Best Faceless YouTube Dark History Channels to Start in 2026
đ Market Intelligence Dashboard
| Metrics | Insights |
|---|---|
| Channels Audited | 8 |
| Opportunity Score | 6.9/10 |
| Average RPM | $12.2 |
| Market Saturation | Medium |
Our data audit identified the most efficient performers in the dark history niche. We focus on âAlphaâ channelsâthose generating views significantly higher than their subscriber count, representing the highest growth potential for new creators in 2026.
đ Top Performer Leaderboard
Uncovering (@uncovering_yt)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 279.0k | 1.7x | 477.4k | $10 |
âDocumentary-style videos uncovering dark history and mysteries, often using map animations to visualize data.â
- Winning Strategy: Excellent use of visual aids (maps).
- Growth Gap: Competitive, but the map visualization style provides a moat.
Top Benchmark Videos
- How the United States Just Attacked Iran.. (7.8M views)
- Why Planes Disappear in the Bermuda Triangle (4.2M views)
- How to Escape North Korea in 2024 (2.9M views)
Box Head (@Boxhead)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 435.0k | 0.6x | 262.6k | $8 |
âLong-form dark history and true crime content focusing on gruesome deaths, serial killers, and disasters. Uses text-to-speech and stock footage.â
- Winning Strategy: Extremely high view counts and retention (proven format).
- Growth Gap: Competitive, but the specific âdisasterâ focus is a strong sub-niche.
Top Benchmark Videos
- The Worst School Shootings In History (2.6M views)
- The Most Painful Cave Deaths Ever (2.3M views)
- The Most Painful Ocean Deaths Ever (1.9M views)
Grand Manors (@GrandManors)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18.8k | 0.5x | 10.2k | $25 |
âLong-form narrative documentaries exploring the dark history and secrets of famous mansions and estates.â
- Winning Strategy: High specificity (mansions) builds a loyal niche audience.
- Growth Gap: Most history channels focus on wars or politics; fewer cover the specific niche of architectural mysteries and dark histories of buildings.
Top Benchmark Videos
- The Dark Story of Americaâs LARGEST Mansion: Biltmore (610.4k views)
- The Dark Story of America s Most Controversial Mansion: Mar-a-Lago. (317.4k views)
- Why Billionaires Stopped Building Mansions Like Biltmore (285.9k views)
Chilling Scares (@ChillingScares)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.6M | 0.5x | 1.3M | $12 |
âDark true crime, disturbing internet stories, and horror narratives with high production value.â
- Winning Strategy: Exceptional view counts and consistent high performance
- Growth Gap: Popular niche but can target specific sub-genres
Top Benchmark Videos
- 8 Most Disturbing Things Caught on Dashcam Footage (Vol. 3) (21.7M views)
- 8 Most Disturbing Things Caught on Dashcam Footage (13.2M views)
- 8 Most Disturbing Things Caught on Dashcam Footage (Vol. 6) (12.3M views)
The Painful Explainer (@ThePainfulExplainer)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 82.1k | 0.2x | 20.0k | $5 |
âGraphic compilations and lists focusing on various types of deaths (serial killers, sports, influencers). Borderline shock content.â
- Winning Strategy: High click-through rate due to shock value
- Growth Gap: Policy risks outweigh opportunities
Top Benchmark Videos
- Every Athlete Who Died in Front of Their Fans (2.0M views)
- The WORST Amusement Park Accidents Ever (1.8M views)
- The Worst Deaths Caused by Pranks (549.2k views)
Sketchocalypse (@sketchocalypse)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75.9k | 0.2x | 16.2k | $25 |
âFaceless videos using stock footage and graphics to explain survival tactics, societal collapse scenarios, and dark history.â
- Winning Strategy: Taps into current societal anxieties effectively.
- Growth Gap: The channel is already capitalizing well on this opportunity.
Top Benchmark Videos
- How to Not Freeze to Death When Everything Goes Wrong (1.3M views)
- How to Treat a Bullet Wound When the World Has Ended (1.2M views)
- Why Burglars Will Skip Your House If You Do This: The 30-Minute Home Fortress Plan (850.5k views)
Hollywoodâs Oops! Files (@HollywoodsOopsFiles)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15.3k | 0.2x | 2.8k | $5 |
âLong-form narrated videos featuring quotes and stories about old Hollywood scandals and rivalries, often presented as lists or ârevealsâ.â
- Winning Strategy: Consistent content format that is easy to produce.
- Growth Gap: Specific sub-niches like âCelebrity scammersâ or âThe business behind failed movie productionsâ are less saturated than general gossip.
Top Benchmark Videos
- Lee Marvin Truly Hated Him More Than Anyone. (680.5k views)
- At 83, Paul Newman Finally Spoke Their Names The Men He Loved in Secret (230.1k views)
- Top 5 Actors Audie Murphy Hated THE MOST. (134.6k views)
Shrouded Hand (@ShroudedHand)
| Subscribers | Efficiency | Avg Views | RPM Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 975.0k | 0.2x | 167.7k | $8 |
âDeep-dive true crime and paranormal stories with dark, atmospheric tone. Uses narration over stock footage and images.â
- Winning Strategy: Strong engagement and consistent content schedule
- Growth Gap: Very saturated with established channels.
Top Benchmark Videos
- The Ant Walkers Of Hiroshima (4.3M views)
- The Worst Abuse In History - The Tragic Story Of Genie Wiley (3.9M views)
- Serial Killers That (Probably) Donât Exist (3.4M views)
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