Viacom has confirmed that it has bought the annual YouTube event VidCon.
The media group, which is the home of Paramount Pictures, MTV, and Comedy Central, has been expanding its online digital reach after launching Comedy Central Clusterfest at the end of 2017.
It also acquired WhoSay, an influencer marketing agency, in January 2018.
The YouTube convention, founded by Hank and John Green and held annually in California, will keep its leadership team and offices in Montana and will become an independent division of Viacom, as explained by Hank Green in a video on his channel.
Viacom has described VidCon as “the premier event for the worldwide online video community“.
Excited to share this VidCon news and hoping to see many of you in Amsterdam, Anaheim, and Melbourne this year. I'll have a video up later today with more info. https://t.co/JQdMbP0ZIc
— Hank Green (@hankgreen) February 7, 2018
Kelly Day, the President of Viacom Digital Studios, has spoken about acquiring Vidcon.
“We’re huge fans of the VidCon team, and we share the same enthusiasm for the power of connecting talented creators with their incredible fan communities,” she said.
Day went on to add that Viacom will “continue to make VidCon a life-changing experience for those that create and love online video”.
2018’s VidCon will take place from June 20 to June 23. Last year’s event attracted more than 30,000 attendees and over 80 sponsors.
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