- VC Sam Lessin compares MrBeast’s rise to BuzzFeed’s trajectory
- Both built huge audiences through viral content
- Lessin warns of potential long-term monetization challenges for broad-appeal creators
Déjà vu all over again
VC investor Sam Lessin sees eerie similarities between YouTube sensation MrBeast and BuzzFeed’s meteoric rise.
Both mastered social algorithms to build massive audiences quickly. But could this lead to similar pitfalls?
The algorithm giveth, the algorithm taketh away
MrBeast and BuzzFeed rely heavily on platform algorithms that can change overnight.
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Their broad, easily imitable content may struggle to maintain long-term value. BuzzFeed’s stock price has already plummeted 90% since going public.
Niche is the new broad
Lessin argues that lasting creator businesses need specialized content, dedicated fans, and revenue beyond ads.
MrBeast’s ventures into burgers and chocolate show he may understand this, but will it be enough?
