Learning French is hard.
Luckily, there are plenty of podcasts and Youtube channels available so you can have a smooth French learning experience!
I swear by the value in podcasts and youtube channels when learning a language since while learning French myself, they really made a difference.
Without these 3 you-tube channels and podcasts, I wouldn’t have been able to be conversational in one year.
You may be asking yourself:
“Lucas, what are these magical youtube channels and podcasts you’re talking about?!”
I’m happy to answer!
Let’s get into it…
Inner French
Having both a podcast and a youtube channel, Inner French covers a variety of topics including different French accents, politics, and the origin of certain words.
I find many of their topics very interesting, and honestly would watch them regardless of wanting to improve my French. This is an important part for any learning resource as if you don’t enjoy doing it, you probably won’t stick with it.
I personally love that the Inner French content is perfectly paced – never speaking too fast but not annoyingly slow like other French podcasts. They use a neutral accent as well, not making anything too complicated.
Something important to note, though, is that Inner French is more for intermediate French speakers. If it’s your first week learning French you might have a hard time keeping up.
Check them out here: https://innerfrench.com/
Piece of French
I personally watched this youtube channel a ton while beginning to learn French. I love how the videos are slow paced and easy to understand as a beginner.
Many videos are in a vlog/day in the life, making them casual and fun to watch. This channel is a great way to learn how French is used in everyday life since, as you will come to find out, most of the French you learn in the classroom is never used in real life.
Piece of French does offer a paid version, “The club”, but I would hold off for a bit.
With so many resources online for free I see no reason to pay for extra lesson plans or tips. This advice isn’t directed only at “The club”, but also any paid language learning resource.
That being said, if you hit a plateau and can’t seem to help yourself out, having a personalized lesson plan could be the extra push you need.
I wholeheartedly believe that you can do it with youtube videos and some hard work (like anything in life), but if you don’t mind spending the money, check it out!
Here’s a link to my favorite Piece of French video!
Easy French
Offering a unique youtube channel and podcast, Easy French is a great French learning resource!
Their youtube videos consist of street interviews in Paris with interesting topics like:
What do French people carry in their bags?
How do French people spend their evenings?
Being able to see how native speakers respond to common questions is useful in order to answer those questions yourself. Easy French videos tend to be around 15 minutes, so there are plenty of responses to dissect.
Additionally, listening to all these different people talk will give you a good representation of what you’ll hear in France.
It’s one thing being able to understand your French teacher speaking grammarly correct French, but understanding a Parisian who may use some slang terms is certainly different.
Takeaways
All 3 of these podcasts/youtube channels are well made and enjoyable! I recommend finding one that resonates with you and how you like to learn.
Maybe listening to a clean podcast is more enjoyable than watching street interviews – only you know.
Using podcasts/youtube channels to supplement your French learning is very effective. Getting real world experience with French is hard if you don’t live in a French speaking area so make it easy for yourself and tune into a weekly video.
I hope you learned something and were able to benefit! If that is the case, please let me know in the comments below.
Thank you and au revoir!