HISTORY HIT FAST CHANNEL - MAKING HISTORY HIT A HOME FOR MODERN AUDIENCES.
64% INCREASE IN TOTAL WATCHTIME VS 2023
37% INCREASE IN AVG. SESSION DURATION
OVER 4 MILLION HOURS OF TOTAL WATCH TIME
History Hit, part of Little Dot’s award-winning digital media network, is redefining how history is consumed in the digital age. Founded by historian and broadcaster Dan Snow, the History Hit network was created with one mission: to make history more accessible, engaging, and relevant to everyone.
In October 2022, History Hit expanded its reach by launching a FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) channel, bringing premium history programming to a wider audience with the aim to fill the gap left by traditional broadcasters who often skim over deeper or more diverse historical narratives.
Content Strategy: Curated, Compelling and Constantly Evolving
At the heart of the channel is a carefully curated mix of original, in-house productions and high-quality licensed content, which provides a unique and exclusive source of content for the FAST channel. Programming spans everything from ancient civilisations to pivotal moments in modern history and popular culture, offering:
- Full-length documentaries
- Short-form insights
- Expert-led featured series
- Fresh takes on classic topics
Just a handful of the standout content includes:
This programming strategy ensures viewers always have something new to discover, with a balance of consistency and surprise that drives loyalty and engagement.
Programming Diversity: Stories Beyond the Textbook
Where traditional history channels often lean heavily on war documentaries, History Hit goes much further. With a rich mix of social, political, cultural, and global stories, the channel has successfully repositioned history as something that touches every part of life.
The flexibility of the FAST format allows the team to stay agile and timely. During the 80th anniversary of D-Day in 2024, History Hit built a themed programming block that increased watch time by 23% and daily viewing by 15%. Proving that historical anniversaries still resonate when curated with care.
Audience Growth & Engagement
In 2024 alone, History Hit FAST saw:
- 12% increase in average daily viewers vs 2023
- 37% increase in average session duration vs 2023
- 64% increase in total watch time vs 2023 - reaching over 4 million hours!
These gains were driven by a data-led programming approach and bolstered by relevant themes and captivating storytelling. Viewers aren’t just tuning in, they’re staying longer and coming back for more.
Meanwhile, standout titles such as ‘Lost Treasures of the Ancient World’‘, ‘The Coming War on China’ and ‘JFK Assassination: The Oval Office to Dealey Plaza’ reflect the channel’s commitment to a wide-ranging and global approach to historical storytelling.
Commercial Success
As part of Little Dot Studios’ broader FAST strategy, History Hit has become a high-performing commercial asset. It offers advertisers a brand-safe, premium environment and highly engaged audiences. By combining direct first-party sales with third-party monetisation partners, the channel has delivered a 200% increase in revenue since launch.
Industry Impact: Reshaping the FAST Ecosystem
History Hit is more than just a channel, it’s a blueprint for how underserved genres can thrive in the FAST space with the right mix of passion, innovation, and data-led strategy.
Its success proves:
- There is strong demand for diverse, in-depth, and thought-provoking history content.
- FAST channels can serve as meaningful educational and entertainment platforms.
- Modern history programming is about new voices, fresh perspectives, and multi-platform delivery.
By delivering history content across FAST, SVOD, YouTube, social media, and podcasts, History Hit exemplifies the multi-platform media brand of the future - fluid, accessible, and audience-first.