They Found Their Voice
Old high school pals Ian and Anthony have spent the last 10 years writing, acting, editing, and directing their own comedy videos. Their humor is silly and juvenile, but they embrace this as part of their brand, and their voice has never changed. (Photo: Corbis)
Then They Stuck With What They Knew
One of their first mega-hit videos was their spoof of the game Pokemon, called “Pokemon in Real Life,” which posted in 2011 and currently has 45 million views. By simply taking a game they both played as kids, and highlighting its faulty logic, they attracted not only gamers, but also others who appreciated their humor. Take something familiar to millions, and make fun of it: It’s a very simple formula. (Photo: YouTube/Smosh Channel)
Then They Expanded
At some point you have to delegate. The Smosh boys decided to expand their library of produced content, and hiring more like-minded entertainers and filmmakers to help them grow. They also make sure to represent different demos by aiming for an even split of guys and gals, as well as actors with a mix of different races and ethnicities. Exhibit A: The Japanese-American personality known as Atomic Mari, who hosts their show Smosh Pit Weekly, and can be seen in many of their skits. (Photo: YouTube/Smosh 2nd Channel)
That Got Disney’s Attention
In 2006, Smosh’s YouTube channel caught the eye of Disney executive Barry Blumberg, who asked to meet the pair. Blumberg, the chief content officer of Disney’s Defy Media production company, told Anthony and Ian that “If [they] did it right, they would never have to work a regular job in their life.” (Photo: Corbis)
Then They Got Really Business Savvy
Once they signed with Defy Media, Smosh went on to make millions. Forbes reports that the pair pulled off $10 million in revenue in 2013, with their YouTube channels boasting over 35 million subscribers across the board. (Photo: Corbis)
Then They Were An Empire
You don’t get to 10 million followers without building your brand. Once Smosh’s YouTube channel went viral, and their business plan was well underway, the pair collaborated with their team to create a second YouTube channel, as well as Smosh Games, which specializes in game-themed videos about Minecraft, Grand Theft Auto, and many more. (Photo: Corbis)
Then They Started to Conquer the Planet
Since becoming millionaires, the Smosh team decided to branch out across the globe with YouTube channels like Smosh France, and ElSmosh. Smosh France even boasts a subtitled trailer for their upcoming movie. Vive le Smosh! (Photo: Corbis)
Then They Got Waxed
The Smosh guys are now so famous they’ve got wax figures hanging out at Madame Tussauds in San Francisco. They’ve got their millions of fans to thank for requesting their waxy presence. (Photo: YouTube/Smosh 2nd Channel)
Then They Made a Movie
Smosh: The Movie had its Hollywood premiere on July 22nd, and will be released for digital download only by Defy Media and Awesomeness TV. Fox will distribute the film. The movie features some of YouTube’s biggest stars, including Grace Helbig and Jenna Marbles. (Photo: YouTube/Defy Media)
And They’ve Always Shown Some Love
The Smosh guys are very interactive with their fans, who range from tweeny-bopper girls to college frat guys. And their fans are SUPER enthusiastic right back. How else do you explain the dozens of pieces of online fan art dedicated just to these two? (Photo: Corbis)
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