet.
1. Button Poetry
Who is Button Poetry?
Button Poetry, founded by Sam Van Cook in 2011, is a prominent organization dedicated to promoting performance poetry through video and social media. They joined YouTube on March 12, 2011, and have since become a leading platform for showcasing diverse poetic voices. For more information, visit their YouTube channel.
Button Poetry is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States.
Audience
The audience that tends to watch Button Poetry includes poetry enthusiasts, students, and educators who are passionate about spoken word and performance poetry. Specific examples of popular videos that resonate with this audience include "Neil Hilborn - OCD" with 16M views and "Sabrina Benaim - Explaining My Depression to My Mother" with 10M views.
Key Metrics
Button Poetry's YouTube channel showcases impressive statistics and engagement metrics.
- Engagement Rate: 4.9%
- Subscribers: 1.43M
- Average Video Length: 2.47 minutes
- Video Views: 297.53M
Content Focus
- Button Poetry produces and distributes videos of performance poetry, including spoken word performances and poetry slams.
- The channel features a wide range of poets and covers various themes and topics, from personal experiences to social issues.
- Content is organized into playlists such as "Best of Button," "Support Black Artists," and "Classroom-Friendly Poems" for easier navigation and thematic grouping.
2. Suli Breaks
Who is Suli Breaks?
Suli Breaks, whose real name is Darryll Suliaman Amoako, is a renowned poet, storyteller, and creative writer. He joined YouTube on October 18, 2008, and gained widespread recognition with his viral video "Why I Hate School but Love Education," which has amassed over 10 million views. For more about his work, visit his YouTube channel.
Suli Breaks is based in London, England, where he continues to create and share his spoken word poetry and storytelling content.
Audience
The audience that tends to watch Suli Breaks includes individuals interested in education, entrepreneurship, and personal development. Specific examples of popular videos that resonate with this audience include "Why I Hate School But Love Education" with 9.6M views and "I Will Not Let An Exam Result Decide My Fate" with high engagement.
Key Metrics
Suli Breaks' YouTube channel showcases impressive engagement and reach.
- Engagement Rate: 5.69%
- Subscribers: 320K
- Average Video Length: 6.82 minutes
- Video Views: 29.5M
Content Focus
- Suli Breaks creates spoken word poetry that often delves into themes of education, personal development, and social issues.
- He produces motivational videos aimed at inspiring viewers to pursue their passions and challenge societal norms.
- His content also includes creative storytelling and stand-up comedy, providing a mix of entertainment and thought-provoking messages.
3. Neil Hilborn
Who is Neil Hilborn?
Neil Hilborn, an acclaimed American slam poet, joined YouTube on October 18, 2011. Known for his powerful and emotive performances, Hilborn has captivated audiences with his viral poem "OCD," which has garnered millions of views. For more about his work, visit his YouTube channel.
Neil Hilborn is based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, having moved there from his birthplace, Houston, Texas, to attend Macalester College and further his career in slam poetry.
Audience
The audience that tends to watch Neil Hilborn includes individuals interested in poetry, writing, and mental health topics. Specific examples of popular videos that resonate with this audience include "Opportunity, Wake Up!" with 720 views and "The Endless Bummer Tour, Spring 2019" with 368 views.
Key Metrics
Neil Hilborn's YouTube channel showcases impressive engagement and reach.
- Engagement Rate: 5.69%
- Subscribers: 320K
- Average Video Length: 6.82 minutes
- Video Views: 29.5M
Content Focus
- Neil Hilborn creates slam poetry performances that often delve into personal and emotional themes, such as mental health and relationships.
- His content includes writing circle trailers and promotional videos for his tours, providing a glimpse into his creative process and live events.
- He also shares long-form spoken word pieces, offering in-depth explorations of various topics through his unique poetic style.
4. Rupi Kaur
Who is Rupi Kaur?
Rupi Kaur, born on October 4, 1992, is a celebrated poet and spoken word artist known for her impactful visual poetry. She joined YouTube on October 18, 2011, where she shares her creative works and insights. For more about her work, visit her YouTube channel.
Rupi Kaur is based in Toronto, Canada, having immigrated there from her birthplace, Punjab, India.
Audience
The audience that tends to watch Rupi Kaur includes young adults and poetry enthusiasts who are drawn to her themes of love, loss, trauma, healing, and femininity. Specific examples of popular videos that resonate with this audience include "Rupi Kaur Reads from Her Poetry Collection" and "Rupi Kaur's Spoken Word Performance on Healing."
Key Metrics
Rupi Kaur's YouTube channel offers a unique blend of visual poetry and spoken word performances.
- Subscribers: Not available
- Average Video Length: Not available
- Video Views: Not available
Content Focus
- Rupi Kaur creates visual poetry videos that combine her minimalist illustrations with spoken word performances.
- Her content often includes poetry readings and spoken word performances that delve into themes of love, loss, trauma, healing, and femininity.
- She also shares insights and discussions related to her creative process and the themes explored in her work.
5. George The Poet
Who is George The Poet?
George The Poet, whose real name is George Mpanga, is a British spoken-word artist, poet, rapper, and podcast host. He joined YouTube on August 18, 2012, where he shares his social commentary through poetry, drawing from his life experiences and academic background. For more about his work, visit his YouTube channel.
George The Poet is based in North-West London, England, where he continues to create and share his spoken word poetry and social commentary.
Audience
The audience that tends to watch George The Poet includes young adults and adults who are interested in spoken word poetry, social commentary, and urban culture. Specific examples of popular videos that resonate with this audience include "Follow The Leader" with 479K views and "George The Poet - Cat D" with 1.1M views.
Key Metrics
George The Poet's YouTube channel offers a rich collection of spoken word performances and social commentary.
- Subscribers: 27.8K
- Average Video Length: 3.5 minutes
- Video Views: 1.1M
Content Focus
George The Poet creates a variety of content that resonates deeply with his audience. Here are the key types of content he produces:
- Spoken Word Performances: George The Poet delivers powerful spoken word pieces that often address social issues and personal experiences.
- Music Videos: He combines his poetic talent with music, creating engaging and thought-provoking music videos.
- Social Commentary: Through his poetry and public speaking, George The Poet offers insightful social commentary, drawing from his life in the inner city and his academic background in Politics, Psychology, and Sociology.
6. Danez Smith
Who is Danez Smith?
Danez Smith, an acclaimed American poet, writer, and performer, joined YouTube on October 18, 2011. Known for their powerful poetry readings and performances, Smith has captivated audiences with works that explore themes of race, identity, and social justice. For more about their work, visit their YouTube channel.
Danez Smith is based in St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S.
Audience
The audience that tends to watch Danez Smith includes individuals interested in poetry, social justice, and contemporary issues. Specific examples of popular videos that resonate with this audience include "it doesn't feel like a time to write" with 1.8K views and "#BlackPoetsSpeakOut - Danez Smith, 'who has time for joy?'" with 2.4K views.
Key Metrics
Danez Smith's YouTube channel offers a compelling mix of poetry readings and performances.
- Subscribers: 189
- Average Video Length: 2 minutes and 21 seconds
- Video Views: 6.1K
Content Focus
- Poetry Videos: Danez Smith creates poetry videos that often explore themes of race, identity, and social justice.
- Personal Reflections: Their content includes personal reflections and readings that delve into their experiences and perspectives.
- Collaborative Initiatives: Danez Smith participates in collaborative initiatives such as #BlackPoetsSpeakOut, contributing to broader social and cultural conversations.
7. Hollie McNish
Who is Hollie McNish?
Hollie McNish, a celebrated poet and writer, joined YouTube on February 3, 2013. Known for her engaging poetry and insightful commentary, she has published several acclaimed works, including "Slug" and "Plum." For more about her work, visit her YouTube channel.
Hollie McNish is based between Cambridge and Glasgow, with a notable presence in Oxford, UK.
Audience
The audience that tends to watch Hollie McNish includes poetry enthusiasts and literary aficionados who appreciate her engaging readings and insightful commentary. Specific examples of popular videos that resonate with this audience include "things we have believed" with 1.6K views and "One I Wrote, One I Love featuring Edwin Morgan" with 728 views.
Key Metrics
Hollie McNish's YouTube channel offers a rich collection of engaging poetry and insightful commentary.
- Subscribers: 24.4K
- Average Video Length: 3 minutes and 56 seconds
- Video Views: 4.6K
Content Focus
- Poetry Readings: Hollie McNish shares engaging poetry readings that often reflect on personal experiences and societal themes.
- Literary Discussions: Her content includes insightful discussions on literary works, sometimes featuring collaborations with other poets and writers.
- Personal Reflections: McNish's videos often delve into personal stories and reflections, providing a deeper connection with her audience.
8. Javon Johnson
Who is Javon Johnson?
Javon Johnson, an American poet and spoken word artist, joined YouTube on February 3, 2013, under the channel name "javonism." Known for his powerful performances, Johnson has captivated audiences with videos like "Javon Johnson cuz he's Black" and "Tattooed Laughter - at The Nuyorican Poets Cafe." For more about his work, visit his YouTube channel.
Javon Johnson is based in Anderson, South Carolina, where he continues to create and share his spoken word poetry and performances.
Audience
The audience that tends to watch Javon Johnson includes individuals interested in spoken word poetry and social issues, particularly those related to African American culture. Specific examples of popular videos that resonate with this audience include "On That Faithful Morn - Barack Obama" with 31K views and "Javon Johnson cuz he's Black" with 14K views.
Key Metrics
Javon Johnson's YouTube channel "javonism" showcases his powerful spoken word performances and poetry.
- Subscribers: 451
- Average Video Length: 4.24 minutes
- Video Views: 46.7K
Content Focus
- Spoken Word Poetry: Javon Johnson creates powerful spoken word poetry videos that often address social issues, personal experiences, and cultural commentary.
- Performance Videos: His content includes live recordings of his performances, capturing the raw emotion and impact of his spoken word pieces.
- Social and Cultural Themes: Johnson's videos frequently explore themes related to African American culture, identity, and social justice.
9. Andrea Gibson
Who is Andrea Gibson?
Andrea Gibson, born on August 13, 1975, is a renowned poet and activist known for their powerful spoken word performances and political content. They joined YouTube on February 3, 2013, where they share their impactful poetry and creative works. For more about their work, visit their YouTube channel.
Andrea Gibson is based in Boulder, Colorado, having been born in Calais, Maine.
Audience
The audience that tends to watch Andrea Gibson includes individuals interested in poetry, activism, and LGBTQ+ issues. Specific examples of popular videos that resonate with this audience include "Andrea Gibson - The Nutritionist" with 1.2M views and "Andrea Gibson - Your Life" with 800K views.
Key Metrics
Using the YouTube platform, Andrea Gibson shares their impactful poetry and creative works.
- Average Video Length: 1 minute and 54 seconds
- Video Views: 428
Content Focus
- Spoken Word Performances: Andrea Gibson creates powerful spoken word poetry videos that often address political and social issues, as well as personal experiences.
- Activism and Advocacy: Their content frequently includes themes related to LGBTQ+ rights, mental health, and social justice, aiming to inspire and provoke thought.
- Live Performances and Readings: Andrea Gibson shares recordings of live performances and poetry readings, providing an intimate and impactful experience for their audience.
10. Phil Kaye
Who is Phil Kaye?
Rupi Kaur, a celebrated poet and spoken word artist, joined YouTube on October 18, 2011, where she shares her creative works and insights. Known for her impactful visual poetry, Kaur has captivated audiences with her unique blend of minimalist illustrations and spoken word performances. For more about Phil Kaye, visit his YouTube channel.
Phil Kaye is based in California, where he continues to create and share his spoken word poetry and performances.
Audience
The audience that tends to watch Phil Kaye includes poetry enthusiasts and individuals interested in spoken word performances. Specific examples of popular videos that resonate with this audience include "Repetition" and "When Love Arrives," which showcase his unique storytelling and poetic style.
Key Metrics
Phil Kaye's YouTube channel offers a unique blend of storytelling and spoken word poetry.
- Subscribers: Not available
- Average Video Length: Not available
- Video Views: Not available
Content Focus
- Storytelling Poetry: Phil Kaye creates spoken word poetry that often incorporates elements of storytelling, weaving personal anecdotes and narratives into his performances.
- Collaborative Pieces: His content includes collaborative works with other poets, such as the popular video "When Love Arrives," co-written and performed with Sarah Kay.
- Live Performances: Phil Kaye shares recordings of his live performances, capturing the dynamic and engaging nature of his spoken word poetry.
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