Key facts at a glance
The Try Guys left BuzzFeed in 2022 after their contract was not renewed. They now operate independently, run their own company called 2nd Try, and publish directly to their owned channels. This status clarification explains what changed, what did not, and how the group’s relationship with BuzzFeed shifted.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Event | Contract end and departure from BuzzFeed | Company/PR statements and business reporting |
| Timing | 2022 | Business press |
| New entity | 2nd Try (independent production) | Company registration and public announcements |
What changed for The Try Guys
In 2022, The Try Guys ceased producing content for BuzzFeed and transitioned to an independent model. Their departure meant they no longer operated as a branded vertical within BuzzFeed but instead returned to owning their content, audience data, and creative control. The shift moved production, editing, and release cadence to their own workflows under the banner of 2nd Try, allowing broader platform distribution beyond BuzzFeed.
What did not change
The personalities and core team behind the videos remained intact. The Try Guys continued to create the humor-driven, experiment-based format their audience recognizes, maintaining continuity in style while shifting business and editorial ownership.
Timeline and milestones
The move followed the expiration or non-renewal of their BuzzFeed contract, after which they fully launched 2nd Try as an independent company. Key milestones include the announcement of the split, the first independently produced uploads, and subsequent growth on their owned channels. These steps reflect a deliberate shift away from platform-specific dependency rather than a reaction to a single controversy.
Business context and ownership
The Try Guys’ departure is best understood as part of a broader trend in digital media where creators move from brand-dependent structures to independent operations. By forming 2nd Try, the group established a formal entity capable of managing production, distribution, and commercial partnerships on its own terms. This ownership model supports longer-term audience relationships and diversified revenue streams.
What this means for content and audience
For viewers, the change primarily affects where new Try Guys content appears and how it is supported. While some BuzzFeed-era formats may evolve, the core appeal—experiments, challenges, and candid group dynamics—remains central. Direct channels allow the group to release more experimental work and engage audiences with fewer platform-imposed constraints.
Long-term considerations
Because the departure was contract-driven rather than incident-driven, it represents a structural change in how digital talent moves between media companies and independent ventures. The durability of The Try Guys under the 2nd Try model depends on audience retention, commercial flexibility, and the ability to scale independent production sustainably.
Status summary
The Try Guys are no longer part of BuzzFeed's internal creator roster as of 2022. They operate through their own company, 2nd Try, and publish on their owned platforms. This status is stable and reflects a move to independent production rather than a temporary break.