Description of the Business	9 Months Ended
Description of the Business	Sep. 30, 2024
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of the Business	Description of the Business BuzzFeed, Inc. (referred to herein, collectively with its subsidiaries, as “BuzzFeed” or the “Company”) is a premier digital media company for the most diverse, most online, and most socially connected generations the world has ever seen. Across entertainment, news, food, pop culture and commerce, our brands drive conversation and inspire what audiences watch, read, and buy now — and into the future. The Company’s iconic, globally-loved brands include BuzzFeed, HuffPost, Tasty, and First We Feast (including Hot Ones). BuzzFeed derives its revenue primarily from advertising, content, and commerce and other sold to leading brands. The Company has one reportable segment. On December 3, 2021, we consummated a business combination (the “Business Combination”) with 890 5th Avenue Partners, Inc. (“890”), certain wholly-owned subsidiaries of 890, and BuzzFeed, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Legacy BuzzFeed”). In connection with the Business Combination, we acquired 100% of the membership interests of CM Partners, LLC. CM Partners, LLC, together with Complex Media, Inc., is referred to herein as “Complex Networks.” Following the closing of the Business Combination, 890 was renamed “BuzzFeed, Inc.” Additionally, in connection with the entry into the merger agreement pursuant to which the Business Combination was consummated, the Company issued, and certain investors purchased, $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured convertible notes due 2026 (the “Notes”) concurrently with the closing of the Business Combination. As a result of the sale of certain assets relating to the business of Complex Networks, as discussed within Note 19 herein (the “Disposition”), the Company repaid approximately $30.9 million of the Notes on March 7, 2024. The Company also repaid approximately $0.3 million of the Notes on June 21, 2024, leaving approximately $118.8 million aggregate principal amount of Notes outstanding as of September 30, 2024. Refer to Note 19 herein for additional details. Liquidity and Going Concern The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”) on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. As of the date the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements were issued (the “issuance date”), the significance of the following adverse conditions were evaluated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The presence of the following risks and uncertainties associated with the Company’s financial condition may adversely affect the Company’s ability to sustain its operations over the next 12 months beyond the issuance date. Since its inception, the Company has generally incurred significant losses and used net cash flows from operations to grow its owned and operated properties and its iconic brands. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company incurred a net loss of $41.0 million (and a net loss of $31.1 million from continuing operations) and used net cash flows from its operations of $16.1 million (and net cash used in operating activities from continuing operations was $7.4 million). Additionally, as of September 30, 2024, the Company had unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $53.7 million to fund its operations and an accumulated deficit of $652.9 million. As described in Note 8 herein, the Company repaid approximately $30.9 million and $0.3 million of the Notes on March 7, 2024 and June 21, 2024, respectively, leaving approximately $118.8 million aggregate principal amount of Notes outstanding as of September 30, 2024. As described in Note 8 herein, each holder of a Note has the right under the indenture governing the Notes to require the Company to repurchase, for cash, all or a portion of the Notes held by such holder (i) at any time on or after December 3, 2024, at a repurchase price equal to the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, or (ii) upon the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined in the indenture) before the maturity date (i.e., December 3, 2026), at a repurchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest. Moreover, the Company will be required to repay the Notes, in cash, at their maturity, unless earlier converted, redeemed, or repurchased. Pursuant to the third amendment of the indenture on October 28, 2024, the period of advance notice to us required for an optional redemption was amended so that (i) if such notice (the “Put Notice”) is given on November 22, 2024, such holder shall have the right to require us to repurchase such holder’s Notes on December 3, 2024, and (ii) if such notice is after November 22, 2024, such holder shall have the right to require us to repurchase such holder’s Notes on the fifth business day following such notice. The Company expects the holders of the Notes to each deliver a Put Notice on November 22, 2024 (or soon thereafter), upon which $118.8 million of outstanding principal amount and approximately $4.7 million of accrued interest thereon will become due and payable. Prior to such payment date, the Company will be required to renegotiate the terms of the indenture governing the Notes with the holders of the Notes and / or seek alternative financing to repay the Notes. There is no assurance that the Company will be successful in either case, which would trigger an Event of Default under the indenture governing the Notes and allow the holders of the Notes to accelerate the maturity of the Notes and require repayment. The Company currently does not have sufficient cash on hand or projected cash flows to fund the repayment of the Notes. Uncertainty concerning the repayment of the Notes could cause significant volatility in the trading of our Class A common stock. In addition, on February 28, 2024, the Company amended the indenture governing the Notes to provide that, among other things, 95% of the net proceeds of future asset sales must be used to repay the Notes. To address its capital needs, and as described above, the Company may explore options to restructure its outstanding debt, and is working with advisors to optimize its condensed consolidated balance sheet. However, the Company can provide no assurance that it will generate sufficient cash inflows from operations, or that it will be successful in obtaining such new financing, or in optimizing its condensed consolidated balance sheet in a manner necessary to fund its obligations as they become due over the next 12 months beyond the issuance date. Additionally, the Company may implement incremental cost savings actions and pursue additional sources of outside capital to supplement its funding obligations as they become due, which may include additional offerings of its Class A common stock under the at-the-market offering (as described in Note 9 herein). As of the issuance date, no additional sources of outside capital have been secured or were deemed probable of being secured, other than the Company’s at-the-market-offering, which is subject to the conditions contained in the At-The-Market Offering Agreement dated June 20, 2023 with Craig-Hallum Capital Group LLC. The Company can provide no assurance it will successfully generate sufficient liquidity to fund its operations for the next 12 months beyond the issuance date, or if necessary, secure additional outside capital (including through the Company’s at-the-market-offering) or implement incremental cost savings. Moreover, on an ongoing basis, the Company is evaluating strategic changes to its operations, including asset divestitures, restructuring, or the discontinuance of unprofitable lines of business. Any such transaction could be material to the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The nature and timing of any such changes depend on a variety of factors, including, as of the applicable time: the Company’s available cash, liquidity and operating performance; its commitments and obligations; its capital requirements; limitations imposed under its credit arrangements; and overall market conditions. As of the issuance date, the Company continues to work with its external advisors to optimize its condensed consolidated balance sheet and evaluate its assets. These uncertainties raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis that the Company will continue to operate as a going concern, which contemplates that it will be able to realize assets and settle liabilities and commitments in the normal course of business for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that may result from the outcome of these uncertainties.