In the age of the internet, all you need to explore history is a little curiosity and an internet connection. Once you start exploring history on YouTube, you’ll find a vast array of entertaining and educational channels that turn the past into something fascinating and accessible. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the best YouTube channels that will spark your interest in learning about history, while presenting it in an enjoyable way.
To become a history enthusiast, you need to find resources that present historical facts in a fun and interesting manner. It’s said that learning history can often feel like a daunting task, but with these channels, you can explore the past without spending even a single penny.
In compiling this list of the best YouTube channels to learn history, I have focused on those that provide accurate, yet entertaining content. This article will highlight a variety of resources to cater to different learning styles and preferences. Well, I put together this article to make it easier for you!
CrashCourse
CrashCourse is a simple yet powerful educational resource that helps simplify complex historical events with entertaining and informative videos. The channel acts as your personal history guide, offering well-researched content that covers a wide array of topics.
This channel also has a colorful animation style, so you can follow along easily or even revisit episodes for further understanding. It enables users to quickly learn about major events, ensuring that history becomes accessible and fun. What I love so much about CrashCourse is its simplicity. The channel is much more than just a video series, with a vibrant host, interesting visuals, and well-structured episodes. There's also a community of learners, sharing thoughts and insights.
Much like other educational channels, CrashCourse is a go-to resource, so you can explore historical themes in a lighthearted manner. To create a seamless learning experience, it’s clear and concise, which makes it an excellent tool for both beginners and seasoned history buffs. Alternatively, you can skip to specific topics, which lets you focus on what interests you most.
But since the episodes are brief, you can also enjoy multiple topics in one sitting. If, like me, you want to learn history without the confusion of over-complicated explanations, CrashCourse is a perfect fit. One thing to keep in mind is the balance of humor and learning—this combination keeps the material light yet informative.
HISTORY
The
HISTORY YouTube channel offers a vast collection of documentaries and clips that can be a valuable resource for anyone interested in historical events. Viewers will be able to explore topics ranging from ancient civilizations to modern conflicts, providing a comprehensive look at how history has shaped the world today. From more traditional documentary formats to more modern takes on historical topics, this channel ensures that history is accessible and well-researched so that it appeals to a wide range of audiences. HISTORY is continuously updating its content, so that it remains relevant and informative for both history buffs and casual learners. This type of content is perfect for anyone looking for well-rounded and detailed examinations of key moments in history. Whether you're seeking to understand the dynamics of the World Wars or the stories behind historical figures, HISTORY will guide you through it. With its mix of high-quality documentaries and concise episodes, the channel aims to present history in a way that is both clear and rich in detail so that it is not overwhelming to the viewer while still offering deep insights.
Simple History
Believe us, you will fall in love with history if you give Simple History a try. Even with its minimalist animation style,
Simple History already offers a delightful approach to learning about the past. As from what I’ve figured out, Simple History has a simple user interface, making it accessible to anyone. This channel is the closest to a traditional textbook, with a fun and visually appealing twist.
OverSimplified
OverSimplified is a YouTube channel that looks similar to an animated comedy series, where you can learn about historical events in a fun and lighthearted way. The channel uses humor to simplify complex topics, presenting them through amusing animations and witty narration.
It also puts more emphasis on breaking down historical events into easy-to-understand episodes. For example, you can watch episodes on the French Revolution or World War I, where the information is condensed into short, humorous clips that highlight the key moments of each event. Sometimes, the humor in the animations can make even the most serious historical events feel less intimidating.
If you're looking for a way to learn history without feeling overwhelmed by details, OverSimplified is worth checking out. Being powered by a unique blend of animation and comedy, OverSimplified will help you understand the core ideas of any historical topic in a fun way, so that you can enjoy learning while laughing along with the host’s quirky takes on the past. With its relaxed tone and humor, this channel is perfect for those who want to learn history without the heavy academic tone of traditional documentaries.
Historia Civilis
This channel focuses on deep military analysis—
Historia Civilis, with an academic yet approachable tone. It also allows you to explore Roman history, Greek philosophy, and military strategies in great detail. Alongside these historical subjects, Historia Civilis assists you in understanding complex political dynamics and the impact of individual figures in shaping historical events. The channel’s minimalist animation and well-researched content provide a thoughtful approach, perfect for those who prefer a scholarly perspective on history.
The Great War
While most channels cover broad historical periods,
The Great War focuses solely on World War I. For that purpose, it delivers an in-depth analysis of the war’s key events, from battles to political decisions. With a strong emphasis on historical accuracy, it presents personal stories of soldiers and civilians, offering a multifaceted view of the war’s impact.
This unique approach allows viewers to understand the complexities of the conflict in a way that other channels may not. It can help you see the war not just as a series of events, but as a transformative period for those who lived through it. Since the channel often uses archival footage, photos, and expert commentary, it brings the past to life in a way that feels immersive. The same goes when exploring the war’s long-term effects on global politics and society, providing a complete understanding of its significance.
History Time
historical curriculum, this is a great option. The videos cover everything from ancient civilizations to more recent events, providing a thorough understanding of key moments in history. Whether it’s exploring the rise and fall of empires or the impact of crucial discoveries,
History Time takes the time to give each topic the attention it deserves.
The channel’s approach shows you how different historical events connect, offering a broader perspective on how past actions shaped the present. This helps you to understand the context behind major events, not just the events themselves. By putting history in a larger framework, History Time reveals how even seemingly small occurrences had lasting effects on the course of human history.
The channel’s production quality is high, with clear visuals, maps, and often reenactments that provide further context to the stories being told. This will give you a vivid image of historical moments and bring a richer understanding of the times being discussed. For example, their coverage of medieval warfare or the industrial revolution includes detailed explanations of the technology and people involved, which helps contextualize the impact of these events on today’s world.
History Time’s ability to explore niche topics is something I find extra helpful, especially when trying to grasp more specific historical details that are often overlooked in other videos. The channel’s breadth ensures that there’s always something new to learn, even if you're already familiar with mainstream historical events.
Kings and Generals
Yet, when it comes to understanding military history,
Kings and Generals offers a unique perspective. It covers key battles and empires with detailed animations that help simplify complex military strategies. So, if you have an interest in warfare or the history behind legendary generals, this channel is a great resource. Users can benefit from clear visualizations that demonstrate how battles were fought, making it easier to follow tactical movements. I find it amazing that you can learn about historical conflicts through well-researched content. This channel uses high-quality animations, which are both informative and easy to follow.
History Hit
History Hit is a channel that offers a blend of expert interviews, documentaries, and in-depth explorations of various historical topics. It includes a wide range of subjects, from ancient civilizations to more recent events, often highlighting lesser-known stories and figures.
I really like that it provides insightful analysis from historians and experts, making complex topics accessible to everyone. It’s particularly valuable for viewers who enjoy learning about history beyond the typical textbook content. History Hit offers a fresh perspective with additional features like interactive maps, documentaries, and series that connect past events to current issues. It takes a modern approach to storytelling, with a focus on how history shapes the present. If you're interested in seeing history through a different lens, History Hit is worth a look. Whether you’re a history buff or a casual learner, it’s a fantastic channel to explore.
The Armchair Historian
The Armchair Historian is not a typical history channel per se, but a highly informative one that offers a mix of storytelling and animation. Once you watch its content, the channel will help you understand historical events and figures with ease. The style looks like an animated documentary, which you can enjoy while learning. You can learn even more when you explore the wide range of topics offered yet. Conclusion
Good luck! I hope this article helps you get started with exploring history and that you find learning about the past enjoyable. Remember to check out any of these channels for a fresh perspective on history. As you explore any of these topics, be sure to keep an open mind. Understanding how to learn history may seem overwhelming initially, but with these resources, we hope it’ll be easier!
