PBS Terra

Meet PBS Terra: Science Storytelling on YouTube

What is PBS Terra?

PBS Terra, found on YouTube under the handle @pbsterra, is a leading digital destination for science and nature programming. Launched as part of PBS Digital Studios, PBS Terra aims to bring complex scientific concepts to life, making them approachable and engaging for anyone curious about the world. Their digital-first approach responds to changing media habits and strives to spark excitement about STEM fields in both traditional PBS audiences and new, digitally-native viewers^[1].[1]

Channel Growth and Influence

Since its inception, PBS Terra has built a notable presence in online science communication. As of August 2025, the channel boasts over 720,000 subscribers and has accumulated more than 132 million views across 435 videos. The channel enjoys steady growth, with daily view gains and an active content calendar that keeps audiences engaged year-round. Estimated monthly earnings for PBS Terra range between $8,000 and $24,000, underlining the channel’s commercial viability as a science influencer^[2].[2]

Signature Shows and Programming Themes

PBS Terra’s content lineup covers an impressive range of topics—exploring the frontiers of science and technology while delving deep into our minds, bodies, and planet. Some of the channel’s signature original series include:

Weathered: Hosted by science communicator Maiya May, this series examines extreme weather events, climate resilience, and the human stories behind natural disasters.
Overview: Led by Joe Hanson, Overview uses spectacular drone footage to reveal natural phenomena and the forces shaping our world.
Human Elements: This series highlights the human side of science, telling personal stories about researchers and their connections to the natural world.
Why Am I Like This?: Hosted by Tina Lasisi, this show offers a fresh, accessible approach to understanding the science behind human bodies and behaviors.

PBS Terra regularly collaborates with professional scientists, communicates directly with researchers in the field, and partners with leading institutions to ground its storytelling in credible evidence and real-world impact^[3]^[4].[3][4]

Diversity, Inclusion, and Impactful Outreach

A recipient of significant National Science Foundation support, PBS Terra is especially committed to reaching underrepresented communities in STEM. Its programming is specifically designed to resonate with women, Black, and Hispanic viewers—audiences historically underserved by mainstream science media. The channel frequently features scientists and hosts from diverse backgrounds, aiming to reshape perceptions and make the sciences more inclusive and relatable^[5].[5]

Notable Hosts and Collaborators

PBS Terra’s videos are brought to life by a lineup of engaging personalities:

Maiya May: Known for her storytelling and background in geography and atmospheric science, Maiya hosts “Weathered,” connecting climate science with human narratives^[6].
Joe Hanson: Scriptwriter, scientist, and host of “Overview,” Joe brings academic rigor and visual flair to the channel.
Tina Lasisi: A scientist and science communicator, she hosts “Why Am I Like This?” and focuses on the intersection of biology, society, and identity^[7].
A variety of guest experts, researchers, and documentary storytellers routinely appear, keeping the channel’s perspectives fresh and authoritative^[8].

Audience Engagement and Social Reach

PBS Terra maintains an active social presence on YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, making complex scientific stories accessible where audiences already spend time online. The channel’s digital strategy emphasizes sharing, conversation, and interactivity, building trust and loyalty among subscribers and extending the impact of public media science storytelling^[9].[9]