I wasn't sure about the definition of 'underappreciated' here, so I decided to be Extremely Normal and actually bring math into it. The average of everyone's suggested channels had a
358k sub count! With the lowest sub count of any channels being suggested being 18, and the highest being 2.06 million.
When we take out that extremely low outlier, and the two channels with the sub counts in the millions, we get
246k as an average!
Thankfully, all of the channels I had in mind for suggesting are below both of those averages. (Definitely did not have to do this.)
Anyhow! Here are my reccs! I have also lovingly hand-selected a video to start with, for anyone interested in their content <3
Melody Nosurename (sub count: 42.3k) - Melody is a trans woman, a furry, and all-around fun gal! She portrays herself as a cute animated deer, and talks about a range of topics (mostly relating to video games), but always does so in a very delightful and charming way.
Interested? Start out with "31 Minutos is a Great Show", which is her most recent release. It's an hour-long deep dive into a very popular children's puppet show in Latino America that people outside of it may not know about. It's SO fun to watch her pop off, as it's clear that she's very passionate about this show <3
kkclue (sub count: 216k) - Clue is a YouTuber who specializes in talking about media from the late 90s and early 2000s! His channel also has misc other content, such as a compilation of all Nintendo 3DS cartridge insertion screens, but I feel like the videos where he talks about things he likes are where he really shines.
Interested? Start out with "The Tale of Tamagotchi: The Never-ending Rabbit Hole", which is a video going over every single Tamagotchi release, each release's functions, and more!
Li Speaks (sub count: 68.7k) - When she has a Serial Experiments Lain reference subtly hidden in her pastel purple aesthetic YouTube header, you KNOW it's gonna be good. Li is an absolutely lovely woman with a soft voice and a passion for making videos dedicated to semi-lost media of the early 2000s. Her videos are stupidly high-quality; even her first video on her channel has great production. And, hey, if you're interested in supporting disabled creators, you can't go wrong with this channel!
Interested? Start out with "Untangling the Lore of Devilish Hairdresser", which dives into the classic GirlsGoGames series that sapphics seem to go nuts for. She makes some super cute art for it, too; it's great.
hazel (sub count: 212k) - Hazel makes REALLY great videos about things related to old animanga, animanga fandom history, and animanga that she generally enjoys! The vibe is so nostalgic and very cozy. Feels like hanging out with a friend.
Interested? Well, I actually have multiple video reccs! My biggest one is
"Why Did We like Elfen Lied?", which is a 2 hour long video essay on Elfen Lied, as well as its popularity in early anime fandom circles. I can't recommend that video enough. That being said, it would feel wrong to not also suggest her video,
"Weird Old Video Game & Anime Fansites", because of it being VERY topical here.
Amelie Doree (sub count: 26.6k) (18+!!) - I actually found Amelie's content through a shoutout on Hazel's video, and I couldn't be happier with what I found. Amelie is a trans woman who regularly makes LONG video essays, mostly about really early (I'm talking PC98) dating sims. Because of the content of most early dating sims, I must say that the majority of her content should only really be viewed by those 18+, although nothing explicit is ever shown, if that would make you uncomfortable. Her videos dive into the artistic merit of said dating sims in a genuine tone which is rarely given to dating sims with this sort of content, which is just wonderful to see. That, and the love and passion that she clearly has for each video topic, of course!
Interested? Start out with "Doukyuusei Is Still a Dating Sim Masterpiece", which goes into one of the most influential early dating sims in the world, with special love and care put into discussing the themes the game brings up.
We're In Hell (sub count: 173k) - We're In Hell is a YouTube channel which mainly tackles sociology, often through the lens of explaining pop culture garbage fires like pickup artist reality shows. Maybe I'm biased because I am intensely interested in sociology, but holy HELL, this man's videos are SO interesting. Very well-researched, as well! They're like my weird autistic version of baby sensory videos.
Interested? Start out with "Too Hot to Handle & Surveillance Capitalism", which goes into a topic that I am sure those in the web revival movement know all too much about; the internet selling all of our info for profit; through the lens of a trashy reality TV dating show.