Crash Course is made by Complexly, a media company founded by John and Hank Green
Crash Course is produced by Complexly, an independent educational media studio. The channel was created by John Green (author of The Fault in Our Stars) and his brother Hank Green (a science communicator and musician). John Green hosts the history and literature series, while Hank Green hosts the science series. The two brothers started Complexly in 2012 specifically to make educational video content for YouTube.
Complexly is not owned by YouTube, Google, or any school system. It operates as a standalone production company that funds Crash Course through YouTube ad revenue, sponsorships, and viewer support. The company employs writers, researchers, animators, and producers who work on the scripts and visuals for each episode.
Beyond Crash Course, Complexly also produces other educational channels including Scishow, Scishow Kids, and Crash Course Kids. The company is based in the United States and has grown to become one of the largest educational content creators on YouTube.
Key Takeaways
- Crash Course is produced by Complexly, an independent media company founded by John and Hank Green in 2012.
- John Green hosts history and literature episodes while Hank Green hosts science episodes.
- Complexly is not affiliated with YouTube, Google, or any school district, though it publishes on YouTube.
- The company funds production through YouTube ad revenue, sponsorships, and viewer donations rather than government or institutional grants.
- Complexly also produces Scishow, Scishow Kids, and other educational channels beyond Crash Course.
How Crash Course episodes are written and produced
Each Crash Course episode goes through a multi-step production process. Complexly employs a team of writers and researchers who develop the script for every video. The writers work from outlines that break down what topics need to be covered in each episode, then write the narration that the hosts will read.
Once a script is finished, the host (either John or Hank Green) records the narration in a studio. Separately, the animation and graphics team creates the visual elements that appear on screen during the episode. These animations are custom-made for each video and often include diagrams, charts, and illustrated sequences that explain the concepts being discussed.
The entire production cycle for a single episode typically takes several weeks from initial research to final upload. Complexly releases new Crash Course episodes on a regular schedule, with different series covering different subjects.
The difference between Crash Course and school textbooks
Crash Course videos are created by a media production company, not by a school publisher or curriculum developer. This means the content is designed to work as supplementary learning material rather than as an official school curriculum. Teachers often use Crash Course videos in classrooms, but the videos are not written to match any particular state standard or textbook series.
Because Complexly is independent, the company can choose which topics to cover and how to present them. The videos tend to move quickly through material and assume viewers have some background knowledge or are willing to rewatch sections. This format works well for people who want to learn on their own time rather than follow a structured lesson plan.
Who funds Crash Course production
Crash Course is funded primarily through YouTube's Partner Program, which means Complexly earns money from ads that run before and during videos. The company also generates revenue from sponsorships—companies pay to have their products or services mentioned in videos, usually at the beginning or end of an episode.
Viewers can also support Crash Course directly through Patreon, a platform where people make monthly donations to creators they want to support. This viewer funding helps Complexly maintain production quality and continue making new episodes. The company does not receive government funding or grants from educational institutions.
How to find Crash Course videos
Crash Course videos are free to watch on YouTube. The main Crash Course channel hosts the history and literature series, while a separate channel called Crash Course Kids covers elementary-level topics. Hank Green's science videos appear on the main Crash Course channel as well, organized into playlists by subject.
You can search for specific topics on YouTube—for example, "Crash Course US History" or "Crash Course Biology"—and the relevant playlist will appear. Each series is organized chronologically, so you can start with episode one and work through in order, or jump to the specific topic you want to learn about.
Other projects from the people behind Crash Course
John Green is primarily known as an author. His novels, including The Fault in Our Stars and Looking for Alaska, have been adapted into films. He also writes and speaks about education, reading, and online communities. Beyond Crash Course, John contributes to Complexly's other projects and occasionally appears in videos on other channels.
Hank Green is a science communicator who has hosted multiple educational shows and written books about science topics. He also performs music and has been active in online communities focused on learning and fan culture. Both brothers remain involved in day-to-day decisions at Complexly, though they work with a larger team of producers and writers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crash Course part of a school or university?
No. Crash Course is produced by Complexly, an independent media company. It is not affiliated with any school, university, or school district. Teachers use the videos in classrooms, but Crash Course is not an official curriculum or part of any school system.
Do I have to pay to watch Crash Course videos?
No. All Crash Course videos are free to watch on YouTube. You may see ads before or during videos, but you do not have to pay a subscription fee. Complexly offers optional viewer support through Patreon for people who want to contribute money directly.
Who writes the scripts for Crash Course?
Complexly employs a team of writers and researchers who develop scripts for each episode. The hosts (John and Hank Green) read the narration, but they work from scripts written by the production team. Different writers may work on different series depending on the subject matter.
Can teachers use Crash Course videos in their classrooms?
Yes. Crash Course videos are free and available on YouTube, so teachers can show them to students. Many teachers use Crash Course as a supplement to their regular lessons or to introduce a topic. The videos are not designed as a complete curriculum, but they work well alongside textbooks and classroom instruction.
How often does Crash Course release new videos?
Complexly releases new Crash Course episodes on a regular schedule, though the exact frequency varies by series. You can subscribe to the Crash Course channel on YouTube to be notified when new videos are uploaded. The company prioritizes quality over speed, so production takes several weeks per episode.