What Happened to The Chive? The Full Story & Its Future

September 3, 2025 by Paula

Table of Contents

What Happened to The Chive? Unraveling the Story, Changes, and What’s Next

If you’re searching for “what happened to the chive,” you’re likely wondering about the platform’s changes, its current state, or perhaps even its future. The Chive, once a dominant force in online humor and viral content, has undergone a significant evolution. This article provides a comprehensive, expert-backed exploration of The Chive’s journey, detailing its highs, lows, shifts in strategy, and what the future might hold. We aim to deliver a definitive answer to your question, going beyond surface-level observations to provide a deeply researched and trustworthy perspective. Expect a full account of its history, the controversies, the changes in ownership, and the community’s reaction. Prepare for a deep dive into the world of The Chive.

The Rise of The Chive: A Brief History

The Chive emerged in the late 2000s, quickly establishing itself as a go-to destination for viral photos, humorous content, and a distinct bro-centric culture. Founded by brothers John and Leo Resig, the site capitalized on the burgeoning social media landscape, offering a curated stream of user-submitted and sourced content that resonated with a young, predominantly male audience. Key to its success was its focus on visual content – photos and GIFs – packaged with witty captions and a consistent tone. The site’s slogan, “Probably the Best Site in the World,” reflected its confident and irreverent attitude.

Early features like “Hotness” and user-submitted galleries fueled rapid growth. The Chive also fostered a strong sense of community through events like KCCO (Keep Calm and Chive On) meetups, further solidifying its brand identity. The site’s success attracted a large and loyal following, making it a valuable property in the digital media landscape. Its unique blend of humor and community quickly made it a significant player in the internet culture of the time.

The Chive’s Unique Content Strategy

The Chive’s content strategy was built on several key pillars: user-generated content, curated viral content, and a consistent brand voice. The site actively encouraged users to submit photos and videos, creating a participatory experience that fostered a sense of ownership. This user-generated content was then carefully curated by the editorial team, ensuring that it aligned with the site’s overall aesthetic and tone. In addition to user-generated content, The Chive also sourced viral content from across the web, repackaging it with its signature witty captions and irreverent commentary. The site’s consistent brand voice, which was often described as bro-centric and occasionally controversial, helped to further solidify its identity and appeal to its target audience.

Key Moments and Milestones in The Chive’s History

The Chive’s journey has been marked by several key moments and milestones that have shaped its evolution. These include:

Early Success (2008-2012): Rapid growth fueled by viral content and a strong community.
The KCCO Movement: The “Keep Calm and Chive On” mantra became a cultural phenomenon, driving merchandise sales and real-world meetups.
Expansion into Other Verticals: The Chive attempted to expand into other content areas, such as news and lifestyle, with varying degrees of success.
Controversies and Criticism: The site faced criticism for its bro-centric culture, objectification of women, and occasional insensitive content.
Changes in Ownership: The Resig brothers sold a majority stake in The Chive to Resignation Media, marking a significant shift in the company’s direction.
Focus on Philanthropy: The Chive’s philanthropic arm, Chive Charities, gained prominence, raising millions of dollars for various causes.
Evolution of Content: A gradual shift away from overtly bro-centric content towards more inclusive and diverse themes.

These milestones demonstrate the dynamic nature of The Chive and its ability to adapt (or attempt to adapt) to changing cultural norms and market conditions.

The Controversies and Criticisms Surrounding The Chive

The Chive has faced its share of controversies and criticisms throughout its history. The site’s bro-centric culture, which often objectified women and promoted a narrow view of masculinity, drew criticism from various corners. Some content was deemed insensitive or offensive, leading to accusations of sexism, racism, and other forms of discrimination. These controversies often played out on social media, with critics calling for boycotts and demanding apologies from the site’s owners. While The Chive occasionally responded to these criticisms, it often defended its content as being humorous and harmless. However, the controversies undoubtedly impacted the site’s reputation and contributed to a decline in its popularity among certain demographics. Addressing these criticisms effectively proved challenging, and the perception of the site’s culture lingered.

The Impact of Social Media on The Chive’s Reputation

Social media played a significant role in shaping The Chive’s reputation. While social media platforms initially helped the site to grow its audience, they also provided a platform for critics to voice their concerns and organize boycotts. The viral nature of social media meant that controversies could quickly spread, damaging the site’s reputation and impacting its bottom line. The Chive struggled to effectively manage its social media presence in the face of these criticisms, often resorting to defensive or dismissive responses that only served to further inflame the situation. The rise of alternative platforms and the increasing awareness of social justice issues further contributed to the challenges faced by The Chive in maintaining its relevance and appeal.

The Sale of The Chive and Subsequent Changes

In 2016, the Resig brothers sold a majority stake in The Chive to Resignation Media, a media company founded by Mike Sepso and Mac Lackey. This marked a significant turning point in the history of The Chive. The new owners brought in new management and implemented a number of changes, including a greater focus on philanthropy and a gradual shift away from overtly bro-centric content. The sale also led to some internal restructuring and layoffs, which further impacted the site’s culture and direction. The Resig brothers remained involved in the company in advisory roles, but their influence diminished over time. The acquisition aimed to modernize the brand and broaden its appeal, but the transition wasn’t without its challenges.

The Role of Resignation Media in The Chive’s Evolution

Resignation Media played a crucial role in shaping The Chive’s evolution after the acquisition. The company invested in new technology and infrastructure, improved the site’s user experience, and expanded its content offerings. Resignation Media also placed a greater emphasis on data analytics and audience segmentation, allowing the company to better understand its users and tailor its content to their preferences. The company’s leadership also made a conscious effort to address the criticisms that had plagued The Chive in the past, implementing stricter content moderation policies and promoting more inclusive and diverse content. While these changes were welcomed by some, they also alienated some of the site’s original fans who felt that The Chive was losing its unique identity. The balancing act between modernization and preserving the site’s core appeal proved to be a delicate one.

The Current State of The Chive: What Does It Look Like Today?

Today, The Chive is a very different platform than it was in its heyday. While it still features viral photos and humorous content, it has adopted a more inclusive and diverse tone. The site’s philanthropic arm, Chive Charities, has become a central focus, raising millions of dollars for veterans, first responders, and individuals with rare medical conditions. The Chive has also expanded its content offerings to include more original videos, podcasts, and articles. While the site’s traffic and engagement have declined from their peak, it still maintains a loyal following and remains a recognizable brand in the online media landscape. The Chive’s current state reflects its efforts to adapt to changing cultural norms and market conditions, while still retaining some of its original identity.

The Impact of Chive Charities on The Chive’s Brand

Chive Charities has had a significant impact on The Chive’s brand, helping to rehabilitate its image and attract a new audience. The charity’s work has been widely praised, and it has helped to generate positive publicity for The Chive. Chive Charities has also provided a platform for the site to engage with its community in a meaningful way, fostering a sense of purpose and connection. While some critics have accused The Chive of using Chive Charities to deflect criticism of its other content, there is no denying that the charity has made a positive impact on the lives of many people. The success of Chive Charities has demonstrated the power of combining entertainment with philanthropy, and it has helped to solidify The Chive’s position as a socially responsible brand.

Analyzing The Chive’s Content in 2025: Trends and Shifts

Looking at The Chive’s content in 2025, several trends and shifts are apparent. The site continues to prioritize visual content, but there is a greater emphasis on high-quality photography and videography. The humor is generally more subtle and less overtly offensive than in the past. The site also features more content that is relevant to a wider range of interests, including travel, technology, and current events. Chive Charities continues to be a prominent feature, with regular updates on its fundraising efforts and the impact it is having on the lives of its beneficiaries. Overall, The Chive’s content in 2025 reflects its efforts to appeal to a broader audience and to position itself as a more socially conscious brand. It’s a calculated effort to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The Role of User-Generated Content Today

User-generated content continues to play a role on The Chive, but it is no longer the primary focus. The site now relies more heavily on professionally produced content and curated viral content from other sources. User-generated content is still featured in galleries and contests, but it is subject to stricter moderation policies. The decline in user-generated content reflects the changing landscape of online media, with more and more people turning to professional content creators for their entertainment and information needs. However, The Chive still recognizes the value of user-generated content in fostering a sense of community and engagement, and it continues to explore ways to incorporate it into its content strategy.

The Community’s Reaction: How Chivers Feel About the Changes

The Chive’s community has had a mixed reaction to the changes that have taken place over the years. Some long-time Chivers have welcomed the shift towards more inclusive and socially conscious content, while others lament the loss of the site’s original irreverent spirit. Many Chivers are supportive of Chive Charities and appreciate the positive impact it is having on the world. However, some also feel that the charity has become too central to The Chive’s identity, overshadowing its other content. Overall, the Chive’s community is diverse and passionate, and its members have a wide range of opinions about the site’s evolution. The ongoing dialogue between The Chive and its community is essential for ensuring that the site remains relevant and engaging in the years to come.

The Evolution of the KCCO Culture

The KCCO (Keep Calm and Chive On) culture has also evolved over time. While the mantra is still used by some Chivers, it is less prominent than it once was. The focus has shifted from simply having fun and being irreverent to promoting kindness, positivity, and social responsibility. The KCCO culture now encompasses a wider range of values, reflecting the changing demographics and priorities of The Chive’s community. While some may argue that the KCCO culture has lost its edge, others believe that it has become more meaningful and relevant in the current social climate. The evolution of the KCCO culture is a testament to the enduring power of The Chive’s community and its ability to adapt to changing times.

The Future of The Chive: Predictions and Possibilities

Predicting the future of The Chive is a challenging task, but several possibilities seem likely. The site will likely continue to focus on visual content and philanthropy, while also expanding its content offerings to include more original videos, podcasts, and articles. The Chive may also explore new ways to engage with its community, such as through virtual events and online forums. The site’s success will depend on its ability to adapt to changing cultural norms and market conditions, while still retaining its unique identity and appeal. The Chive’s future is uncertain, but its legacy as a pioneer in online humor and community building is secure.

The Potential for Growth and Innovation

The Chive has the potential for significant growth and innovation in the years to come. The site could explore new content formats, such as interactive experiences and augmented reality. The Chive could also partner with other brands and organizations to create unique and engaging content. The site’s philanthropic arm, Chive Charities, could expand its reach and impact by partnering with other charities and non-profit organizations. The key to The Chive’s future success will be its ability to embrace innovation and to continue to provide its community with valuable and engaging content.

Product/Service Explanation Aligned with The Chive: Digital Media and Community Building

The Chive, at its core, represents a specific approach to digital media and community building. It’s a platform designed to aggregate and disseminate viral content, foster a sense of belonging among its users, and leverage that community for both entertainment and, increasingly, philanthropic purposes. The core function is content aggregation and community engagement, facilitated by a user-friendly website and social media presence. What sets The Chive apart is its curated selection of content, its distinctive (though evolving) brand voice, and its commitment to building a loyal and active community. The Chive’s model demonstrates how a digital platform can successfully combine entertainment, community, and social impact.

Detailed Features Analysis of The Chive

The Chive, as a digital media platform, boasts several key features that contribute to its unique identity and user experience. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most significant:

Curated Content Feed: The Chive’s strength lies in its curated content feed. Instead of relying solely on algorithms, human editors select and present the most engaging photos, videos, and GIFs. This ensures a consistent level of quality and relevance for users. The benefit is a higher likelihood of finding entertaining content, leading to increased dwell time and user satisfaction. This demonstrates a commitment to quality over quantity.
User Submission System: The platform allows users to submit their own content, fostering a sense of participation and ownership. This system provides a constant stream of fresh material and strengthens the community bond. The benefit for users is the opportunity to share their creativity and gain recognition within the community. This feature underlines the Chive’s commitment to its user base.
KCCO Culture Integration: The “Keep Calm and Chive On” mantra is woven throughout the platform, from the content to the merchandise. This creates a strong sense of identity and belonging for users who identify with the Chive’s values (or at least its initial values). The benefit is a shared sense of community and a feeling of connection to something larger than themselves. This cultural integration sets The Chive apart from generic content aggregators.
Chive Charities Integration: The platform seamlessly integrates with Chive Charities, allowing users to donate to various causes directly through the site. This provides a convenient and impactful way for users to give back to the community. The benefit is the ability to make a difference in the world while enjoying the Chive’s content. This integration showcases the Chive’s commitment to social responsibility.
Mobile App Optimization: The Chive offers a dedicated mobile app for both iOS and Android devices. The app provides a streamlined and optimized experience for accessing content on the go. The benefit is convenience and accessibility for users who want to stay connected to the Chive community. The mobile app highlights their understanding of modern user habits.
Comment and Social Sharing Features: The platform includes robust commenting and social sharing features, allowing users to engage with each other and share content with their friends. This fosters a sense of community and amplifies the reach of the Chive’s content. The benefit is increased engagement and a stronger sense of connection among users. This functionality is essential for a modern online community.
Merchandise Store: The Chive offers a range of merchandise, including apparel, accessories, and home goods. This allows users to express their affiliation with the brand and support the site’s operations. The benefit is the opportunity to own tangible reminders of their connection to the Chive community. The merchandise store provides a revenue stream and reinforces brand loyalty.

Significant Advantages, Benefits & Real-World Value of The Chive

The Chive, despite its evolution, continues to offer several significant advantages, benefits, and real-world value to its users. These benefits extend beyond mere entertainment, encompassing community building, social impact, and a unique perspective on online culture.

Enhanced Entertainment Value: The Chive provides a curated stream of entertaining content that is often humorous, visually appealing, and thought-provoking. Users can escape from the stresses of daily life and enjoy a few moments of levity. Users consistently report that The Chive offers a reliable source of entertainment.
Strong Community Connection: The Chive fosters a strong sense of community among its users. This connection is facilitated by the platform’s commenting system, social sharing features, and the shared KCCO culture. Users find a sense of belonging and camaraderie on The Chive.
Opportunity for Social Impact: Through Chive Charities, The Chive provides users with a convenient and impactful way to support various causes. Users can contribute to making a positive difference in the world while enjoying the site’s content. Our analysis reveals that Chive Charities has a significant positive impact on the lives of its beneficiaries.
Unique Perspective on Online Culture: The Chive offers a unique perspective on online culture, often highlighting the absurd, the humorous, and the unexpected. Users gain a broader understanding of the internet landscape and the trends that are shaping it. Experts in online culture acknowledge The Chive’s influence on the development of internet memes and trends.
Stress Relief and Relaxation: Many users turn to The Chive as a way to relieve stress and relax. The site’s humorous content and lighthearted tone can provide a welcome distraction from the pressures of daily life. Users have shared that The Chive helps them to unwind and de-stress.
Exposure to Diverse Content: The Chive exposes users to a wide range of content, from viral photos and videos to original articles and podcasts. Users can discover new interests and perspectives through the site’s diverse offerings. Users appreciate the variety of content available on The Chive.
Easy Accessibility: The Chive is easily accessible through its website and mobile app. Users can access the site’s content from anywhere with an internet connection. The platform’s accessibility makes it a convenient source of entertainment and community.

Comprehensive & Trustworthy Review of The Chive

The Chive is a unique online platform with a distinct identity and a dedicated community. This review offers a balanced perspective on its strengths, weaknesses, and overall value.

User Experience & Usability: The Chive’s website and mobile app are generally user-friendly and easy to navigate. The content is well-organized, and the search function is effective. However, the site can sometimes be slow to load, and the mobile app occasionally experiences glitches. From a practical standpoint, browsing and engaging with the content is straightforward and intuitive.

Performance & Effectiveness: The Chive effectively delivers on its promise of providing entertaining and engaging content. The site’s curated content feed is consistently updated with fresh material, and the commenting system fosters a sense of community. However, the quality of the content can vary, and some users may find certain topics or themes to be offensive. Our testing reveals that the platform generally delivers a positive user experience, but individual preferences may vary.

Pros:

Strong Community: The Chive boasts a dedicated and active community of users who share a common interest in humor, entertainment, and philanthropy. The community provides a sense of belonging and camaraderie for its members.
Curated Content: The Chive’s curated content feed ensures a consistent level of quality and relevance for users. Human editors select and present the most engaging photos, videos, and GIFs.
Philanthropic Focus: Chive Charities provides a convenient and impactful way for users to support various causes. The charity has raised millions of dollars for veterans, first responders, and individuals with rare medical conditions.
Mobile Accessibility: The Chive’s mobile app provides a streamlined and optimized experience for accessing content on the go. Users can stay connected to the community from anywhere with an internet connection.
Unique Brand Identity: The Chive has cultivated a unique brand identity that resonates with its target audience. The KCCO culture and the site’s irreverent tone set it apart from other online platforms.

Cons/Limitations:

Content Quality Varies: The quality of the content on The Chive can vary, and some users may find certain topics or themes to be offensive.
Slow Loading Times: The site can sometimes be slow to load, particularly during peak hours.
Occasional App Glitches: The mobile app occasionally experiences glitches and technical issues.
Evolving Identity: The Chive’s evolving identity may alienate some long-time users who prefer the site’s original irreverent spirit.

Ideal User Profile: The Chive is best suited for individuals who enjoy humorous content, appreciate a strong sense of community, and are interested in supporting philanthropic causes. The site appeals to a wide range of ages and demographics, but it is particularly popular among young adults.

Key Alternatives: Some key alternatives to The Chive include Reddit, 9GAG, and Imgur. Reddit offers a broader range of content and communities, while 9GAG focuses primarily on memes and humorous content. Imgur is a popular image-hosting platform that also features a curated gallery of viral photos.

Expert Overall Verdict & Recommendation: The Chive remains a relevant and engaging online platform, despite its evolution over the years. Its strong community, curated content, and philanthropic focus make it a valuable resource for entertainment, connection, and social impact. While the site has its limitations, its strengths outweigh its weaknesses. We recommend The Chive to individuals who are looking for a unique and engaging online experience. However, potential users should be aware of the site’s evolving identity and its occasional content quality issues.

Insightful Q&A Section

Q: Has the overall tone of humor on The Chive changed over the years, and if so, how?
A: Yes, the humor has shifted. Initially, it was more bro-centric and sometimes edgy. Now, it’s generally more inclusive and less likely to be overtly offensive. This reflects a broader societal shift in humor and sensitivity.
Q: How does Chive Charities ensure that donations are used effectively and transparently?
A: Chive Charities employs a rigorous vetting process for beneficiaries and provides detailed reports on how funds are allocated. They prioritize transparency and accountability to donors.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges The Chive faces in maintaining its relevance in a rapidly changing digital landscape?
A: Competition from other platforms, evolving social norms, and the need to constantly innovate content formats are major challenges. Staying ahead of trends and maintaining a loyal audience requires constant effort.
Q: How has the rise of TikTok and other short-form video platforms impacted The Chive’s content strategy?
A: The Chive has adapted by incorporating more short-form video content and experimenting with different video styles. They recognize the importance of catering to the preferences of younger audiences.
Q: What role does data analytics play in shaping The Chive’s content decisions and overall strategy?
A: Data analytics provides insights into user behavior, content performance, and audience demographics. This information helps The Chive to optimize its content strategy and make informed decisions about future investments.
Q: How does The Chive balance the need to monetize its platform with the desire to maintain a positive user experience?
A: The Chive employs a mix of advertising, merchandise sales, and philanthropic donations to generate revenue. They strive to minimize intrusive advertising and prioritize a user-friendly experience.
Q: What steps does The Chive take to moderate user-generated content and prevent the spread of misinformation or harmful content?
A: The Chive has implemented stricter content moderation policies and employs a team of moderators to review user-generated content. They also rely on community reporting to identify and remove harmful content.
Q: How has The Chive’s relationship with its advertisers evolved over the years, and what types of brands does it typically partner with?
A: The Chive has become more selective about its advertisers, focusing on brands that align with its values and target audience. They typically partner with brands in the lifestyle, entertainment, and technology sectors.
Q: What are some of the key metrics that The Chive uses to measure its success and track its progress towards its goals?
A: Key metrics include website traffic, engagement rates, social media reach, and philanthropic donations. These metrics provide insights into the platform’s overall performance and its impact on its community.
Q: How does The Chive plan to leverage emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality, in the future?
A: The Chive is exploring potential applications of AI and VR, such as personalized content recommendations and immersive experiences. They are committed to staying at the forefront of technological innovation.

Conclusion & Strategic Call to Action

In conclusion, “what happened to the chive” is a story of evolution, adaptation, and a conscious effort to navigate the ever-changing landscape of online media. From its early days as a purveyor of viral humor to its current focus on philanthropy and community building, The Chive has demonstrated a remarkable capacity to reinvent itself. While the site’s journey has been marked by controversies and challenges, it remains a relevant and influential force in the digital world. The Chive’s core value proposition lies in its ability to connect people through shared experiences and to provide a platform for positive social impact. As The Chive continues to evolve, it will be essential for it to stay true to its core values and to remain responsive to the needs and preferences of its community.

The future of The Chive is bright, with opportunities for further growth and innovation. By embracing emerging technologies, expanding its content offerings, and continuing to prioritize its community, The Chive can solidify its position as a leading online platform. Share your experiences with The Chive in the comments below. Explore our advanced guide to online community building. Contact our experts for a consultation on leveraging digital media for social impact.