I first discovered the typewriter community during an insomnia-fueled YouTube session last November. It started with California Typewriter documentary. I saw faces I knew like John Mayer, Woody Harrelson, and Tom Hanks, and discovered new faces like David McCullough and Jeremy Mayer—no relation to John. I was fascinated by how such an antiquated machine could be so crucial to someone's writing process. From there, I fell down a rabbit hole that changed my thinking regarding writing tools, process, and community. What began as the casual curiosity of an insomniac writer became a genuine shift in my creative process.

But here’s the kicker: The best channels that include typewriters aren’t just about typewriters. They’re about the why behind a writer’s toolkit, our individual rituals, and the communities that take shape around a genuine love of writing. Whether you write on a pre-World War II manual with glass keys and black lacquer finish or a modern laptop and word processing program, these five channels offer something valuable for anyone who takes writing seriously.

1. Joe Van Cleave

Why I watch: Joe was the first typewriter-centric YouTuber I discovered after watching California Typewriter. I realized from the first video that he is passionate about typewriters and their role in the creative process. He doesn’t just talk about typewriters. He talks about how they fit into the writing process and why they matter.

 But what really hooked me was his warm and conversational delivery. The video description told me I was watching an informative video about either a specific typewriter or their role in the creative process, but it felt like Joe and I were sitting together at a coffee shop having a conversation. He’s also not just a collector. He’s a working blogger and content creator who uses his machines daily. He often emphasizes his desire to acquire and own usable machines as opposed to display pieces. 

When Joe talks about the feel of a keyboard or the quality of a machine’s imprint, he does so not just as a hobbyist, but as someone who uses these machines daily. Whether he’s writing a blog post, making a video, or just tapping out his thoughts in what he calls his ‘typewritten journal,” Joe showcases his passion for these machines by doing what they were designed to do, by writing with them. 

I started following Joe because I was interested in how people used typewriters in the digital age. I stayed because he also shares my passion for writing and the creative process. His 21st Century Typewriter concept—using modern tools with typewriter-era focus and intent—has played an integral role in how I approach my drafting process. I even wrote my own piece on distraction-free writing here. Are notebooks, pens, or pencils more your style? Joe has you covered with his “Confessions of an Office Supply Junkie” series of videos where he talks about various fountain pens he collects as well as notebooks and pencils. If you are even mildly curious about mechanical writing or analog tools, Joe’s channel is a good place to start  

Best for: Writers curious about typewriters, anyone interested in distraction free writing tools or office supplies, and people who appreciate a discussion of the relationship between tools and craft.

2. Just My Typewriter

Why I watch: Sarah brings an energy and enthusiasm to typewriter content I can’t help but stay tuned for. She identifies more as a collector than a writer, her knowledge and passion for learning about these machines, their history, and function makes every Just My Typewriter video worth a watch. 

What drew me in—and has kept me watching—is Sarah’s personality. She’s engaging and funny, and she clearly loves the content she creates. Her videos, much like Joe’s, feel you’re having a conversation with a friend who has a passion for typewriters. 

Even if you have no plans to start a typewriter collection, Sarah’s content offers you an understanding of why some machines are special, what to look for if you decide to buy your first typewriter, and how to appreciate the engineering and design that goes into these machines. Whether you’re an aspiring collector or just curious, Sarah’s enthusiasm is contagious in the best possible way.

Best for: People interested in typewriter history and design, collectors looking for information on specific models, or anyone who appreciates the crafty side of typewriter use. 

3. Typewriter Minutes

Why I watch: There is something heartwarming about watching a father share his passions with his kids, and that’s exactly what happens on this channel. The creator includes his sons as his cameramen, and they sometimes provide additional commentary. This brings a unique family-friendly energy to typewriter content you rarely see.

The videos themselves are as concise and focused as they are unique, staying true to the “minutes” in the channel name. What keeps me coming back, however, is watching a father model for his kids what it looks like to care deeply about something, to maintain and respect tools, and find joy in mechanical objects in an increasingly digital world.

As someone who sees the value in bringing family, creativity, and craft together, this channel is perfect for both information and entertainment value. The involvement of the young men as camera operators adds a unique charm without being gimmicky. The genuine interest they share with their dad in the machines is yet another reminder that these machines aren’t just relics. They’re tools that can still capture imagination across generations. 

Best for: Family-friendly typewriter content, focused videos when you only have a few minutes to watch a video, anyone who appreciates seeing a father pass his passion down to his children. 

4. David Perell

Why I watch: I’m watching one of his videos as I write this. David’s channel is essential viewing. If you want to learn as much as you can about the craft. He interviews authors about their writing process, research methods, structure, and what their creative lives actually look like. 

What makes David stand out to me is that he asks the questions we as writers really want answered. Not just surface level questions like the dreaded “where do you get your ideas?” kind of stuff. He dives deep into how successful writers work. His questions about research and writing processes, information organization, and structure always seem to provoke meaningful discussions, which makes for great content. 

I discovered David and his “How I Write” channel while researching writing processes. His interview with Lee Child was the inspiration for the “Writing as Work” article I wrote a while ago about treating writing as work rather than waiting for the muse. The writing insights I gained from that interview has helped me with my process, particularly as it applies to longer work. 

Best for: Writers working on books or long-form projects, anyone interested in the business and craft of professional writing, and people who want to better understand how successful authors work.

5. alexanderwrites_

Why I watch: Alex creates content about the writing process, the actual work that goes along with the romantic idea of being a writer. He reviews tools of the trade (notebooks, journals, pens, and even the Freewrite device), discusses techniques, and shares his own journey as a working writer.

What drew me to Alex’s channel at first was his matter-of-fact delivery. He is honest about the advice he gave and how to apply it. He doesn’t make promises about one technique or tool transforming your writing overnight. Instead, he explores what works for him, encouraging us to find the tools and process that works best for us. 

I didn’t notice this right away, but Alex is left-handed like me, which made me pay more attention to the videos in which he reviewed notebooks, fountain pens, and other handwriting tools. Watching him show how he uses the pens and notebooks he reviews, seeing how he holds and positions the paper, gave me a visual representation of how I might do these things I wouldn’t have gotten from someone else. It’s a seemingly innocuous thing, but it’s nice to see that representation in a writing tool review.

Alex’s Freewrite review was valuable because I was considering options for distraction-free writing devices. His assessment was balanced in that he acknowledged both the benefits and shortcomings of the device. His balanced review combined with his conversational delivery gave me a good sense of whether such a tool would serve my process or just be an expensive novelty. 

Best for: Writers looking for honest product reviews. It’s a bonus if you’re left-handed, but even if you’re not, you will find value in his videos. If you’re interested in exploring different approaches to writing, I recommend checking Alex’s content out. 

Why These Channels Matter

What these five channels have in common isn’t just the subject. They’re all authentic in their own way. Every creator I’ve mentioned in this article clearly cares about what they’re doing. Whether they’re discussing vintage typewriters, author processes, or fountain pens, they’re sharing genuine enthusiasm and knowledge, not performing for clicks. 

As writers, we spend a lot of time alone. Stephen King once referred to writers as “the secret agents of the arts.” YouTube channels like the ones I’ve mentioned create a sense of community and connection, even in isolation. They remind us that we’re not alone. There are others that care about writing craft, tools, and better ways to do this difficult yet rewarding work we’ve chosen.

I discovered these channels late at night, usually during an insomnia battle. I couldn’t sleep, but my brain wasn’t functioning at a high enough level to write. Watching someone else talk about passions I shared with them became its own form of creative fuel. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your writing is step away and try to remember why you love this work in the first place. These channels helped me do exactly that. Perhaps they’ll help you too. 

What writing or typewriter channels do you follow? Drop your recommendations in the comments below. I’m always looking for new voices in this space.