1.67M
Subscribers
6.4M/mo
Monthly Views
$16K-$32K/mo
Est. Monthly Revenue
$2.50-$5.00
Est. RPM
380+ videos uploaded | 234M+ total views
The Story
Sarah Mitchell spent 15 years producing history documentaries for cable networks, watching budgets shrink while viewer appetite for history content grew. When she was laid off during a network restructuring, she started making the documentaries she'd always wanted to create - deep dives into historical mysteries, civilization collapses, and forgotten events that shaped our world. Her content brings documentary-quality production to YouTube, with custom animations, dramatic narration, and meticulous research. Videos exploring why civilizations fall, how diseases changed history, and the untold stories behind famous events have found a massive audience hungry for quality historical content. Today, Sarah's channel rivals the production quality of Netflix documentaries while maintaining the depth that streaming services avoid. Her Patreon community funds research trips and animation, creating a sustainable model for independent documentary-making.
“Netflix wants 45-minute documentaries that keep you watching but teach you nothing. I want 30-minute documentaries that change how you see the world. YouTube lets me make the content cable networks never would.”
— History Explained
The Transformation
Before
Documentary producer laid off from shrinking cable network
After
1.67M subscriber independent documentarian with sustainable Patreon model
Timeline: 5 years of content creation
Content Strategy
History Explained focuses on 'big question' history rather than isolated events. Videos ask 'why did Rome fall?' or 'how did disease shape colonization?' rather than just recounting facts. Custom animations and maps make complex geopolitical movements visual. Series format builds returning viewership.
Key Insights
Documentary quality differentiates from talking-head competitors
Big question framing attracts intellectually curious audience
Patreon funding enables production quality YouTube ads can't support
Series format creates appointment viewing and channel loyalty
Educational content attracts brand-safe premium advertisers
History content has unlimited evergreen topics
Business Impact
1.67M subscribers - leading documentary-style history channel
YouTube ad revenue generating $200K+ annually
Patreon community (8,500+ members) generating $180K annually
Merchandise (maps, prints) generating $55K annually
Book deal for historical non-fiction
Total estimated annual revenue: $500K+ from all sources