The 9 Most Universally Inspiring Videos on YouTube

Since its founding in 2005, YouTube has become the home of video in the digital age.

YouTube is known for a lot of different types of content, from movie trailers to gamer “Let’s plays” and those wonky [Insert weird food item here?!] videos you always see on the Trending list (usually from Good Mythical Morning…).

But one of our favorites is motivational content, whether it’s inspiring speeches or epic motivational videos.

Video is a format that allows for a touching of our sense of sight and sound, and it can conjure the rest of the senses similarly through its imagery. Because of this, it’s powerful and moving in a way that is impossible to describe and can only be experienced first-hand.

Whether you want a little jumpstart to the day or you’re in a tough spot in your life and need some motivation to keep pushing on, these videos will get you what you need.

These are the most inspiring videos on Youtube:

1. Are You Just Making Excuses?

This classic Nike commercial from the great himself Michael Jordan tells a valuable story.

We all look at the most successful people and think they were born that way. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. It took long hours of hard work, sacrifice, and a long-term dedication to their chosen cause to realize greatness.

2. These 3 Sentences Will Change Your Life

This speech from entrepreneur and self-improvement coach Lisa Nichols is about knowing your worth.

As you’ll learn, she knows as well as anyone what it means to let someone else dictate your value. But she’s risen above it and made something incredible from her past– and her story can help you do the same.

3. Dream

Dream is the first of two on this list by YouTuber Mateusz M, who’s known for creating some of the most incredible motivational videos online today.

This video will remind you of the value of your dream. It will remind you that it’s hard but it’s possible if you’re willing to give your heart and soul to it.

4. Here’s What Lies on the Other Side of Fear

This speech from Will Smith tells the story of what happens when we push past the fear. Potential, happiness, and meaning are all found when we go beyond ourselves to something greater.

Fear is the master of many of us and leads us to live a life that is less than that which we imagined when we were children. But you are capable and the potential exists within you to push passed the fear if you challenge yourself.

5. Prove Them Wrong

“The most powerful motivational speeches that I have ever heard came from people who told me I couldn’t do something,” begins the video.

We all know it to be the most powerful motivator that exists. However, the anger and drive we feel when someone tells us we can’t eventually wear off and we’re left once again uninspired and unmotivated.

Remember who told you that you weren’t good enough, that you couldn’t do that, or that you’d never get there. Remember what it felt like and know that you’re good enough. Use that energy to inspire you to action and do what others say you can’t (because they know they themselves never will).

6. How to Change the Way You See Yourself

Rock Thomas story of adversity and triumph will bring you to tears if you let it.

Our greatest enemy is our own mind and our greatest challenge overcoming the story we tell ourselves. Rock Thomas knows this all too well as he tells the story of how he overcame the negative self-talk developed in him through his difficult, loveless upbringing with his father and eventually became a successful and confident entrepreneur and motivational speaker.

7. Why Do We Fall

The second of two videos by Mateusz M, this video tells the story of the pain we go through in life.

Sometimes, pain is inevitable. Sometimes, we fall despite our best effort. But we can rise up from these falls, failures, and setbacks and realize the strength that exists within each of us.

8. Stick to Your Dreams

This speech from Les Brown is one of my personal favorites as it has the power to inspire you to persist no matter what you’re going through.

To realize a great dream requires we keep going in the face of adversity. Les Brown is no stranger to adversity, having at one point slept under the desk of his office to make it happen, and he offers a powerful reminder of what it takes to realize a dream.

9. This is How You Find Your Superpower

The story of renowned learning and memory coach Jim Kwik is heartbreaking, to say the least. But what Kwik made of his apparent handicap far overshadows his past challenges.

We all feel like we’re not good enough at times. But what do you do when you have a learning disability that seems to confirm this belief? How do you overcome such a seemingly insurmountable challenge? Kwik does and it leaves you feeling like your own excuses are nothing in comparison.