Moriah Elizabeth is the antidote to the "content farm" era of DIY. If your kid has spent any time on the "satisfying" side of the internet, they’ve likely seen her paint a sad, peeling foam bread loaf into a vibrant, wide-eyed character. While much of YouTube art is built on fake "hacks" or hyper-edited perfection, Moriah’s brand is built on the process.
She’s been at this since 2010, and that longevity shows in her comfort on camera. She isn't performing for the algorithm; she’s just an artist who happens to have 10.6 million people watching her mix paint.
Authentic Art vs. Content Farms
The biggest value here is that she actually fails. She’ll spend twenty minutes on a "Squishy Makeover" only to realize the color palette is "hideous" or the paint is peeling. She doesn't edit those moments out. For a kid who gets frustrated when their drawing doesn't look like the tutorial, seeing a pro like Moriah pivot and fix a mistake is a massive confidence-builder.
If your child is currently obsessed with those "5-Minute Crafts" style videos that use hot glue and life-hacks that don't actually work, Moriah is the necessary upgrade. She moves them from passive consumption into a headspace where they are considering YouTube DIY: Creative Spark or Just Passive Scrolling?. She treats her audience like fellow creators, not just viewers.
The YouTube Kids Hurdle
You’ll notice she isn't on the YouTube Kids app anymore. This isn't because her content turned "dark"—it’s a technicality of the platform. Creators who want to keep their comment sections open (to interact with fans or take suggestions for characters like Cousin Derp) usually have to opt out of the "Made for Kids" designation.
This means that while the videos are clean, the surrounding environment isn't walled off. If you have a younger child who wants to watch, you’ll need to be more intentional about how they access the channel. We recommend looking into how to Set Up Approved YouTube Channels so they can watch Moriah without the algorithm "helpfuly" suggesting a random, unvetted vlog next.
What Happens After the Video Ends
The "Moriah Effect" is real: your kid will likely want to start their own "Squishy Cemetery" or hunt for "ugly" toys at thrift stores to flip. This is generally great, but be prepared for the supply request. Her videos often feature Posca paint pens, specific fabric paints, and high-density foam.
If you want to keep it low-stakes, her "Paper Squishy" tutorials are a perfect entry point that only requires paper, tape, and stuffing. It’s a rare instance where YouTube actually leads to a kid sitting at a table for three hours doing something tactile. If you’re trying to decide Is YouTube Safe for Your 10-Year-Old?, Moriah is one of the strongest arguments in the "Yes" column, provided you’ve got the safety settings dialed in.
She’s one of the few creators who has managed to stay relevant for over a decade without a single "apology video" or manufactured drama. In the current landscape, that’s a unicorn.
