The Evolution of Smosh: From Cyberspace Celebrities to YouTube Pioneers

🚀Smosh started as a comedy website and later joined YouTube, becoming the first channel to reach millions of subscribers.

💰Smosh sold their company for a significant amount, gaining the resources and creative freedom to focus on elevating their content.

📺They embraced the transition from traditional media to digital platforms, continuously improving their production quality.

🌟Smosh faced challenges with their audience's perception after getting acquired, but they focused on creating value and justifying their decisions.

🎥The founders' complementary skills and dynamic as a duo contributed to their success and resilience in the ever-evolving Creator economy.

How did Smosh start?

—Smosh started as a comedy website in 2002, founded by Anthony Padilla. They later joined YouTube in 2005 and became one of the platform's early success stories.

What motivated Smosh to sell their company?

—Smosh sold their company in 2011 primarily for stock and guaranteed salaries. This decision provided them with resources and support to elevate their content and expand their reach.

How did Smosh navigate the changing landscape of digital media?

—Smosh embraced the transition from traditional media to digital platforms, continuously improving their production quality and adapting to the preferences of their audience.

What challenges did Smosh face after getting acquired?

—After getting acquired, Smosh faced challenges regarding audience perception and accusations of being 'sellouts.' They responded by focusing on creating value, delivering high-quality content, and justifying their decisions.

What contributed to Smosh's success and resilience?

—The complementary skills and dynamic between Anthony Padilla and Ian Hecox as a duo contributed to their success and resilience in the ever-evolving Creator economy.

00:00Anthony and Ian, the founders of Smosh, discuss their journey from cyberspace celebrities to YouTube pioneers.

02:00Smosh started as a comedy website in 2002 and later joined YouTube, becoming the first channel to reach millions of subscribers.

07:30Smosh sold their company in 2011, gaining resources and creative freedom to focus on elevating their content.

11:00They embraced the transition from traditional media to digital platforms, continuously improving their production quality.

14:45Smosh faced challenges with audience perception after getting acquired, but they focused on creating value and justifying their decisions.

18:15The complementary skills and dynamic between Anthony and Ian as a duo contributed to their success and resilience in the ever-evolving Creator economy.