How the Try Guys Evolved From Viral Virgins to Cultural Icons
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The Try Guys, a quartet of buddies who started as BuzzFeed viral stars, have come a long way. From their humble beginnings in 2014 to their current status as cultural icons, the group has undergone significant transformations.
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Born out of a brainstorming session among Keith Habersberger, Zach Kornfeld, Eugene Lee Yang, and Ned Fulmer, the Try Guys initially started as an experiment in viral content. As BuzzFeed’s pivot to video-era unfolded, the group’s unique combination of humor, vulnerability, and chemistry grabbed attention. Their debut video, featuring them trying on women’s underwear, became a smashing success, gathering 22.5 million views.
While their bosses at BuzzFeed were opposed to the idea of the quartet due to the reduced output, the guys felt they had obvious chemistry and potential to grow an audience. Therefore, they worked on Try Guys content on the side, balancing their mainstream duties with their side hustle. It wasn’t until 2018, though, that they negotiated a deal to keep their intellectual property and the name “Try Guys” while BuzzFeed continued to ride the wave of clicks on older content.
The Rise of Algorithmic Content
As Try Guys’ popularity grew, they started partnering with brands, raking in bigger budgets for their productions. Their post-grad selves were working tirelessly to create viral content. However, after four years of successful collaborations, they realized it was time to create something of their own.
Upon striking out on their own, the three remaining members (after Fulmer’s controversial departure) aimed to explore different angles of themselves, leveraging their chemistry for a variety of programming. The “candid competition” reality show turned out to be one of the unexpected hits, showcasing the guys as more than just goofy internet celebrities.
The “Fuck it” Era
With their business rebranded, and the algorithm game finally playing out, the Try Guys unleashed their creative freedom, experimenting with topics like fatherhood, medical issues, and company creation. The now-infamous “fuck it” era saw the guys letting go of the algorithmic reigns, focusing on the audience built over the years. The result included a livestreamed Romeo and Juliet screening and a short film – unconventional projects that, though not a commercial success, resonated with loyal fans.
The Evolution of the Channel
Fast-forward to 2022, when the Try Guys announced an overhaul of their channel. The 2nd Try subscription service would give fans early access to ad-free content featuring a rotating roster of new creators, including former BuzzFeed colleagues Kwesi James and baker Jonny Manganello. This step marked a significant departure from the company’s traditional content strategy and even sparked controversy.
As one of the most prominent examples of adapting to the ever-changing landscape of digital entertainment, the Try Guys have earned their place alongside other internet icons. Here’s a look at their remarkable evolution:
Infographic Summary:
- 2014: The Try Guys are born, kicking off with a viral underwear-tryout video.
- 2018: The group negotiates a deal, keeping their intellectual property and name with BuzzFeed.
- 2019: Ted Fulmer leaves the group following a scandal.
- 2022: The Try Guys announce their shift to a subscription-based service, 2nd Try.
- 2024: Yang leaves the group, and the channel transitions to a new era.
The Try Guys have transformed from early internet sensations to cultural icons through their willingness to experiment, adapt to changing trends, and connect with fans through authentic storytelling. As they continue exploring new creative horizons and embracing the challenges of their “fucked it” era, their resilient spirit and dedication to growth ensure the entertainment landscape will remain unpredictable and exciting, in the best possible way.
