Language learning in the 21st century is a gift and a curse. On the one hand, the internet can connect you to native speakers and show you new and innovative ways to learn your target language.

On the other hand, there are so many resources popping up every day that it’s hard to know which ones are worth it.

Here’s a roundup of some of the best online resources for learning Russian so you can cut through the noise and get to work!

This post first appeared on LiveFluent.com on July 26, 2017. You can read the original here or see more of my articles on Russia/Russian here.

1) RussianPod101

For ten years, RussianPod101 has been a leader in the online language-learning community. They boast over 1000 quality Russian-language video and audio resources. If you go to their YouTube channel, you’ll find playlists for everyone from absolute beginners to advanced students.  

Their website has PDF resources, ready-made flashcards, listening comprehension exercises and more. Plus, the videos are hosted by different speakers which helps you get accustomed to various accents.

Download their app and get started today!

2) Easy Russian

This YouTube channel features interviews with everyday Russian speakers. The advantage to this is that you can get accustomed to different accents and talking speeds as opposed to a classroom experience with a teacher who always speaks clearly and slowly.

The videos are subtitled in Russian and English, which is great for beginners so you can match words to sounds. Each episode is pretty short (around four to six minutes long) but absolutely packed with new vocabulary and opinions from everyday people.

3) Real Russian Club

Hosted by Daria, a certified Russian language teacher from Moscow, this channel has grammar and vocabulary lessons, pronunciation trainers, listening comprehension exercises and more. Her videos are all in slow, clearly enunciated Russian and you can turn on English subtitles if you need to.

She even has videos where she explores booking train tickets online and typical Russian hospitals. This channel is especially helpful for anyone who’s getting ready to visit Russia for the first time!

4) Russian Grammar

This channel is dedicated completely to the beast that is Russian grammar. Some of the topics include those tricky verbs of motion, commands, conditional statements and more.

There are even some videos that go along with the popular Russian textbook, Golosa which makes this channel a great resource for students.

5) Christina Kochneva

Kochneva’s channel is an excellent resource for new learners. Her different playlists include pronunciation guides, dialogs, and common phrases which are all extremely helpful when you’re first starting out in a new language.

I was especially impressed with her video on Russian slang that she explained using memes. Don’t miss out on this super innovative approach!

6) RU Land Club

This channel is geared toward learners of all levels, from the newbie to the more advanced student. From instagram videos to Russian literature presentations, RU Land Club has something for everyone.

Some of the more fun offerings include a Russian-subtitled version of the 2005 hit movie “Stilyagi”, drone and timelapse videos of Russian cities, and classic cartoons. This is truly a fantastic way to enjoy learning!

7) Mosfilm

With over 235 million views, Mosfilm is the most popular Russian film channel on YouTube. It offers a comprehensive list of HD films and subtitled films organized by genres that include drama, adventure, New Years’ and more.

This channel is obviously more for advanced learners, since it features little to no English, but it’s a great introduction to the Russian/Soviet cinematic tradition.

8) Weekly Russian

Instead of focusing on grammar and more conventional learning techniques, Weekly Russian uses culture and media to teach language. Most of the videos feature cartoons and Soviet folk songs which is definitely the most creative approach I’ve seen.

This is a great option for students who are looking for new ways to engage with material and non-traditional learners.

9) Antonia Romaker

This channel is actually a mix of English- and Russian-language resources. On the Russian side, she has over 20 videos about traveling to and around Russia, detailed pronunciation videos, and grammar lessons.

There’s even a bilingual video teaching you how to swear in Russian and English and a lesson on making Ukrainian flower crowns. This channel is full of fun little surprises to make learning Russian even more entertaining!

10) RT

RT is a Russian news channel. You can stay up-to-date on current events happening in the US, UK, Russia, Middle East while also practicing your Russian skills. New videos are added every day on a wide variety of topics.

*I do feel compelled to point out that RT is widely considered a source of Russian state propaganda.

11) R is for Russian

R is for Russian will help you work on all aspects of language learning: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. There are video playlists for beginning, intermediate, and advanced learners.

This is another channel that links music and language learning. So if you’re having trouble with reflexive verbs, try learning them through song!

12) Foreign Language Dialogues

Foreign Language Dialogues has over 150 audio dialogues on topics such as renting a car, cognates, and tattoos. The videos are short, often less than a minute long and are entirely in Russian. You can work on translating them yourself for practice.

In Short

Language learning is easier and more accessible now thanks to technology. Hopefully this list added some tools to your arsenal and good luck incorporating video into your Russian learning!