Youtube history
All it's cracked up to be?
Most people, through no fault of their own, are not history buffs.
And as such, they may, by passing, see YouTube history vids, and note their contents.
However, not all are made equal.
This is a brief selection of, in our position, of the “good, bad, and the ugly” of YouTube history channels.
Misinformation
A major critique of historical YouTube is misinformation, or even disinformation.
And since most aren’t schooled on historical facts or methods, it spreads bad ideas and fallacies.
This can further be harmful since people can use misinformation, or even disinformation, to push harmful narratives. There are still some who advance the notion that Africa was “nothing” before European colonialism. We know this is false. The empires of Ghana, Benin, and Mali (not to be confused with the current states), Great Zimbabwe, Nubia, Kush, Mapungubwe, etc., were all prominent pre-colonial African states. Some still believe that Columbus, in his enslavement of native Americans, was acting by the norms of his time, when others in the Spanish authorities thought it was excessive.
In reality, the only region of the world without known organised kingdoms or empires in the pre-colonial period is Australia. But this doesn’t warrant Indigenous Australians as lesser. The Americas had Cahokia, the Aztecs, the Olmecs and the Incas. Asia had numerous empires - from the Persians, Islamic Caliphates, Indian empires, and the Chinese dynasties. The Polynesians, too, constructed the sculptures at Easter Island and travelled vast ocean distances to settle the Pacific.
Good history should present the truth, without course to biases or agendas. Just because humans have biases innately, it doesn’t mean we should be slaves to them, and not use higher or more objective critical thinking when needed.
Youtube history channels should do their utmost not to push misinformation or even disinformation. As most are not schooled in the intricacies of history, it’s incumbent on said content creators to express the truth accordingly.
With that said, based on adherence to facts, which YouTube history channels rank highly?
Metatron
Metatron is an Italian YouTuber who has been actively producing content for nearly a decade, with a strong focus on ancient Rome and the medieval periods. A polyglot, he is fluent in Italian and Sicilian—his native languages—as well as English, Japanese, and Mandarin. Metatron is best known for his reaction videos, which stand out for their dedication to uncovering the truth and presenting factual information. He currently resides in the United States, having recently migrated there with his wife.
His approach to content creation is rooted in using proven sources to substantiate every point he makes, while also debunking claims and arguments from other content creators that don't align with the facts. With a solid foundation in ancient and medieval history, as well as linguistic expertise, Metatron is committed to upholding the integrity of truth and facts in his videos. His channel is highly recommended for those seeking well-researched, accurate content.
Mark Felton
Mark Felton Productions, on the other hand, is a British YouTuber and historian who specializes in World War II content, particularly focused on Britain and Nazi Germany during the conflict. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Mark Felton’s videos are characterised by their factual accuracy, relying heavily on proven historical records. He is committed to presenting information in a well-organised, thoughtful manner that avoids spin, ideology, or propaganda. Felton’s content stands out for its focus on the intricacies of history, providing viewers with an in-depth and objective look at one of the most pivotal periods in modern history. His videos are a great resource for anyone looking for a detailed, fact-based exploration of WWII.
Vlogging Through History
Vlogging Through History is a popular YouTube channel run by American historian Chris Mowery, known for his engaging reaction videos that evaluate the veracity of content from other history-focused channels. His approach is not only educational but also personable and charming, making his videos accessible and enjoyable for viewers. Chris specialises in a wide range of historical periods, with particular expertise in the US Civil War, World War I, and medieval history.
What sets his channel apart is his unique blend of on-site videos, where he visits historical locations to provide context and depth to the events being discussed. His thorough knowledge of historical facts, combined with his ability to communicate them clearly, makes him a trusted source for viewers looking for accurate appraisals of historical content. Chris’s expertise and approachable demeanour make Vlogging Through History a valuable channel for anyone interested in history with a focus on accuracy and personal insight.
Mr. Beat
Not to be confused with Mr. Beast, though their content themes are markedly different.
Mr. Beat covers history on a variety of topics, with an often irreverent tone.
He is accurate, focused on truth and reality, and focuses more so on American and modern world history.
There are many others, of course, though these are a few that stand out.
Do you agree or disagree with the selection?