Popular science communicator and entrepreneur Hank Green, one-half of the iconic YouTube duo Vlogbrothers, announced that he and his brother John Green have officially converted their media company, Complexly, into a nonprofit organization.
The transition, which became effective Jan. 1, 2026, involves the Vlogbrothers donating 100% of their equity to the public good.
The move covers the studio’s entire portfolio of digital brands, including the flagship educational channels Crash Course and SciShow, as well as niche properties like PBS Eons, Journey to the Microcosmos, Bizarre Beasts, and Study Hall.
The Green brothers founded the Montana-based production house in 2012 as an extension of their work on their primary channel, Vlogbrothers. Today, the organization employs more than 70 people and has generated over 5 billion views across its network.
By moving to a 501(c)(3) status (a specific legal tax-exempt status for nonprofits in the U.S.), the company can now accept tax-deductible donations from viewers and philanthropic grants to fund its expensive, high-quality production standards.
Hank Green explained that the decision was driven by the current state of the internet, where algorithms often prioritize sensationalism over accuracy.
He noted that while the company had received multiple lucrative offers to sell over the years, the brothers felt a responsibility to keep the content accessible to the millions of students and teachers who rely on it.
The founders believe a nonprofit model is better suited for educational work that adds more value to the world than it captures in profit.
The shift comes at a time when digital media faces new challenges from AI-generated content and declining advertising revenue.
Under the new structure, Julie Walsh Smith will continue her role as Chief Executive Officer, while the Green brothers will step back from daily oversight.
John Green will take on the title of Founder Emeritus, a title given to a retired leader as a mark of honour, and Hank Green will serve as the chairman of the organization’s new board of directors.
Aspiring creators globally have long viewed the Green brothers as pioneers of the “educational YouTuber” niche. Their primary channel, Vlogbrothers, has over 4 million subscribers and has served as a launchpad for dozens of successful projects.
Together, the Complexly network of channels has amassed more than 20 million subscribers and billions of views, establishing a standard for digital education that is now taught in nearly every school district in the United States.
