For history enthusiasts, the internet is a treasure trove of information, and YouTube stands out as an excellent platform to delve into the past. With countless channels dedicated to historical events, figures, and analysis, YouTube offers a rich array of content that brings history to life. Whether you’re a student, a history aficionado, or someone with a casual interest in the past, these YouTube channels provide engaging, informative, and often entertaining historical content. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore some of the best YouTube channels for history buffs.
1. HISTORY
Channel Overview: The HISTORY channel on YouTube offers a wide range of historical documentaries, series, and special features. Covering everything from ancient civilizations to modern history, this channel is a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in historical narratives and analysis.
Why Watch:
- High-quality documentaries and series.
- Coverage of a broad range of historical periods and events.
- Engaging and well-researched content.
Popular Videos:
- “The Story of Egypt”
- “World War II in HD”
- “Ancient Aliens: Top Ten Alien Encounters”
Link: HISTORY
2. CrashCourse
Channel Overview: CrashCourse, created by John and Hank Green, offers a series of educational videos on various subjects, including history. Their World History and US History series provide concise, engaging, and informative overviews of key historical events and themes.
Why Watch:
- Concise and engaging educational content.
- Broad coverage of world and US history.
- Animated and visually appealing presentations.
Popular Videos:
- “The Agricultural Revolution: Crash Course World History #1”
- “The Cold War: Crash Course US History #37”
- “The French Revolution: Crash Course World History #29”
Link: CrashCourse
3. The Great War
Channel Overview: The Great War channel provides a detailed week-by-week account of World War I, offering in-depth analysis and storytelling. Hosted by historian Indy Neidell, this channel is perfect for those who want to understand the complexities and daily developments of the Great War.
Why Watch:
- Detailed week-by-week account of World War I.
- In-depth analysis and storytelling.
- Hosted by a knowledgeable historian.
Popular Videos:
- “Outbreak of World War I – How Europe Spiraled into the GREAT WAR”
- “The Christmas Truce of 1914”
- “End of the War – Armistice of 11 November 1918”
Link: The Great War
4. Historia Civilis
Channel Overview: Historia Civilis focuses on ancient Roman and Greek history, providing detailed explanations of significant events, battles, and political movements. The channel’s animated style and clear narration make complex historical topics accessible and interesting.
Why Watch:
- Focus on ancient Roman and Greek history.
- Detailed explanations of significant events and battles.
- Accessible and engaging animated style.
Popular Videos:
- “Julius Caesar – Crossing the Rubicon”
- “Alexander the Great – Battles and Tactics”
- “The Punic Wars – Rome vs Carthage”
Link: Historia Civilis
5. OverSimplified
Channel Overview: OverSimplified offers humorous and simplified summaries of significant historical events. With a unique and entertaining animation style, this channel makes learning about history fun and accessible, appealing to both casual viewers and serious history buffs.
Why Watch:
- Humorous and simplified summaries of historical events.
- Unique and entertaining animation style.
- Makes learning about history fun and accessible.
Popular Videos:
- “WWI – OverSimplified (Part 1)”
- “The American Revolution – OverSimplified (Part 1)”
- “The Cold War – OverSimplified (Part 1)”
Link: OverSimplified
6. Kings and Generals
Channel Overview: Kings and Generals provides detailed and animated documentaries on military history, covering battles, campaigns, and significant historical figures. The channel’s thorough research and high-quality animations make it a fantastic resource for military history enthusiasts.
Why Watch:
- Detailed and animated military history documentaries.
- Coverage of battles, campaigns, and historical figures.
- High-quality research and animations.
Popular Videos:
- “The Battle of Cannae – The Bloodiest Battle in History”
- “Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire”
- “The Napoleonic Wars: Battle of Austerlitz 1805”
Link: Kings and Generals
7. The History Guy: History Deserves to Be Remembered
Channel Overview: The History Guy focuses on lesser-known historical events and figures, offering short, informative, and engaging videos. His motto, “History Deserves to Be Remembered,” reflects his mission to bring attention to the often-overlooked stories of the past.
Why Watch:
- Focus on lesser-known historical events and figures.
- Short, informative, and engaging videos.
- Emphasis on remembering overlooked stories of the past.
Popular Videos:
- “The Exploding Whale of Florence, Oregon”
- “The Forgotten First Flight Across the Atlantic”
- “The History of Toilet Paper”
Link: The History Guy: History Deserves to Be Remembered
8. Extra History
Channel Overview: Extra History, part of the Extra Credits channel, uses engaging animations to tell the stories of historical events and figures. Each series is broken down into multiple episodes, providing a thorough and entertaining exploration of history.
Why Watch:
- Engaging animated storytelling.
- Thorough exploration of historical events and figures.
- Multi-episode series for in-depth coverage.
Popular Videos:
- “The South Sea Bubble: The Original Meme Stock”
- “The History of Paper Money – Extra History”
- “The Punic Wars – Extra History”
Link: Extra History
9. History Matters
Channel Overview: History Matters offers short, animated explainers on a wide range of historical topics. The channel’s concise videos are perfect for quick learning and provide clear and engaging summaries of historical events and themes.
Why Watch:
- Short, animated historical explainers.
- Clear and engaging summaries of historical events.
- Perfect for quick learning and understanding.
Popular Videos:
- “Why Did the Soviet Union Collapse?”
- “What If the South Had Won the Civil War?”
- “Why Did the British Empire Fall?”
Link: History Matters
10. Timeline – World History Documentaries
Channel Overview: Timeline offers full-length documentaries covering a broad spectrum of historical topics, from ancient civilizations to modern history. The channel’s extensive library of documentaries provides in-depth and comprehensive historical content.
Why Watch:
- Full-length documentaries on a wide range of topics.
- Extensive library of historical content.
- In-depth and comprehensive coverage.
Popular Videos:
- “The Fall of the Roman Empire”
- “The Black Death: The World’s Most Devastating Plague”
- “The Real Story of the Vikings”
Link: Timeline – World History Documentaries
Conclusion
These YouTube channels offer a wealth of historical knowledge, from detailed analyses and animated summaries to full-length documentaries and lesser-known stories. Whether you’re a seasoned history buff or just starting your journey into the past, these channels provide engaging and informative content to satisfy your curiosity. Subscribe to these channels and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of history.
