The Try Guys Left BuzzFeed: Status and Context

Introduction to The Try Guys and Their BuzzFeed Relationship

The Try Guys, a comedy group founded by Keith Habersberger, Ned Fulmer, Zach Kornfeld, and Eugene Lee Yang, first gained prominence producing content for BuzzFeed. Their breakout shows such as "Try Guys," "Guys Read," and "Try Not To" delivered a mix of humor, personal storytelling, and experimental formats that resonated with a broad audience. During their time within the BuzzWorks division, the team operated under the larger media and commerce infrastructure of BuzzFeed, leveraging the brand’s distribution and production resources while cultivating a distinct identity. Their trajectory reflects a shift from platform-native operations toward greater editorial and creative autonomy, which ultimately shaped decisions about their long-term home.

The Try Guys BuzzFeed Partnership Timeline and Milestones

The Try Guys initially rose to fame through BuzzFeed’s Tasty and Fill series before launching their own flagship series. Over time, their content evolved to emphasize lifestyle experiments, humor, and candid personal narratives. As their audience expanded, so did their ambitions, leading to increased production scope and a desire for more control over creative direction. This period of growth created tension between maintaining a scalable, brand-safe partnership within a large digital media ecosystem and pursuing an independent model that could accommodate their maturing brand. The following table outlines key milestones in their relationship with BuzzFeed.

Creative Differences and Independence Desires

As The Try Guys developed a more personal and polished style, their production ambitions grew. They began to explore formats that diverged from platform expectations, emphasizing longer-form storytelling, behind-the-scenes access, and a tone that blended vulnerability with humor. These creative aspirations often conflicted with the standardized, performance-driven approach common in large digital media environments, where content must meet strict benchmarks for efficiency, trend alignment, and rapid turnarounds. The pursuit of full ownership over their intellectual property and the ability to experiment without platform-level constraints became central motivations for leaving BuzzFeed. By separating from BuzzWorks, the team aimed to secure greater editorial control and the flexibility to evolve their brand on their own terms.

Business and Ownership Considerations

Leaving a major platform like BuzzFeed often involves complex negotiations around content rights, ongoing licensing, and revenue structures. For The Try Guys, regaining ownership of their videos and related assets meant they could monetize their work through diverse channels, including direct audience support, branded collaborations, and their own products and services. Owning their library also provided long-term value and stability, reducing reliance on platform algorithms and policies. While precise financial details are rarely disclosed, the move aligned with broader industry trends in which digital creators seek to build sustainable businesses independent of social platforms and content aggregators.

Impact on Content Strategy and Brand Identity

Stepping outside the BuzzFeed ecosystem allowed The Try Guys to refine their content strategy around authenticity, experimentation, and direct audience relationships. Freed from certain platform mandates, they could pursue bolder formats, more deliberate pacing, and stories that reflected their personal and professional growth. This transition also strengthened their identity as a standalone brand, distinct from the broader BuzzFeed portfolio. The emphasis shifted from optimizing for platform-specific metrics to nurturing a loyal community, diversifying income, and investing in long-form, high-quality productions that reinforce their values and voice as a team.

Industry Context and Creator Independence Trends

The Try Guys’ departure reflects a wider movement in which digital creators move from platform-dependent roles to independent operations. This trend is driven by desires for creative control, ownership of intellectual property, and more stable revenue models. Leaving a large media company often provides the opportunity to build a tailored infrastructure, from production to commerce, that aligns with the creator’s vision and audience expectations. However, this path also requires significant investment in operations, marketing, and product development. Their experience demonstrates both the challenges and the strategic benefits of reclaiming independence in the creator economy, serving as a reference point for other creators evaluating their long-term goals.