Viral websites like Buzzfeed or Upworthy make money through various methods, including:
Advertising revenue: These websites generate a significant portion of their revenue from advertising. They use different types of ads, including banner ads, native ads, and sponsored content. Advertisers pay to place their ads on the website, and the website earns revenue for every click or impression.
Affiliate marketing: Viral websites also use affiliate marketing to make money. They include affiliate links in their content that lead to products on other websites. If someone clicks on the link and makes a purchase, the viral website earns a commission.
Branded content: Viral websites also create branded content for companies. This is content that promotes a particular brand or product. The viral website earns revenue for creating and publishing the content.
E-commerce: Some viral websites have their own e-commerce stores where they sell products related to their content. For example, Buzzfeed has a store that sells merchandise with its popular quizzes and memes.
Licensing content: Viral websites also license their content to other websites and media outlets. For example, Upworthy licenses its content to TV shows and news programs.
Overall, these viral websites generate revenue from multiple sources, including advertising, affiliate marketing, branded content, e-commerce, and licensing content.