How Vlogbrothers John and Hank Green Build Community

How Vlogbrothers John and Hank Green Build Community






January 24, 2024






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Brothers, authors, educators, and entrepreneurs, the Green siblings have not only left an indelible mark on YouTube but have also paved the way for a new generation of content creators. Beyond their engaging personalities and informative videos, John and Hank Green have successfully built a thriving YouTube community that has not only fostered intellectual curiosity but has also served as a launchpad for their entrepreneurial ventures. Let’s dive into the Vlogbrothers and Community Building.

Table of Contents

The Birth of Vlogbrothers



The journey of the Green brothers on YouTube began in 2007 when they decided to embark on a project known as the “Brotherhood 2.0” challenge. This challenge involved the brothers communicating solely through video blogs, eschewing text-based communication for an entire year. Little did they know that this experiment would lay the foundation for what would become the Vlogbrothers channel, an endeavor that would change the landscape of online content creation.

Nerdfighteria: Vlogbrothers and Community Building

Central to the success of the Vlogbrothers channel is the sense of community that the Greens fostered among their viewers. The term “Nerdfighteria” emerged to describe this unique online community that values intellectual curiosity, empathy, and a commitment to making the world a better place. With regular engagement through comments, social media, and various community projects, the Green brothers transformed passive viewers into an active and passionate community.

Diversifying Content and Interests

As the Vlogbrothers channel gained popularity, the Greens expanded their content to cover a wide range of topics, including literature, science, and social issues. Following their passions they started several Non-profits and businesses ranging in fields and interests. John and Hank leveraged their influence to initiate educational projects such as “Crash Course” and “SciShow,” catering to the innate curiosity of their audience while making learning entertaining and accessible.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

The success of the Green brothers’ YouTube channels provided them with a platform to launch several entrepreneurial ventures. In 2011, they co-founded “VidCon,” an annual convention for online video creators and enthusiasts that has grown into a massive event, attracting attendees from around the world. Additionally, John and Hank founded “DFTBA Records” (Don’t Forget to Be Awesome), a record label and online merchandise store that caters to the Nerdfighter community.

The built-in audience they gained from years of social media influence has followed them through every new business venture and creative project endeavor. The brothers’ latest project, being a subscription of artisanal coffee and soaps, has taken off with the sole focus of raising money for charity. Its success is built on John and Hank’s unique marketing on their social pages focusing on current events, funny hard-takes, and educational examples.

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