Part 5/11:
This relentless focus on automation means human writers are increasingly relegated to strategists or oversee the initial idea, while the actual content, headlines, and distribution are optimized algorithmically.
The Business Model: Venture Capital, Affiliate Links, and Mock Technology
Historically, BuzzFeed and similar companies have thrived on venture capital investments rather than profitability. BuzzFeed itself, after acquiring the Huffington Post, struggled with financial viability and has been trying to rebrand as a tech company to attract ongoing funding.
The company’s revenue sources include:
- Affiliate marketing: BuzzFeed heavily relies on Amazon affiliate links, earning commissions when readers purchase products.