Ever wondered how a black hole works but couldn’t find an explanation… not one that would be digestible for you, anyway? Then you have probably not come across Cleo Abram and that one video, which makes absolute sense to a person without any scientific knowledge.
That’s what journalist Cleo Abram does in all her videos: she takes a difficult topic many are wondering about, then breaks it down in a way that everyone can understand. She adds animations, excitement, and simplicity to any subject, which is the secret to her YouTube channel, boasting almost 6 million subscribers and over 1 billion views.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what makes Abram’s YouTube channel so popular before jumping into the endless black hole of her videos without a return.
Table of Contents
– A YouTube Channel Full of Discoveries
– What is Huge If True?
– Who is Cleo Abram?
– The Best Cleo Abram YouTube Videos
– Cleo Abram Reviews
A YouTube Channel Full of Discoveries
Cleo Abram’s YouTube channel is where curiosity meets clarity. Cleo is a former Vox journalist who launched her channel to make sense of the world’s most fascinating ideas, such as quantum computing, space exploration, and climate solutions. But she doesn’t just throw professional jargon at you; she breaks the topic down with engaging storytelling and visuals that make you want to keep watching.
What makes her YouTube channel, and especially her Huge If True flagship series stand out, is Cleo’s infectious sense of wonder, amazement, and giddiness. She’s genuinely excited about the future and how technology can shape it, and that energy is contagious. Her videos aren’t lectures, they’re more like conversations, retellings…real-life scientific fairytales.
Cleo’s background in political science from Yale certainly gives her a unique lens on how technology intersects with society. She doesn’t just show you how things work, she explores why they matter and how they might change our lives.
And with her engaging style, it’s no wonder her channel has built a loyal audience of millions. As of writing this article, her YouTube channel is on its way to 6 million subscribers and has passed 1 billion views in total. Her content is not only popular on YouTube: her TikTok account has over 1.9 million followers, while her Instagram has passed 2 million.
In a nutshell, Cleo’s YouTube channel is about exploring big ideas with optimism and a sense of adventure. It’s perfect for anyone who loves to learn and wants to stay ahead of the curve on what’s coming next.
What is Huge If True?
Huge If True is the flagship series of Cleo Abram’s YouTube channel, where science, technology, and optimism meet. The title itself hints at the show's premise: if these emerging technologies and ideas prove successful, their impact could be monumental and make you say, “Wow, that’s huge!”
Beyond Huge If True, Cleo has introduced Huge Conversations, a series featuring in-depth interviews with leading figures in science and technology. These conversations provide viewers with insider perspectives on the innovations shaping our world.
Who is Cleo Abram?
Cleo Abram is an Emmy-nominated video journalist and a successful YouTuber known for her engaging and optimistic explorations of technology and science. She developed a passion for storytelling and complex systems early on. After attending Sidwell Friends School, she pursued political science at Columbia University, where she co-founded TEDxColumbiaCollege, reflecting her early commitment to making complex ideas accessible.
Her professional journey began at Precision Strategies, a political consulting firm, but her fascination with explainer journalism led her to Vox Media. There, she contributed to acclaimed series like Explained on Netflix and Glad You Asked on YouTube Originals. Determined to enhance her storytelling skills, Cleo took night classes in video editing and animation, which paved the way for her transition into video journalism.
In 2022, Cleo launched her independent YouTube series, Huge If True, focusing on how emerging technologies can positively impact the world. Her content stands out for its meticulous research, engaging storytelling, and distinctive visual style, making complex topics like quantum computing and artificial intelligence accessible to a broad audience.
The Best Cleo Abram YouTube Videos
Many might argue about the best Cleo Abram videos, and it’s fair to say it depends on the topics you’re most interested in. Here are the top videos from her Huge If True series that have the most views:
1) Quantum Computers, explained with MKBHD
In this video, Cleo teams up with tech expert Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) to demystify quantum computers. They explore IBM's quantum lab, revealing how qubits (unlike traditional bits) can exist in multiple states simultaneously, thanks to quantum phenomena like superposition and entanglement. The duo also discusses the implications of quantum computing on current encryption methods and the race to develop quantum-resistant algorithms.
2) What If You Just Keep Digging
What happens if you dig straight through the Earth? Using engaging visuals and scientific explanations, Cleo delves into the Earth's layers, highlighting the extreme conditions one would encounter. The video combines humor and education, making complex geological concepts accessible and entertaining.
3) Formula 1 Cars, Explained with Max Verstappen
Collaborating with Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen, Cleo dives into the world of racing. She explores the intricate engineering and technology behind F1 cars, showing how these vehicles are not just fast but marvels of scientific innovation.
4) They Called This Shoe Cheating
Cleo investigates the controversy surrounding a revolutionary running shoe that was so advanced, it was deemed "cheating" by some in the athletic community. She examines how technological innovations in sports equipment can blur the lines between fair competition and unfair advantage, prompting discussions about regulations and the future of sports technology.
5) What If You Fell Into A Black Hole?
What would happen if you fell into a black hole? The video offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the universe's most mysterious phenomena. Cleo navigates through complex theories of physics and relativity, explaining concepts like “spaghettification” and event horizons in an accessible manner.
Cleo Abram Reviews
Cleo Abram’s YouTube channel has been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback. Viewers mostly love her clear explanations, engaging storytelling, and creative visuals that make science topics easy to understand. Let’s take a closer look at how her audience responds to her videos and why so many people keep coming back for more:
"Abram is bright, attractive, and truly loves learning and educating about cool science and technology. (She can talk a bit fast, though.)"
– A View from the Right
"Even when I can’t quite match her optimism on a topic, I find the shows truly enjoyable."
– A View from the Right
"Her narrative style is designed to make complex topics accessible and interesting, turning seemingly mundane subjects into compelling stories."
– Medium
"Instead of fear mongering, she informs and educates in a manner that is easy to understand."
– Another dot in the blogosphere?
What People Love About Cleo Abram
- She makes complex topics feel approachable. Cleo has a talent for taking subjects that are normally buried in jargon or academic language and explaining them in a way that’s easy to follow, without ever talking down to the viewer or oversimplifying.
- She seems genuinely invested in helping people learn. There’s an authenticity in the way she speaks, chooses examples, and structures her videos that makes it feel like she really wants her audience to understand and care about the topic.
- Her videos carry a sense of optimism. Instead of focusing on fear or doom, she tends to highlight how innovation could be used to solve real-world problems, which feels refreshing in an online space that often leans toward negativity.
- Her storytelling feels forward-looking and energizing. Cleo’s tone helps viewers imagine future possibilities, which makes the content feel hopeful without being naive. Something a lot of people say they find inspiring.
- She brings professional polish from her background at Vox. Long-time followers appreciate that she’s carried over the high standards of research, visual clarity, and narrative flow from her previous job into her independent content.
- Her production quality is consistently impressive. From editing to visuals, her videos are well-crafted, and that earns her a lot of respect, especially considering she left a major media outlet to do this work on her own.
What People Dislike About Cleo Abram
- Her content can feel overly optimistic. Some viewers feel that she focuses too much on the upside of new tech or ideas and doesn’t always explore the risks, limitations, or possible negative outcomes in enough depth.
- She sometimes simplifies things too much. While accessibility is one of her strengths, there are viewers who feel like she glosses over important context or skips details that would help paint a fuller picture, especially for people already familiar with the topic.
- Some videos seem too aligned with tech company messaging. When a video centers around a startup or new product, a few viewers feel like it comes off as promotional and wish she would challenge the claims more directly or ask tougher questions.
- Her delivery style doesn’t click with everyone. Though many appreciate her energy and clarity, a small group of critics describe her tone as too polished or overly enthusiastic, which can make the content feel less personal or grounded for them.
Final Thoughts
Cleo Abram is the kind of creator who clearly puts in the work, and it shows. Not just in the visuals or the pacing or the polish, but in the way she approaches big, sometimes intimidating topics with genuine curiosity and care. You get the sense that she’s not just explaining things to show how much she knows, but because she wants people to feel included in the conversation, like they’re smart enough to understand the future of AI or energy or quantum computing.
She’s built a space that doesn’t rely on hype or drama to get attention. Instead, she focuses on clarity, optimism, and storytelling that respects the viewer. And while she’s not above criticism (let's face it, no creator is) the impact she’s made in such a short time is undeniable. She’s helping define what modern science and tech communication can look like on platforms like YouTube, and she’s doing it on her own terms. That alone makes her stand out.
Fun Facts About Cleo Abram
Is Cleo Abram American?
Yes! Cleo Abram was born in New York City, USA. She grew up in Washington, D.C., where she attended Sidwell Friends School before moving back to New York to attend Columbia University.
How old is Cleo Abram?
Cleo Abram was born on January 27, 1993, which makes her 32 years old as of 2025.
Is Cleo Abram married?
She is! Her husband is Zachariah Reitano, co-founder of healthcare tech company Ro. The wedding took place in their backyard, surrounded by around 20 guests. They ordered food from their favorite places in New York, and she wore a suit instead of a wedding dress, which, according to her, made her feel more like herself.
What’s Cleo Abram’s height?
Cleo Abram is estimated to be around 5'6" (about 167 cm) tall. However, this is just an estimate since she hasn't shared her exact height publicly.
