Best Free History Videos That Actually Engage Middle & High School Students

Let’s be real for a second: showing a video in history class isn’t just about filling time—it’s about sparking curiosity, making connections, and keeping kids from drooling on their desks. But with so many options out there (and so many that feel like they were made in 1983 with a budget of $6), finding the right video can feel like a full-time job.

We’ve rounded up some of the best free, school-appropriate history videos that are short, sharp, and under 10 minutes—perfect for grabbing students’ attention without losing the period.

1. Oversimplified

YouTube Channel: Oversimplified

Perfect For: Big wars, big personalities, and even bigger laughs

Why Students Love It: The narrator has a gift for turning history into a comedy show, with fast pacing, quirky animation, and hilarious commentary.

Topics Covered: World Wars, the Cold War, French Revolution, Prohibition, and more

Teacher Tip: Preview for language—some episodes include light swearing or adult jokes, but most are middle/high school safe. You can always skip around or mute for a second.

2. History Teachers

YouTube Channel: History Teachers

Perfect For: Turning historical events into catchy pop song parodies

Why Students Love It: It's Beyoncé meets Beowulf. These teachers rewrite popular songs (from Lady Gaga to the Beatles) with clever lyrics about Joan of Arc, Napoleon, the Black Death, and more.

Topics Covered: Medieval Europe, Enlightenment, U.S. History, Ancient Civilizations

Teacher Tip: The videos are short and high energy—perfect as a hook or brain break. Bonus: they will sing them in the hallway.

3. Horrible Histories

YouTube Channel: Horrible Histories

Perfect For: Sneaking real history into hilarious sketches, songs, and fake commercials

Why Students Love It: Think Saturday Night Live meets the Middle Ages. It’s weird, witty, and endlessly quotable. From the “Four Georges” rap to the “Wives of Henry VIII” boy band song, these skits make even reluctant learners tune in.

Topics Covered: British and World History, Ancient Civilizations, Plagues, Revolutions

Teacher Tip: Some British slang or humor might need explaining, but the videos are short, wildly entertaining, and great for reviewing content or grabbing attention fast.

4. YouTube Channel: TED-Ed

Perfect For: Deep dives into fascinating, lesser-known moments in history

Why Students Love It: Gorgeous animation, haunting music, and stories like “The rise and fall of the Berlin Wall” or “How one man stopped the Holocaust.” It's like opening a mystery box from the past—and every episode is short and powerful.

Topics Covered: Ancient to modern history, world events, global culture, historical myths

Teacher Tip: Excellent for warm-ups, paired text analysis, or writing prompts. Just hit play, then ask, “What surprised you most?”

5. CrashCourse History

YouTube Channel: CrashCourse

Perfect For: Quick overviews with sharp wit and colorful visuals

Why Students Love It: John Green’s rapid-fire narration and relatable metaphors are a hit with older students. They feel like they’re watching YouTube… because they are.

Topics Covered: U.S. History, World History, Black American History, World Wars, Ancient Civilizations

Teacher Tip: Use with guided notes or a fill-in-the-blank sheet to keep kids focused. Some go just over 10 minutes—clip out what you don’t need.

6. PBS Origins / PBS Eons / PBS Terra

YouTube Channels:

PBS Origins – cultural history in bite-sized episodes
PBS Eons – prehistoric and ancient topics in under 10 minutes
PBS Terra – environmental history, often under 8 minutes
Perfect For: Tying history to science, anthropology, and modern issues
Why Students Love It: Slick visuals, unexpected topics, and short enough to fit between bell ringers and wrap-ups
Teacher Tip: Great for extension, discussion starters, or bellwork with a twist

Honorable Mentions

Simple History – Cartoon-style short videos perfect for quick explainers.
MrBettsClass – Music video parodies + sketch comedy = goofy and memorable.
History Bombs – Musical sketch comedy on key events in history. Think “Hamilton Lite” with British flair.
Extra Credits History – Game-style animation with snappy historical storytelling.

When used right, short videos can transform a “meh” day into a “whoa, I didn’t know that!” moment. These creators have found ways to make history fun, funny, and weirdly unforgettable—and your students won’t even realize they’re learning.

Got a favorite short video you love to use in your classroom? Drop it in the comments or join the conversation in The History Cat Teacher’s Lounge!