Donut Media

Donut Media is a digital media company that operates primarily as a YouTube channel focused on making automotive culture accessible and engaging for a broad audience. Founded in 2015 by Matt Levin, Ben Conrad, and Nick Moceri, the company initially functioned as an advertising agency creating content for brands like Nissan. A significant pivot occurred after a video on the history of the Nissan GTR went viral, prompting a shift to full-time content creation. Levin, the CEO, brought his experience as the former product head at AwesomenessTV, while Conrad contributed his extensive background as a director and creative, known for his work on the Gymkhana films and campaigns for major brands.

The company's business model is centered on creating free, ad-supported video content for its YouTube channel, which serves as its primary platform. Revenue is generated through multiple streams, including YouTube ad revenue, which is substantial given the channel's billions of views, and branded content partnerships with companies such as eBay Motors, Shell, and Kia. Donut Media also has a significant eCommerce operation, selling a wide range of merchandise including apparel and accessories. They have expanded into physical products, notably launching a successful Kickstarter for a line of collectible toy cars called STOCKY. Further revenue comes from long-term licensing deals.

Donut Media's content strategy revolves around several weekly series, each with a distinct focus. Shows like "Up to Speed" delve into the history of iconic cars and car culture, and this series in particular was instrumental in establishing a sustainable content model beyond one-off viral videos. Other series include "Bumper 2 Bumper," which explores the engineering and technology of cars, and the "Past Gas" podcast, which discusses significant events in automotive history. This diverse programming makes car culture fun and approachable, targeting a wide range of car enthusiasts, from casual viewers to dedicated gearheads. The company experienced significant growth, securing $800,000 in seed funding in May 2018. In November 2021, Recurrent Ventures acquired Donut Media, a move intended to expand Donut's resources and integrate its video expertise across Recurrent's portfolio of brands. Following the acquisition, some of the channel's long-time hosts departed in mid-2024 to start their own independent channels.

Keywords: automotive entertainment, YouTube car channel, car culture, digital media, video content creation, automotive history, car modification, automotive podcast, e-commerce merchandise, branded content, Up to Speed, Past Gas, Bumper 2 Bumper, car enthusiasts, automotive education, Matt Levin, Ben Conrad, Recurrent Ventures, vehicle technology, automotive lifestyle, social media marketing, online video, STOCKY collectibles