BuzzFeed 101

Welcome to BuzzFeed! Here's everything you need to know about everyone's favorite source for social news and entertainment. Alternate title - BuzzFeed for Beginners.

Introducing...

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Here's a short video that humorously sums up Buzzfeed.

What the heck is it?

businessweek.com / Via crushabledotcom.tumblr.com

BuzzFeed is a social news and entertainment site focusing on viral content - everything from international news, to who wore what at the latest awards show.

Commonly known for cat-tastic GIF lists, BuzzFeed is now revolutionizing journalism. BuzzFeed sorts information into lists and topics based on the users' interests, all while maintaining an upbeat, comedic atmosphere. BuzzFeed co-founder Jonah Peretti describes the site's new journalism model as "social publishing."

What's the story?

buzzfeed.com / Via hunter-and-biggest-nightmare.tumblr.com

In 2006, CEO Jonah Peretti founded BuzzFeed as a viral project. He also founded The Huffington Post in 2005. No big deal.

In 2010, Jon Steinberg join the team as president and COO, where he helped morph the social platform into a prime sight for business advertising for brands around the world.

Since then, the BuzzFeed team has grown into 300 people worldwide.

Who loves it?

bbc.co.uk / Via trustmeiamalawstudent.tumblr.com

From a professional standpoint, BuzzFeed is rising in popularity. Far from traditional, BuzzFeed provides an alternative to blatant advertising, such as commercials and magazine ads.

For example, this post is subtly sponsored by Pepsi: The 15 Greatest Super Bowl Halftime Moments

From a personal standpoint, BuzzFeed is becoming a social media household name. It is a great source for everything you need to know, as well as everything you don't necessarily need to know but will spend hours on anyway. Links to BuzzFeed can regularly be seen on other sites, like Facebook and Twitter. Oh and by the way, hilarious videos are also included into this fantastic, social repertoire. See 7 Reasons Why Jennifer Lawrence Would Be The Best BFF for proof.

Why is it awesome?

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Perhaps BuzzFeed's greatest strength is the fresh trendiness of it all. It pulls everything there is to know about what is currently viral, important, cute, and silly - what's not to love?

To be fair, there is one problematic thing about BuzzFeed: it's so dang addictive! But it's hard to complain when you can easily click from Which Member Of One Direction Should You Marry? to FBI Investigates Suspicious "White Powder" At Super Bowl Hotels.

How do I join the brilliance?

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Although an account isn't required, it provides the ultimate BuzzFeed enjoyment. That way, you can contribute to posting and interacting on the site.

To sign up, simply go to the BuzzFeed homepage, click the silhouette icon in the right-hand corner, and follow the prompts. You can either sign up through your Facebook account, or register using your email. Easy!

Contributing to BuzzFeed posts is also simple - there's even a "help mode" option while you create content. You can create articles, quizzes, and lists with embedded links, GIFs, videos, and photos.

Happy BuzzFeeding - You're welcome in advance.

BONUS

Via onlycatgifs.tumblr.com

Just because.