Introduction: Why YouTube Is a Game-Changer for APUSH
AP U.S. History (APUSH) is one of the hardest AP exams — covering centuries of political, cultural, and economic developments. Many students struggle to keep timelines, events, and themes organized. That’s where YouTube review channels come in.
With the right channels, you get:
- Bite-sized explanations of complex topics.
- Visuals that make timelines easier to follow.
- Exam-focused strategies for DBQs, SAQs, and essays.
- Free resources you can combine with RevisionDojo’s APUSH practice hubs.
Step 1: The Top APUSH YouTube Channels
1. Heimler’s History
- Why it’s great: Clear, exam-focused, and concise. Heimler is famous for breaking down complex topics into 10–15 minute videos.
- Best for: DBQ writing, review of big themes, unit summaries.
- Pro tip: Pair Heimler’s DBQ videos with RevisionDojo’s DBQ sample bank for real practice.
2. JoczProductions (Adam Jocz)
- Why it’s great: High-energy lessons with visuals, timelines, and review games.
- Best for: Students who need engagement and humor while studying.
- Pro tip: Watch his period overviews before unit tests, then use RevisionDojo’s note organizers to consolidate.
3. Tom Richey
- Why it’s great: Covers APUSH, AP Euro, and AP Gov. Known for live streams, thematic review, and strategy breakdowns.
- Best for: Understanding broader themes and connecting historical periods.
- Pro tip: Use Tom Richey’s thematic videos alongside RevisionDojo’s theme connection practice sheets.
4. CrashCourse U.S. History
- Why it’s great: Fast-paced, visually engaging, and comprehensive. Hosted by John Green.
- Best for: Quick overviews when you need to refresh.
- Caution: CrashCourse isn’t exam-specific, so always pair it with practice resources like RevisionDojo’s FRQ drills.
5. Marcolearning
- Why it’s great: Free exam review sessions, strategies, and tips from AP teachers.
- Best for: Students looking for structured review programs.
- Pro tip: Follow along with their practice packets, then test yourself on RevisionDojo’s SAQ practice hub.
6. Steve Heimler Live Streams
- Why it’s great: Focuses on answering student questions and real exam prep.
- Best for: Pre-exam cramming and live Q&A style learning.
- Pro tip: Use RevisionDojo’s last-minute cram guides to reinforce what you hear in streams.
7. Learnify APUSH
- Why it’s great: Newer but growing channel with exam-specific breakdowns.
- Best for: Students who want straightforward unit summaries.
- Pro tip: Use their unit overviews as a warmup, then do RevisionDojo’s unit quizzes for mastery.
Step 2: How to Use YouTube Effectively for APUSH
Watching videos alone isn’t enough — you need active study strategies.
- Take Notes While Watching: Use Cornell notes or RevisionDojo’s period organizers.
- Pause and Reflect: After each video, write down the big themes.
- Practice Right Away: Reinforce learning with DBQs, SAQs, or multiple-choice drills.
- Use Playlists: Follow channels in order to cover all APUSH periods (1491–Present).
Step 3: Combining YouTube with RevisionDojo
YouTube gives you content review, but you need practice to score high. That’s where RevisionDojo comes in:
- DBQ Bank: Past DBQs with scoring explanations.
- SAQ Practice Hub: Step-by-step practice with ACE (Answer, Cite, Explain).
- Multiple Choice Quizzes: Exam-style questions for each period.
- Essay Rubric Breakdowns: Learn exactly how graders award points.
👉 Example Study Flow:
- Watch Heimler’s Unit 6 overview.
- Use RevisionDojo’s Industrialization notes guide.
- Try a DBQ from the same unit.
Step 4: YouTube Study Plan for APUSH
Here’s a simple plan you can follow:
- September – December: Use JoczProductions + CrashCourse to supplement class lectures.
- January – March: Shift to Heimler’s unit reviews + RevisionDojo practice.
- April – May (Review Season): Focus on Tom Richey live streams + RevisionDojo’s FRQ/DBQ banks.
Step 5: Common Mistakes Students Make
- Passive Watching: Treating YouTube like entertainment instead of study.
- Skipping Practice: Watching videos without doing practice problems.
- Not Connecting Themes: Learning events without tying them to big ideas like democracy, migration, or culture.
👉 RevisionDojo solves this by forcing active learning — quizzes, practice logs, and review sheets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are YouTube channels enough to get a 5 on APUSH?
A: No — they’re great for review, but you need practice essays and multiple-choice drills (RevisionDojo provides those).
Q: Which channel should I use for DBQs?
A: Heimler’s History is the best. Pair it with RevisionDojo’s DBQ samples for full prep.
Q: Is CrashCourse good for APUSH?
A: Yes, for content, but it’s not exam-specific. Always back it up with exam practice.
Q: How much time should I spend on YouTube per week?
A: 2–3 videos per week during the school year, more during review season.
Q: Can I just binge-watch videos before the exam?
A: Not effective. Active note-taking and practice are what lead to a 5.
Final Thoughts
YouTube is one of the most powerful free tools for APUSH success. The right channels can turn overwhelming history content into manageable lessons.
Remember:
- Use Heimler for DBQs and strategies.
- Use JoczProductions and CrashCourse for engagement and review.
- Use Tom Richey and Marcolearning for thematic depth and live exam prep.
- Always pair videos with RevisionDojo practice tools to turn knowledge into exam-ready skills.
