In a strategic move to broaden its digital footprint, History Hit, the renowned subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) platform and podcast network, has unveiled plans to launch dedicated YouTube channels for three of its flagship podcasts: After Dark, The Ancients, and Dan Snow’s History Hit. This initiative aims to leverage YouTube’s expansive reach to engage a wider audience with compelling historical content.

After Dark: Exploring the Shadows of History
After Dark delves into the enigmatic and often scandalous aspects of nocturnal history. The podcast illuminates tales ranging from opulent royal festivities to the clandestine underbelly of Victorian-era crimes. Notable episodes have examined subjects such as the identity of Jack the Ripper, the legend of Tutankhamun’s curse, and the devastating impact of the Black Death.
The Ancients: Journey Through Antiquity
Hosted by historian Tristan Hughes, The Ancients transports listeners to the world of antiquity, shedding light on legendary figures like Alexander the Great and exploring groundbreaking archaeological discoveries. The podcast offers in-depth discussions on topics such as the last Neanderthals, the famed Library of Alexandria, and the enigmatic collapse of the Maya civilization.
Dan Snow’s History Hit: Conversations with Leading Historians
Dan Snow’s History Hit features the eponymous historian engaging in insightful dialogues with leading experts about pivotal moments that have shaped our world. The podcast covers a broad spectrum of historical events, from the strategic intricacies of the D-Day landings to the complex factors leading to the fall of Rome. Episodes such as The Story of England, How World War II Started, and Machu Picchu: The Lost City exemplify the podcast’s diverse range.
Strategic Expansion to YouTube
With an impressive monthly listenership nearing 10 million, History Hit’s decision to establish a presence on YouTube is a calculated effort to tap into the platform’s vast user base. The move is designed to offer existing listeners an alternative medium for content consumption while attracting new viewers who prefer video formats.
Steve Lanham, Head of Podcasts at History Hit, emphasized the significance of this expansion:
“Expanding onto YouTube is a natural next step for History Hit as we continue to grow our podcast audience. YouTube provides an incredible platform to reach new viewers while offering our existing listeners another way to engage with our shows. With the expertise and insights from our successful YouTube channel, we’re uniquely positioned to translate our podcast production into compelling video content.”
In-House Production and Channel Management
The newly established YouTube channels will be managed internally by History Hit’s seasoned production and channel management team. This approach ensures that the content maintains the high-quality standards that listeners have come to expect, while also tailoring the material to suit the visual dynamics of the YouTube platform.
Alignment with History Hit’s Mission
This expansion aligns seamlessly with History Hit’s overarching mission to make history accessible and engaging to the widest possible audience. By diversifying the platforms through which content is delivered, History Hit continues to innovate in the dissemination of historical knowledge.
Launch Timeline
The rollout of the YouTube channels is scheduled as follows:
- After Dark: Official channel launch anticipated later this April.
- Dan Snow’s History Hit: Launch to follow subsequent to After Dark.
- The Ancients: Launch to follow subsequent to Dan Snow’s History Hit.
About History Hit
Founded by historian and broadcaster Dan Snow, History Hit has evolved into a prominent platform offering a plethora of historical content. The network boasts a diverse array of podcasts, including Not Just the Tudors, Gone Medieval, and Betwixt the Sheets, each catering to different historical interests and periods.
In 2020, History Hit was acquired by Little Dot Studios, a digital content company under the All3Media umbrella. This acquisition has facilitated further growth and expansion, enabling History Hit to reach broader audiences through various digital platforms.
Conclusion
History Hit’s strategic foray into YouTube underscores the platform’s commitment to adapting to evolving media consumption trends. By offering rich, visual content on a widely accessible platform, History Hit is poised to captivate both loyal listeners and new audiences, further cementing its status as a leading provider of historical content.