When it comes to influential media companies, Complex Media is at the top of that list.

It's time to meet the man who started it all, Rich Antoniello, CEO and Founder of Complex. I got the inside story of how Rich and Complex did things the right way and morphed from their humble beginnings into the powerhouse they are today.

Complex Media is the creator of some of the most-watched shows on the Internet, such as Hot Ones, Full Size Run, and Sneaker Battles. Rich talks about where the ideas for the shows came from, and what made the shows become so successful.

In this episode, Rich also discusses why video content is more valuable than audio, even though he still really appreciates a good podcast. He also discusses why Complex changed its business model from being an ad network to having their own owned and operated media properties and even creating and selling their own product lines to match the media. One other major takeaway from this interview that will be useful for all content creators, is when Rich discusses how to build up a content library the right way so that when you finally have a video go viral you can retain that audience.

Useful links from the episode:

Watch Hot Ones - https://www.youtube.com/user/FirstWeFeast

Watch Sneaker Battles - https://www.complex.com/video/sneaker-battles-show

Watch Full Size Run - https://www.complex.com/video/full-size-run-show

Complex Media - https://www.complex.com

Rich Antoniello's Twitter - https://twitter.com/richantoniello