Hank and John Green, the creators of popular online educational series such as Crash Course and SciShow, have announced the transition of their production company, Complexly, to a nonprofit organization. The move, effective immediately, is a direct response to the proliferation of misinformation and low-quality content on digital platforms. The brothers stated that public trust in information and equitable access to education were the primary motivations behind this structural change.
Complexly, founded by the Green brothers, has been responsible for producing and distributing a wide array of free, educational YouTube content for over a decade. Its channels, which include Crash Course, SciShow, and Healthcare Triage, have amassed millions of subscribers and are frequently utilized in classrooms worldwide. The company will now operate under a 501(c)(3) nonprofit model, relinquishing ownership to a public board.
Background and Motivations
In a public statement, Hank and John Green cited the growing challenge of “slop farms,” a term referring to automated systems and low-effort operations that generate vast quantities of misleading or poor-quality online content. They argued that this environment undermines reliable education and factual discourse. The transition to a nonprofit is intended to insulate their educational mission from commercial pressures, such as the need to maximize viewer engagement or advertising revenue, which can sometimes incentivize sensationalism.
“Our goal has always been to provide high-quality, freely accessible education,” John Green stated. “This change ensures that mission remains central, regardless of the shifting economics of online platforms.” The brothers emphasized that the content will remain free and that the nonprofit structure will allow them to pursue grant funding and donations specifically earmarked for educational projects.
Structure and Future Operations
Under the new structure, Complexly will be governed by a board of directors comprising educators, scientists, and other experts in media and philanthropy. Hank and John Green will remain involved in creative and strategic roles but will not have controlling ownership. The existing team of writers, researchers, animators, and hosts is expected to continue producing content for all current channels without interruption.
The nonprofit model is designed to provide long-term stability. Revenue streams will now include philanthropic donations, educational grants, and viewer support through platforms like Patreon, rather than relying solely on YouTube’s partner program. This diversification aims to safeguard the projects from sudden changes in platform algorithms or advertising policies.
Reactions and Industry Context
The announcement has been met with support from educators and digital literacy advocates. Many have noted that large-scale, reliable educational content is increasingly vital as search engines and social media feeds become saturated with unverified information. The move is seen as a significant commitment to preserving the integrity of digital education resources.
This transition occurs amid broader discussions about the sustainability of creator-led educational media. Other independent educational channels have experimented with similar models, seeking alternatives to the volatility of ad-based revenue. Complexly’s shift is one of the most prominent examples of a major digital production entity fully embracing a public-service-oriented structure.
Next Steps and Expected Developments
The immediate focus for Complexly is completing the legal and operational transition to nonprofit status. The company has begun the process of applying for relevant grants and establishing formal partnerships with educational institutions. The Green brothers have indicated that a key priority for the newly formed nonprofit will be expanding content libraries in subjects like media literacy and climate science, areas they identify as critically underserved. An official launch of the new nonprofit entity, along with detailed plans for future series and initiatives, is anticipated within the next quarter.
Source: Mashable
