BuzzFeed Viral Fellowship 2025‑26
- Omran Aburayya
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
If you’re a culture-loving, internet-obsessed creator looking to break into digital media, the BuzzFeed Viral Fellowship 2025‑26 is now open for applications! This year‑long paid program offers emerging writers the chance to learn by doing—pitching, creating, and publishing viral content that resonates across the web. Deadline: June 20, 2025.
📌BuzzFeed Fellowship Summary
Location: Remote (US-based), with in-person options in New York (Times Square) or Los Angeles (Hollywood)
Host Institution: BuzzFeed, Inc.—leading internet media brand
Target Group: Early‑career writers, culture/social‑media enthusiasts
Fields of Focus: Viral media, pop culture, social trends, internet psychology
Salary: $20/hour (plus potential bonuses for exceeding performance metrics)
Duration: ~12 months (2025‑26 cycle)
Application Deadline: June 20, 2025, by 5 pm EST
Start Date: Tentatively July 22, 2025
Eligible To: US‑authorized candidates with social‑media content creation experience
🔍 Fellowship Overview
A hands‑on, fast‑paced crash course, this fellowship immerses you in the art and science of crafting viral content. You’ll pitch ideas, produce articles, and brainstorm with BuzzFeed’s editorial team, honing skills in audience analytics, trend‑spotting, and creative packaging—all aimed at generating high‑reach articles
You won’t be making coffee or transcribing—this is real editorial work: dozens of pieces published on BuzzFeed.com and amplified through social media
🎁 Benefits
Paid hourly rate: $20, with performance‑based bonuses
Flexible work arrangements: Entirely remote (US) with optional in‑office days in NY or LA
Mentorship & collaboration: Work directly with prominent BuzzFeed creators
Professional development: Build a strong portfolio of viral content, sharpen data‑driven writing and editorial skills
✅ Eligibility Criteria
US legal work authorization (no sponsorship)
Experience producing online content, from articles to TikToks or social posts
Cultural curiosity: Passionate about pop culture, social media, and what drives sharing
Analytical mindset: Able to interpret performance data to refine content
Collaborative spirit: Open to feedback and teamwork
Enthusiasm for AI tools in creative storytelling (but deliver your authentic voice)
📝 Application Procedure
Submit all materials by 5 pm EST, June 20, 2025:
Personal pitch (in lieu of cover letter): Short paragraphs on what you’d like to write at BuzzFeed and why
BuzzFeed community profile: Create 1–2 posts (articles or lists, not quizzes), labelled “This is for the Editorial Fellowship.” Include links in your application
Public social media links
One‑page resume (PDF/doc)
Tip: Post your community content before finalizing the application; it’s a key eligibility component
⚡ Notifications & Onboarding
Notifications: While BuzzFeed hasn’t specified a decision window, expect news in a few weeks post-deadline.
Fellowship Start: Targeted for July 22, 2025, subject to confirmation
📌 Application Tips
Dive into BuzzFeed’s Trending page to understand tone, formats, and primetime topics
Highlight viral instincts + data literacy: Show you’re attuned to what captivates audiences
Use real examples from social posts or personal projects
Let your individual voice shine—AI is welcome, but you’re the storyteller
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK
