NEW YORK, Jan. 14, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alloy Digital, a leading next generation media company for the 12-34 demographic and a top-10 video network, today announced teen- and young adult-focused SMOSH has become the #1 ranked YouTube channel by subscribers, according to YouTube subscriber analytics, VidStatsX. The pioneering channel starring comedic duo Anthony Padilla and Ian Hecox has hit in excess of 6.8 million subscribers and amassed 2 billion lifetime views.
SMOSH takes over the top spot just weeks after claiming second place and, with this achievement, cements its role as the most popular digital entertainment brand in the world. SMOSH made its 2005 debut on YouTube with one of its first wildly popular videos, the "Pokémon" theme song video that immediately rose to #1 most viewed upon its launch. Since then, SMOSH has progressed into a powerful five-channel brand that has now surpassed a total of 10 million subscribers and 2.6 billion lifetime views and has spawned multiple product extensions.
"When I met Anthony and Ian six years ago, I was immediately struck by their passion and creativity and energized knowing this would be really big-but no one could have predicted the phenomenal enterprise it has become today," said Alloy Digital Executive VP and SMOSH President Barry Blumberg. "SMOSH's incredible pace of growth is a testament to Ian and Anthony's truly revolutionary and entertaining content, as well as the power of Alloy Digital in helping to propel SMOSH straight to the top."
SMOSH's multi-faceted enterprise, based around its flagship YouTube channel and highly trafficked website, includes multiple record-setting channel spinoffs, top-charting musical endeavors, merchandising brand extensions, mobile apps, gaming and theatrical exhibition.
"SMOSH has not only proved its dominance across multiple platforms with a connection to an unmatched fan base," continued Blumberg, "but is also showing formidable marketing muscle with a growing list of advertisers that want to leverage their massive influence to our key trendsetting audience."
SMOSH has seen its YouTube views grow nearly 40% since its acquisition by Alloy Digital in July 2011 and has evolved from a YouTube powerhouse into a top entertainment lifestyle brand for the 12-34 demographic. Recent advertisers include top brands such as Ubisoft, for the launch of its top selling video game, Assassin's Creed® III, Nestlé® for HOT POCKETS® Brand Sandwiches, and Electronic Arts for The Sims™ 3 Supernatural. These campaigns became viral sensations and have amassed a total of more than 30 million views. SMOSH's influence extends into its social footprint, where it totals more than 5 million followers across multiple dedicated social profiles.
Padilla and Hecox shared this sentiment: "We are truly blown away and humbled by this! When we first started making videos we had no idea our hobby would last, let alone turn into such a colossus. We're extremely thankful to Barry, Alloy Digital and, most of all, our fans, who have watched our content, shared in our excitement and supported us over all these years. The best part is that there's still so much more to come! More videos, more music, more games, more mobile, more merch…more SMOSH! We love all of you!"
Among the multiple SMOSH brand extensions, spinoff YouTube channel SMOSH Games has soared to 1 million subscribers since its late September 2012 launch, making it one of the fastest growing channels in YouTube history. The gaming channel recently achieved another milestone by surpassing 100 million views.
Additionally, both SMOSH Games and SMOSH spinoff Shut Up! Cartoons are among YouTube's fastest-growing channels, each skyrocketing to #1 for subscriber growth in their first week. Shut Up! Cartoons, the YouTube funded premium animation sensation, has consistently ranked in the top-20 for weekly channel views since its debut and has amassed close to 80 million lifetime views since its roll out at the end of April 2012, now counting close to 750,000 subscribers.
Blumberg commented, "Anthony and Ian's unwavering dedication to their craft, fan base and an entrepreneurial spirit that has built creative passion into a digital age powerhouse has earned their well-deserved place at the top. Number one overall is a remarkable achievement and it is only the beginning."
About SMOSH
SMOSH, an online leader in teen and young adult content, is the top ranked most subscribed channel on YouTube. The SMOSH.com website, part of the top ranking Alloy Digital Network, garners more than 13 million visitors and 50 MM page views monthly. Founded in 2005 by the web-based comedy duo Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla, SMOSH has been hailed by Time Magazine as the Saturday Night Live of the Internet and has received multiple industry accolades, including the prestigious OMMA Award for "Best Youth Website" and a Web Marketing Association IAC Award for "Best Entertainment Website".
About Alloy Digital
Under one roof, Alloy Digital boasts the critical assets for a multi-platform, next generation media company targeting the highly-coveted, early-adopter 12-34 year-old demographic--Generate's cost-effective development, production and talent management, premium original programming from creators such as Smosh and Clevver, distribution across Alloy Digital's top-ranked network of media platforms and monetization through sponsorship, ad sales, social media and promotion. Alloy Digital's proprietary digital media network has ranked top in its category for more than three consecutive years, according to comScore, and attracts more than 95MM consumers each month with reach to over 57% of P12-34 internet users. Alloy Digital holds its position as offering a top-10 video network which delivers several hundred million monthly streams and includes award-winning Smosh, the #1 YouTube channel, as well as Shut Up! Cartoons, one of the fastest-growing YouTube premium channels. The network has attracted over 29MM followers combined across its dedicated social media profiles. Alloy Digital delivers digital campaigns for FORTUNE 500 advertisers and has received multiple industry accolades, including the prestigious ADVERTISING AGE Media Vanguard, an OMMA Award and a DIGIDAY Video Award.
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