BUZZFEED
BuzzFeed wants to turn culture into product again
BuzzFeed is making another push into AI.
At SXSW in Austin, CEO Jonah Peretti introduced Branch Office, a new spin-off focused on AI apps built around creativity and social connection.
The company showed off two main apps: BF Island and Conjure.
BF Island is a group chat app with AI photo tools and a built-in feed of online trends and memes to inspire users.
Conjure is a daily photo app that gives users creative prompts instead of focusing on selfies.
BuzzFeed also said AI is part of the app’s experience, though it did not explain that clearly during the demo.
Peretti also introduced Quiz Party, a social app where users can take BuzzFeed quizzes with friends and compare results.
Here’s what you should know:
BuzzFeed launched a new AI spin-off called Branch Office
Its new apps include BF Island, Conjure, and Quiz Party
The move comes as the company faces financial pressure and looks for new ways to grow
A very online swing
The launch comes at a tough time for BuzzFeed.
The company recently said there is “substantial doubt” about its ability to keep operating and is holding strategic talks to deal with cash flow issues.
It also reported a $57.3 million net loss last year.
BuzzFeed says AI can help it build and test products faster.
But the presentation raised questions about whether these apps will be enough to keep users interested long term.
This feels like nostalgia wearing a startup hoodie. - MG