Guide
How to make a simple cartoon history video with AI
Write a jokey, fast-moving history script, then give it to a tool that draws simple cartoon scenes from narration, such as Alpy. Read it yourself or pick an AI voice, choose a stick figure such as the King, Knight or Ancient Stickman, and Alpy draws a scene for each part with that character, cut to the words. The result is the simple-drawing look of channels like Oversimplified; their characters and jokes are theirs, so make your own.
Last updated 26 October 2026
Try Alpy with a free preview →Make your first video →How to do it, step by step
- Pick a story with people in it. A war, a revolution, a terrible decision. History told through who wanted what is funnier and easier to draw than dates.
- Write it to be heard, with jokes. Short sentences, asides, a running gag. About 150 words a minute; 10 minutes is about 1,500 words.
- Check the history. Use real sources, and name them in the description. The drawings show what the script says, so a wrong date ends up on screen.
- Make the video in [Alpy](/create). Record yourself or pick one of six AI voices, choose a character, and Alpy draws every scene. Videos up to 20 minutes.
- Fix and publish. Redraw any scene you do not like, then download the MP4 with title ideas, a description and a thumbnail.
Characters that fit history
| Character | Good for |
|---|---|
| King Stickman | Monarchs, empires, bad royal decisions |
| Knight Stickman | Medieval wars, crusades, castles |
| Ancient Stickman | Rome, Egypt, prehistory and human origins |
| Pirate Stickman | Exploration, trade, the age of sail |
All free; see all characters. One character can play every role, as many simple history channels do.
What you may not copy
- Another channel's characters, catchphrases or recurring jokes. Those are its own work. The simple style is open to anyone; the specific drawings are not.
- Their scripts. Research the history yourself; it is also what makes your take worth watching.
- Their channel name in yours. "Like Oversimplified" in a title asks for trouble; describe your own topic instead.
Where Alpy is not the right fit
- Polished vector animation in the style of Kurzgesagt is a different craft; Alpy's drawings are deliberately simple stills, not motion graphics.
- Six AI voices, not a large voice library, and no voice cloning
- Horizontal 16:9 only, no vertical Shorts
- One deliberately simple drawing style, not polished animation
- No free plan
Questions
- Is there an AI that makes Oversimplified-style videos?
- Alpy draws simple cartoon scenes from your narration or a typed script, with one recurring character, which is the look of simple history channels. The characters, jokes and research have to be your own.
- Is there an AI that makes Kurzgesagt-style videos?
- Not with Alpy: Kurzgesagt is polished vector animation made by a large team. Alpy makes deliberately simple drawn scenes.
- What software does Oversimplified use?
- The channel has not published its full workflow, so this page does not guess. Alpy is one way to get a simple drawn look without drawing.
- Can a cartoon history channel be monetised?
- Yes, if the videos are original and follow YouTube's policies. Non-graphic educational coverage of war is listed as suitable for ads; graphic violence is not.
- What does it cost?
- Setting up a video is free, and you see the price before you pay. Finishing one video is $7 a video or $29/month.
Related
Sources
Other tools’ prices and features were checked on their own sites on the date above and change often. Spotted something out of date? Tell us at hello@tryalpy.com.
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