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Defy Media was a prominent digital media company formed in 2013 through the merger of Alloy Digital and Break Media. It targeted Millennial and Gen Z audiences, producing and distributing original content across various platforms, most notably YouTube. Defy Media owned and operated popular online brands such as Smosh, Clevver, Screen Junkies (creators of 'Honest Trailers'), AWEme, and Break.com. The company focused on comedy, gaming, lifestyle, and entertainment content, amassing billions of views and a large subscriber base. Despite its significant reach, Defy Media faced financial difficulties and abruptly ceased operations in November 2018, laying off its employees and subsequently filing for bankruptcy.
Served as a key corporate office, housing executive leadership, creative teams, production facilities, and administrative staff for its West Coast operations.
The 40,000-square-foot facility, leased around 2015, was designed to foster collaboration and creativity, likely featuring modern office amenities, production studios, and collaborative workspaces suitable for a digital media company.
As a digital media company catering to young audiences, the work culture at Defy Media was likely dynamic, fast-paced, and creative-driven, emphasizing digital trends and content innovation. However, reports around its closure also indicated underlying financial instability and challenges.
This headquarters was significant as it represented Defy Media's investment in physical infrastructure to support its rapidly growing digital content empire and house its popular brands on the West Coast.
During its operation, Defy Media's content reached a global audience through online platforms like YouTube. While its primary physical offices were in the United States (notably Los Angeles and New York), its digital brands and content were accessible worldwide. The company aimed for international reach and at times mentioned international offices or partnerships (e.g., Toronto, Shanghai) to support content distribution and potentially localization, though its core operational command remained in the U.S.
435 N. Beverly Drive (Former)
Beverly Hills
CA
USA
Address: 498 Seventh Ave, Floor 18, New York, NY 10018 (Former)
Focused on leveraging New York's status as a media and advertising capital, managing East Coast productions, and fostering industry relationships for its portfolio of brands.
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As of April 2025, DEFY Media' leadership includes:
DEFY Media has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:
Defy Media ceased all operations in November 2018 and subsequently filed for bankruptcy. As the company is no longer active, there have been no executive hires or exits in the last 12 months.
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As Defy Media ceased operations in 2018, its corporate email system is no longer active and any associated email addresses are defunct. Historically, digital media companies like Defy Media often used common corporate email formats. For example, patterns such as [first_initial][last]@defymedia.com or [first].[last]@defymedia.com were plausible.
[first_initial][last]@defymedia.com (example, defunct)
Format
jdoe@defymedia.com (example, defunct)
Example
0%
Success rate
Variety • November 7, 2018
Defy Media, a leading digital producer and programmer targeting millennials, announced it was ceasing operations and laying off all its employees, effective November 7, 2018. The company was known for popular YouTube channels like Smosh, Clevver, and Screen Junkies....more
The Hollywood Reporter • December 21, 2018
Following its abrupt shutdown in November, Defy Media officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The filing detailed the financial struggles that led to the digital media company's demise, listing significant liabilities against its assets....more
Polygon • January 10, 2019
Following the collapse of Defy Media, popular YouTube channel Smosh faced an uncertain future. However, it was later announced that Mythical Entertainment, the company run by Rhett & Link, had acquired Smosh, ensuring the continuation of the brand....more
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