LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Break.com, the number one humor video site, today announced the return of Prank it FWD, the digital campaign that turned the tables on April Fools with a series of original, positive videos meant to change the perception of pranks and sparked a movement across the globe. Prank it FWD generated more than 30 million total views to date, achieving its donation goal for charitable partner DoSomething.org in less than two weeks. The program was covered across hundreds of national and local media outlets and succeeded in connecting with viewers who overwhelmingly responded to the positivity by watching, sharing, and even creating their own positive pranks. Beginning today, the “pranks for good” program will build upon this positive momentum by allowing viewers to nominate someone deserving for a chance to be featured in a video launching this holiday season.
Viewers can officially submit their stories to be considered for the next campaign at www.PrankitFWD.com which will again bring together original videos from DEFY Media’s Break.com, SMOSH, Screen Junkies and renowned prankster Greg Benson, along with other talent to be announced soon. Prank it FWD will also up the ante by reuniting with partner DoSomething.org, the largest organization for young people and social change in the US, to raise awareness for homelessness and poverty. In addition to donating one dollar for every 1,000 views, Break.com will also donate an additional dollar for every social mention and share of #PrankitFWD.
“Prank it FWD gave the world a dose of positive pranks and was overwhelmingly embraced by viewers, confirming our notion that positive uplifting messages have incredible power to connect and impact the lives of others in a meaningful way,” commented Barry Blumberg, EVP of DEFY Media. “The outpouring of support and positivity we saw from our first iteration of Prank it FWD was inspiring, and it was clear that we needed to move the effort forward and go bigger. We’re excited to bring viewers more prank-filled surprises this Fall.”
Prank it FWD also succeeded in changing the life of the deserving target of the first season’s biggest video “Best Shift Ever”. Chelsea Roff, an unsuspecting waitress in California, was treated to a series of escalating tips including a $1,000 tip, a trip to Hawaii, a desperately needed new car and a surprise visit from her mentor. The heartwarming video was viewed more than 8 million times and changed Chelsea’s life in remarkable ways. She is now able to work full time at her non-profit, Eat Breathe Thrive, which aims to prevent and help individuals fully recover from disordered eating and negative body image through yoga.
Prank it FWD sparked a movement not only across the web, but offline, where viewers were inspired to move the campaign forward in their own communities and do something positive for someone deserving. Among the dozens of stories Prank it FWD inspired, one in particular took the idea of positivity to another level. A Canadian company was so moved that they held a contest to find a deserving person in their community to do something positive for. In the end, they threw a deserving couple the wedding of their dreams and Break.com was on hand to capture it all and add to the excitement. Other positive pranks included High school seniors in Phoenix pulling an epic “senior prank” for good, while vlogger Manuela Baron was inspired to spend a day around her town doing random acts of kindness.
Be sure to stay up to date on all Prank it FWD updates by visiting www.PrankitFWD.com and connecting on social platforms:
Twitter: @PrankitFWD
Facebook: http://facebook.com/prankitfwd
About DEFY Media
DEFY Media is the definitive media company for the digital generation, formed by the 2013 merger of Alloy Digital and Break Media. The merger united two companies with strong legacies and expertise in creating influential and culturally significant entertainment properties for 12-34 year old consumers. DEFY Media creates some of the most popular content in digital under its leading portfolio of brands, including Break, Clevver, GameTrailers,Made Man, SMOSH, Screen Junkies, The Gloss, and The Escapist, together reaching over 155 million consumers monthly through owned web, YouTube, mobile, social, and emerging OTT platforms. The world’s top brands partner with DEFY to build immersive advertising solutions that deliver unparalleled access to this influential audience. With uniquely integrated capabilities in content development, studio production, distribution and promotion, DEFY Media is built for content delivery in the digital age. Please visit us at www.DEFYMedia.com.
