How to Learn C++ on YouTube: Best Channels and Courses 2024

Why is C++ Still Relevant, and Where to Learn It?

It would seem, in the era of Python and JavaScript, the C++ language should have faded into the shadows. But no — it's alive, well, and continues to rule in high-load systems, games, finance, and robotics. If you want to understand how memory works, learn to write fast code, and aim for a salary above the market average — C++ is your choice.

The problem is different: there is a catastrophic lack of good educational materials in Russian. And those that exist are often outdated (hello, textbooks from 2005). The solution is YouTube. But even there, you need to be able to separate the wheat from the chaff. We did it for you.

In this article — only proven C++ channels and courses that actually work. With code examples, homework, and under-the-hood analysis. Let's go!

Selection Criteria: How We Chose the Best

Before throwing links, let's agree: we looked for channels where:

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• Current standard — C++17/20, not "C-plus-plus" from the 90s;
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• Practice — lots of code, little fluff;
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• Structure — playlists, not chaotic videos;
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• Russian language — so you don't waste time on translation.
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If a channel doesn't meet at least two points — it didn't make the list. Honestly.

Top 5 Russian-Language YouTube Channels for C++

1. Timofey Khiryanov — The Foundation You Need to Know

If you're a beginner and want to understand C++ from the very basics — this is your first stop. Timofey lectures at MIPT, but explains it so even a humanities student will understand. His course "Fundamentals of Programming in C++" is 50+ hours of pure theory with analysis of every line of code.

Here's how he explains working with pointers:

#include <iostream>\nint main() {\n    int a = 42;\n    int* ptr = &a;\n    std::cout << "Value: " << *ptr << std::endl;\n    std::cout << "Address: " << ptr << std::endl;\n    return 0;\n}

After his lectures, you'll stop being afraid of * and &. Ideal for those starting to learn C++ from scratch.

2. SimpleCode — For Those Who Want to Start Writing Code Immediately

A channel adored for its "human" language. The author doesn't overload you with academic terminology, but shows how to solve real problems. The playlist "C++ for Beginners" is especially good — 80 short videos, each covering one topic.

An example of a typical lesson — operator overloading:

class Vector2D {\npublic:\n    int x, y;\n    Vector2D operator+(const Vector2D& other) {\n        return {x + other.x, y + other.y};\n    }\n};\n\nint main() {\n    Vector2D v1{3, 4}, v2{1, 2};\n    Vector2D v3 = v1 + v2; // magic!\n    std::cout << v3.x << " " << v3.y;\n}

SimpleCode is the best choice if you need C++ lessons on YouTube that you can watch during your lunch break.

3. SelfEdu — A Serious Approach for Future Pros

This channel is run by a lecturer from a top university. No entertainment here — only structured C++ courses with a focus on algorithms and data structures. The playlist "Algorithms and Data Structures in C++" is a must-have for interview preparation.

Analysis of merge sort:

void merge(int arr[], int l, int m, int r) {\n    int n1 = m - l + 1;\n    int n2 = r - m;\n    int L[n1], R[n2];\n    \n    for (int i = 0; i < n1; i++) L[i] = arr[l + i];\n    for (int j = 0; j < n2; j++) R[j] = arr[m + 1 + j];\n    \n    // ... standard merge logic\n}

If your goal is not just to learn the syntax, but to complete C++ courses from scratch to employment — subscribe to SelfEdu.

4. Gosha Dudar — Live and Modern C++

Gosha is one of the most popular programming bloggers in the Russian-speaking internet. His style is fast, energetic, with a focus on practice. He doesn't give lectures, but simply writes code and comments on it. Espe