VidCon
VidCon is an annual convention and festival celebrating digital creators, online video culture, and their communities, where fans, content creators, and industry professionals convene for interactive panels, workshops, live performances, meet-and-greets, and networking opportunities.[1] Founded in 2010 by brothers Hank Green and John Green, known collectively as the Vlogbrothers for their popular YouTube channel, VidCon began as a small gathering of 1,400 attendees at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles, California, aimed at connecting early online video enthusiasts.[2] Over the years, it has expanded into a major event, with its flagship edition in Anaheim drawing over 55,000 participants by 2023, reflecting the explosive growth of the creator economy.[3] The convention is structured around three core tracks: the Community Track for superfans featuring fan-focused programming like Q&As and creator meetups; the Creator Track offering skill-building sessions, networking, and career development for content makers; and the Industry Track providing insights into trends, monetization, and business strategies for executives and brands.[1] Originally independently operated by the Greens through their company Complexly, VidCon was acquired by Viacom in 2018 to bolster its digital media portfolio and later sold to the UK-based events firm Informa in September 2024, allowing it to maintain its focus on live experiences while expanding globally.[4][5] The primary event is held at the Anaheim Convention Center, with past iterations including international editions in London and Australia, though recent emphasis has returned to the U.S. flagship following the COVID-19 pandemic.[1]History
Founding and initial events
VidCon was founded in 2010 by brothers John Green and Hank Green, prominent YouTube creators known for their collaborative channel Vlogbrothers, which inspired the event as a means to bridge the gap between online video makers and their audiences during the platform's nascent growth phase.[6][7] The Greens, drawing from their own experiences navigating early YouTube's limited infrastructure for creator-fan interactions, aimed to create a dedicated space for vloggers, emerging talents, and enthusiasts to collaborate and share insights.[8] The inaugural VidCon took place from July 9 to 11, 2010, at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles, California, attracting approximately 1,400 attendees in a modest setup that emphasized grassroots networking.[2][9] The event featured a program centered on panels discussing content creation techniques, informal meetups for peer feedback, and hands-on workshops tailored to aspiring YouTubers, reflecting the era's focus on community-building amid YouTube's pre-monetization hurdles like inconsistent ad revenue and algorithmic uncertainties.[10][11] By 2012, VidCon had relocated to the Anaheim Convention Center and expanded significantly, drawing over 6,000 attendees and incorporating initial industry panels to address the burgeoning professionalization of online video.[12][13] This growth underscored its role as a pivotal hub during YouTube's early boom, where creators could strategize amid rising competition and evolving platform policies, fostering enduring networks that supported the transition from hobbyist vlogging to sustainable careers.[14] In 2013, attendance surpassed 10,000, with key sessions like John Green's opening keynote highlighting the event's maturation as a launchpad for creator advocacy and innovation in the face of ongoing monetization challenges.[15][16]Corporate acquisitions and organizational changes
In February 2018, Viacom acquired VidCon from its founders, the Green brothers, for an undisclosed amount, positioning the event as a key asset to bridge traditional media like MTV with the burgeoning digital video ecosystem and attract younger demographics.[17][4] This ownership shift enabled substantial investments in event infrastructure, elevating production quality through enhanced staging, lighting, and immersive experiences while fostering new brand partnerships with sponsors in entertainment and technology sectors.[18][19] Following Viacom's merger with CBS Corporation in December 2019 to form ViacomCBS—later rebranded as Paramount Global in February 2022—VidCon became integrated into a larger portfolio of media and entertainment properties, benefiting from cross-promotional opportunities across Paramount's networks and streaming services.[20][5] However, this period coincided with significant disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, including the full cancellation of the 2020 Anaheim event and the 2021 edition, alongside the suspension of international gatherings.[21][22] To adapt, organizers introduced hybrid virtual programming, such as the free "VidCon Now" series in 2020, which delivered online panels, networking, and creator sessions via YouTube throughout the summer.[23][24] In September 2024, Paramount Global sold VidCon to Informa, a London-based events and media company, as part of efforts to streamline its portfolio amid ongoing corporate restructuring.[25][5] Under Informa's Fan Expo HQ division, the acquisition aims to revitalize the convention by emphasizing global expansion and deeper integration with the creator economy, including enhanced international editions and business development initiatives for digital influencers.[20][26] The first Anaheim edition under Informa ownership occurred June 19–21, 2025, drawing over 55,000 attendees.[27] These corporate transitions contributed to VidCon's organizational evolution, with attendance surging from approximately 30,000 in 2017 to over 55,000 by 2023, reflecting scaled operations and sustained appeal despite pandemic setbacks.[3][28] The shift to corporate backing also professionalized management, introducing dedicated teams for sponsor relations and content curation while preserving the event's creator-centric ethos.[29]Convention Structure
Core programming and activities
VidCon's core programming centers on a mix of educational, interactive, and entertainment-focused activities designed to connect digital creators, fans, and industry professionals. These elements form the foundation of every convention, providing opportunities for learning, networking, and direct engagement within the online video and creator economy.[1][30] Mainstage panels serve as a highlight, featuring discussions on key trends such as algorithm updates, content creation strategies, and platform developments. These sessions typically include creators, executives from platforms like YouTube and TikTok, and celebrities, offering insights through Q&As, fireside chats, and moderated talks that address challenges and innovations in digital media.[1][31][32] The expo hall hosts a variety of activations, including brand-sponsored booths, merchandise sales, live performances, and technology demonstrations such as VR tools for content creation. Attendees can explore interactive exhibits that showcase emerging tools and partnerships, blending commerce with experiential entertainment to immerse participants in the creator ecosystem.[1][33][30] Meet-and-greets and fan interactions emphasize accessibility, with structured autograph sessions, photo opportunities, and creator-led games that facilitate personal connections between attendees and popular online personalities. These events are organized to ensure broad participation, creating memorable moments through direct, low-pressure engagements.[1][33][32] Workshops and networking opportunities focus on practical skill-building, offering hands-on sessions covering topics like video editing software, monetization techniques, and brand pitch strategies. Participants engage in small-group sessions and dedicated networking areas, such as creator lounges, to foster professional growth and collaborations across the digital content landscape.[1][31][30]Specialized tracks
VidCon segments its programming into specialized tracks to cater to diverse attendee groups, ensuring targeted experiences that foster engagement within the online video community. The Community Track focuses on fans, providing opportunities for direct interactions with creators through meet-and-greets, panels, Q&A sessions, and live entertainment such as performances and games.[33] This track emphasizes immersive experiences, including community lounges, expo hall activities, and pop-up appearances, designed for superfans and casual attendees interested in niches like gaming, vlogging, and fan-driven content.[33] The Creator Track targets content creators at all levels, offering sessions on practical skills such as video editing, animation, scriptwriting, livestreaming, and emerging technologies like AI and VR.[31] Programming includes workshops on monetization strategies, legal aspects of partnerships and copyright, mentorship series with personalized expert guidance, and networking in dedicated lounges and receptions.[31] Key features, such as keynote addresses from platforms like YouTube and pitch competitions, aim to provide growth hacks, collaboration opportunities, and career advice to help creators build audiences and brands.[31] The Industry Track serves professionals in the digital media space, including executives, brands, agents, and strategists, with business-oriented panels discussing advertising, platform policies, analytics, and the creator economy.[34] It features fireside chats, deep-dive sessions on trends like emerging platforms and creator intellectual property, and exclusive networking events such as welcome receptions and mentorship programs.[34] This track provides insights into data-driven strategies and facilitates connections among stakeholders shaping the future of online content.[34] In 2025, VidCon introduced the inaugural Hall of Fame awards to honor veteran creators, inducting figures such as Rhett & Link, Tyler Oakley, Hank Green, and others for their pioneering contributions to online video.[35] This addition underscores the convention's recognition of long-standing influencers within its specialized tracks.[36]Flagship Anaheim Event
Historical overview
VidCon's flagship event in Anaheim began as an extension of its inaugural gatherings, transitioning from smaller venues in Los Angeles to the Anaheim Convention Center starting in 2012 to accommodate rapid growth. The first event in 2010 drew 1,400 attendees in Los Angeles, focusing primarily on YouTube creators and fans.[37] By 2011, attendance reached approximately 2,500, still in Los Angeles, as the convention solidified its role in celebrating online video culture.[38] The move to Anaheim marked a pivotal shift, enabling larger-scale programming with the convention held annually in summer months from June to August. The event experienced exponential growth through the mid-2010s, reflecting the booming creator economy. The following table summarizes key attendance figures for the Anaheim editions, highlighting the scale and evolution:| Year | Attendance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 6,000 | First year at Anaheim Convention Center; sold-out event emphasizing YouTube stars and fans.[39] |
| 2013 | 12,000 | Record-breaking turnout, with thousands of creators from emerging to established talents.[40] |
| 2014 | 18,000 | Continued expansion, drawing video content creators, stars, and fans.[41] |
| 2015 | Over 20,000 | Growth to include more industry professionals; event spanned multiple days at the convention center.[42] |
| 2016 | 26,400 | Significant increase, prompting use of adjacent spaces for crowds.[43] |
| 2017 | Over 30,000 | Peak pre-acquisition growth; began incorporating multi-platform discussions beyond YouTube.[44] |