Modern man’s guide to YouTube

There are over 300 hrs of video uploaded to YouTube minute. Now, that is a lot of stuff for the connected man to keep up with. But help is at hand. I have come up with a handy media guide to keep every sophisticated man up to the speed. Just hit the subscribe button on these channels and have everything delivered to your YouTube homepage, whether on your mobile, tablet or connected TV.

Here are 10 channels you need to subscribe to:

1. How to tie a bow tie

Channel: The Art of Manliness.

Sample video: How to tie a bow tie

Clip-on bow ties are a bit yesteryear – the modern gent is expected to work harder for his look. Luckily, the Art of Manliness can help. If you want to learn how to tie a bow tie, fold a pocket square, or tie a windsor knot, this channel can save you the embarrassment of asking someone for help.

2. Designing the perfect bachelor pad

Channel: Spaces TV.

Sample video: Man turns 350 sq ft apt into insanely chic home

For great design ideas on sprucing up your bachelor pad or making the most of limited space in your high-rise city flat, check out Spaces TV. It covers all aspects of interior design and decoration but has lots of designs especially for men in need of tips.

3. Become a better conversationalist

Channel: Vsauce.

Sample video: The Science of the Friend Zone

From dinner parties to networking events to first dates, being an entertaining conversationalist is a must. Vsauce is a channel offering short videos falling under the theme of ‘Our World is Amazing’ or making science fun. The team tackle the big questions like ‘What if everyone jumped at once?’, ‘How much does a shadow weigh?’ and ‘The Science of the Friend Zone’. Watching a video before any function will not fail to make you more interesting.

4. Maintain a sexy beard

Channel: AlphaMconsulting.

Sample video: Facial hair care, Grow, Groom and Maintain a Sexy Beard

As grooming expert Aaron Marino eloquently puts it: “Sexy beards… they don’t just happen”. Luckily, there is plenty of advice on Aaron’s channel for gents experimenting with facial hair as well as hair care tips and other male grooming expertise. So, ensure you are looking your best at all times with your own personal style assistant.

5. Choose the right wine

Channel: WineCents.

Sample video: Wine and Food Pairing

Choosing a wine to match your taste and budget used to be just enough. But matching the correct wine with your meal means a whole new set of rules for the modern man to learn. There are several channels out there to help you avoid the pitfalls. WineCents is one of these. They even help you match wines with food. An example of matching combination is burgers and popcorn.

6. Keep your CV up to date

Channel: MonsTube.

Sample video: CV Writing Advice

Whether you are seeking employment for the first time or keeping your eye out for your next big move, there are plenty of tips for furthering your career on YouTube. Monster, the United Kingdom job hunting website, is one of the channels producing thorough advice and quick hints on anything from preparing for interviews to writing a CV.

7. Cook a decent meal, fast

Channel: Sorted Food.

Sample video: Chocolate Cake in a Mug

We all love good food, but who has time to cook? Well, the boys who run the Sorted Food channel probably have an answer for you. They produce short, easy-to-follow videos that walk you through recipes from beer can, chicken to the ingenious chocolate cake in a mug that can be made in minutes. It is a good reason not to spend all your money on takeaways! Alternatively, you can perfect your BBQ skills or learn to prepare manly food.

8. Become a whisky expert

Channel: Richard Paterson.

Sample video: How to Drink Scotch Whisky

Build up your knowledge and sophistication of whisky. Join the master blender, Richard Paterson, who can talk you through everything from how to sip a scotch or bourbon to how to buy the right brand.

9. Discover new bands

Channel: NME.

Sample video: Dave Grohl Interview

We all know YouTube is great for music videos. But there are also lots of channels offering you the latest sights and sounds from the whole music scene. Subscribing to the NME (New Musical Express) will ensure you get everything from exclusive performances to interviews with the biggest stars as well as behind the scenes content such as festivals and gigs.

10. Laugh your head off

Channel: The Exploding Heads.

Sample video: Bad British Baseball Commentary

You can easily lose an afternoon to YouTube if you are in a mood to laugh. From golden moments in the comedy pantheon or modern day clips to online-only sitcoms, there is something for everyone. But the best part of YouTube might be discovering the up-and-coming skills before any of your mates. The Exploding Heads are example. They take the world of sport – and occasionally the British news industry – and turn it on its head.