If you're a fan of viral quizzes, memes, and listicles, chances are you're familiar with BuzzFeed. But do you know the story of the man who started it all? In this article, we'll take a closer look at Jonah Peretti, the founder of BuzzFeed, and the fascinating journey that led him to create one of the most popular media companies in the world.

The Early Days

Peretti was born in 1974 in California, and he grew up in Oakland. From a young age, he showed an interest in technology and entrepreneurship. In college, he studied environmental science and then went on to earn a graduate degree in the field from MIT. However, his true passion lay in the world of media and communications.

After graduation, Peretti worked for several media companies, including The Huffington Post, where he served as the Director of R&D. While working at The Huffington Post, Peretti gained a reputation as a skilled and innovative thinker, and he quickly became known for his ideas on how to make online content more shareable and engaging.

The Birth of BuzzFeed

In 2006, Peretti teamed up with John S. Johnson III to start BuzzFeed. The website began as a side project, with the goal of creating content that would spread virally across the web. In the early days, BuzzFeed focused on creating quizzes and listicles that were both entertaining and informative.

One of BuzzFeed's earliest successes was a quiz called "The Pepsi Challenge," which went viral and received millions of views. This success gave Peretti and his team the confidence to continue experimenting with different types of content, and over time, BuzzFeed evolved into a full-fledged media company.

The Rise to Fame

As BuzzFeed's popularity grew, so did Peretti's reputation as a media innovator. He was praised for his ability to tap into the zeitgeist and create content that resonated with a wide audience. BuzzFeed became known for its listicles, quizzes, and other viral content, but it also began to cover more serious topics, including politics, world news, and social justice issues.

In 2011, BuzzFeed received a major boost when it was named one of the 50 Best Websites by Time magazine. This recognition helped to further establish BuzzFeed as a major player in the online media world, and it cemented Peretti's status as a visionary leader.

Beyond BuzzFeed

Despite his success with BuzzFeed, Peretti has never been content to rest on his laurels. He continues to be involved in a variety of other projects, including co-founding the website Contagious Media, which focused on creating content that would spread virally across the web. He has also been involved in various startups and media ventures, including the website BlackPlanet.com and the online advertising company Eyebeam.

Peretti's legacy as a media innovator is a testament to his ability to combine creativity with technology. He has shown that it's possible to create content that is both entertaining and informative, and that resonates with a wide audience. As BuzzFeed continues to grow and evolve, it's clear that Peretti's influence will continue to be felt for years to come.

Hey there! I'm Chuck, the Editor-in-Chief at Local Threads. We’re on a mission to showcase founders of start-ups and help them shine and tell the world about themselves, their products, and their vision in life. We see value in the stories of big brands and their founders as well. Their success can be a source of inspiration for start-ups.