Once upon a time, in the vast world of YouTube, there was a channel that stole our hearts, made us laugh, and brought us the news in a way that felt like hanging out with friends.
This magical place was known as SourceFed. Alongside its sister channel, SourceFedNERD, these two channels were a beloved part of the YouTube community for a memorable period.
Today, we will take a journey through their history, from their humble beginnings with Philip DeFranco to their sale and rebranding, and catch up with the channel’s alumni.
In the Beginning, There Was Philip DeFranco
It all started with Philip DeFranco, a prominent YouTuber who had made a name for himself through his news and pop culture commentary. In 2011, DeFranco partnered with YouTube as part of their original content initiative, and SourceFed was born.
The channel’s initial focus was delivering news in a fun and relatable format, with 20 Minutes or Less being its flagship show.
As SourceFed gained popularity, DeFranco expanded the content and launched SourceFedNERD in 2012. This channel was dedicated to all things geeky, ranging from comic books to video games, and even table-top gaming. Both channels featured talented hosts who became fan-favourites and integral parts of the SourceFed family.
A Flourishing Community
SourceFed and SourceFedNERD grew rapidly, amassing millions of subscribers and millions of views on their videos.
Their relatable approach to news and entertainment content resonated with the YouTube community, leading to numerous awards and recognition.
| Stats | SourceFed | SourceFedNERD |
|---|---|---|
| Subscribers (peak) | 1.7 million | 1 million |
| Total views (peak) | Over 900 million | Over 300 million |
| YouTube Streamy Awards | 4 (2013, 2014) | 0 |
A New Era and the Beginning of the End
In 2013, DeFranco sold his channels to Discovery Communications, which later became Group Nine Media. Although DeFranco remained involved as an executive producer, this marked the beginning of a shift in the channels’ direction.
Over the next few years, SourceFed and SourceFedNERD underwent several changes in hosts, content, and focus.
The changes did not sit well with some fans, leading to a decline in viewership and engagement. In 2017, Group Nine Media made the decision to cancel both SourceFed and SourceFedNERD, ending an era in YouTube history.
The Legacy of SourceFed and SourceFedNERD Hosts
Over the years, SourceFed and SourceFedNERD were home to many talented hosts who brought their unique perspectives and energy to the channels. As we look back on the impact of these channels, it’s important to remember the individuals who contributed to their success.
Here’s a list of notable alumni and a summary of where they are now:
Philip DeFranco (Founder)
After launching SourceFed and SourceFedNERD, DeFranco returned to his successful YouTube channel, The Philip DeFranco Show, where he continues to produce daily news and commentary videos.
Lee Newton
Lee moved on to co-create and co-host the comedy channel, The Valleyfolk, alongside other former SourceFed hosts. She has also appeared on various television shows and podcasts. After some disagreements with the new group they parted ways and she has her own channel.
Elliott Morgan
Elliott joined The Valleyfolk with Lee Newton and has also pursued a successful career as a stand-up comedian, writer, and actor. He frequently collaborates with other former SourceFed hosts on various projects.
Joe Bereta
Joe went on to become a writer and creative director for the digital media company Smosh. He also co-founded The Valleyfolk and continues to produce content with them.
Steve Zaragoza
Steve is another co-founder of The Valleyfolk, where he creates comedy content. He also hosts a podcast called Dynamic Banter and has appeared in various TV shows and movies.
Trisha Hershberger
Trisha has built a successful career as a tech and gaming journalist, hosting content for Geek & Sundry, Newegg, and other outlets. She also has her own YouTube channel where she produces tech and gaming-related content.
Meg Turney
Meg has continued her career as a cosplayer, model, and online personality. She maintains a strong presence on social media platforms and has a successful YouTube channel where she shares vlogs, cosplay content, and gaming videos.
Ross Everett
Ross has continued to work as a writer, actor, and producer in the entertainment industry. He has appeared on various TV shows and films, and also creates content for his YouTube channel.
Reina Scully
Reina has focused on her passion for anime and Japanese culture, hosting content for the YouTube channel Get In The Robot. She also runs her own YouTube channel, producing videos about anime, gaming, and her life experiences.
William Haynes
William has continued to create content on his YouTube channel, focusing on comedy sketches and commentary. He has also appeared in various TV shows and films.
Maude Garrett
Maude has had a successful career as a TV presenter, radio host, and journalist. She is the founder of Geek Bomb, a website and YouTube channel dedicated to geek culture, and hosts the podcast “Smaudecast.”
Bree Essrig
Bree has continued to work as an actress, writer, and content creator. She has appeared in several films and TV shows and maintains an active presence on her YouTube channel and social media platforms.
Matt Lieberman
Matt has pursued a career in writing and content creation, working for various digital media companies. He also co-hosts the podcast “Only Stupid Answers” and maintains his own YouTube channel.
Sam Bashor
Sam co-hosts the podcast “Only Stupid Answers” with Matt Lieberman and has continued to work in the digital media space as a writer and content creator. He also maintains an active presence on his YouTube channel, where he shares vlogs, movie reviews, and other content.
Whitney Moore
Whitney has continued to work as an actress, writer, and host in the digital media landscape. She has appeared on several TV shows and films, and hosts content for various YouTube channels, including DC Universe’s “DC Daily.”
Ava Gordy
Ava has pursued a career as a writer, dancer, and content creator. She continues to produce content for her YouTube channel and maintains an active presence on social media platforms.
Mike Falzone
Mike is a comedian, musician, and author. He hosts the podcast “Dynamic Banter” with Steve Zaragoza and continues to perform stand-up comedy and create content for his YouTube channel.
Candace Carrizales
Candace has continued to work as a comedian, actress, and writer. She has appeared in various TV shows and films, and maintains an active presence on her YouTube channel and social media platforms.
Filup Molina
Filup has pursued a career as a writer, director, and content creator in the digital media industry. He is currently the Head Writer and Creative Director for the YouTube channel New Rockstars, where he produces content about movies and pop culture.
Steven Suptic
Steven has continued to create content on his YouTube channel, Sugar Pine 7, which features a unique blend of vlogs, comedy, and narrative storytelling. He has also appeared in various TV shows and films.
The hosts of SourceFed and SourceFedNERD have gone on to achieve success in a variety of fields, proving the lasting impact of the channels on their careers and the digital media landscape.
While SourceFed and SourceFedNERD may no longer be active, the legacy of these channels and their hosts lives on through their individual achievements and continued contributions to the world of online content creation.
It’s evident that the alumni from these groundbreaking channels have taken the skills and experiences gained during their time at SourceFed and SourceFedNERD and applied them to their current endeavours.
As they continue to create, entertain, and inspire, the spirit of these channels lives on in their work, making a lasting mark on digital media history.
If you like taking these trips down memory lane why not check out our other Where Are They Now style articles including Alex Day and Toby Turner.
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