The question of "is the Hype House still a thing" isn't as simple as a yes or no. While the original fanfare may have faded, and members have come and gone, the concept—and a version of the house—persists. Understanding its current state requires a look at its evolution, key players, and future plans. This article dives deep into the Hype House saga, separating fact from fiction and offering a clear picture of its relevance today.
At a glance:
- Understand the Hype House's evolution from a TikTok phenomenon to its current status.
- Identify the key reasons for member departures and how that impacted the group.
- Learn about the future plans for the Hype House and what to expect moving forward.
- Determine the Hype House's lasting influence on the content creator landscape.
- Decide if the Hype House remains relevant in the ever-changing world of social media.
From Viral Sensation to…What Exactly?
The Hype House burst onto the scene in late 2019, quickly becoming synonymous with TikTok stardom. It was the blueprint for the creator mansion, a collaborative space where young, energetic influencers lived and created content together. Think of it as a modern-day version of The Real World, but with more dance challenges and sponsored posts. Those early days were explosive. They took after content houses formed by YouTubers and Vine Stars before them, including the Clout House and Jake Paul’s Team 10 – they even moved into the former Clout House location.
But the initial buzz couldn't last forever. The very nature of fame and collaboration in the digital age is fleeting. The Hype House faced the same challenges as its predecessors: evolving interests, personal ambitions, and the inevitable desire for individual branding.
The Exodus: Why Did Everyone Leave?
The mass exodus from the Hype House is a complex mix of factors. Here's a breakdown of some of the key reasons:
- Individual Branding: The D’Amelio sisters, Charli and Dixie, were among the first to depart, realizing the power of their individual brands. They chose to build their careers independently, a smart move considering their immense popularity.
- Creative Differences & Ownership Disputes: Founder Daisy Keech left early on, even claiming she was not properly credited for her founding role, and alleging intentional exclusion from business deals. This internal conflict highlighted the challenges of managing creative partnerships and business ventures within a group setting.
- Personal Growth & New Opportunities: As members matured, their interests shifted. Some, like Tayler Holder, branched out to create their own content houses or explore alternative platforms, like Triller. Others sought opportunities in traditional entertainment, like Chase Hudson's appearance in Machine Gun Kelly's Downfalls High.
- The Inevitable Cycle: Like Team 10 and other creator collectives before it, the Hype House reached a point where the collective's appeal waned, and individual pursuits took precedence.
Some of the earliest members to leave the Hype house were Kouvr Annon, , , , , and . Michael was the first Hype House member to exit the house, but according to social media, he is still 100% a member of the group. He revealed his decision to leave comes from wanting to give another content house a chance. Everyone else on this list moved out not too long after Michael in Oct. 2021. Thomas Petrou, one of the Hype House co-founders, revealed that there’s no bad blood or hard feelings against anyone who chose to leave. He also mentioned that even though people are living in different places, everyone has still remained totally close. While Jacob Day and Sadie McKenna recently revealed that they're leaving the house, they're still part of the group.
The Remaining Core: Who's Still Hype?
While many familiar faces have moved on, a core group remains. As of 2023, the Hype House members included Thomas Petrou, Mia Hayward, Jacob Day, Sadie Mckenna, and Breese Maroc.
It's important to note that even those who've "left" the house may still be considered part of the broader Hype House "group," indicating a shift from a literal living arrangement to more of a loose affiliation. Thomas Petrou, remains a central figure, hinting at future plans.
The Netflix Effect: Too Little, Too Late?
Netflix's Hype House reality show debuted in 2022. But by the time it aired, the Hype House was already experiencing significant changes. Many original members had already left, and the dynamic had shifted.
The show offered a glimpse into the lives of the remaining members, but it failed to capture the initial excitement and impact of the Hype House's early days. It felt like a retrospective rather than a real-time depiction of a thriving collective. By the time Hype House debuted on Netflix, the content hub was already in shambles.
Hype House 2.0? What's Next?
Despite the departures and the lukewarm reception to the Netflix show, the Hype House isn't entirely dead. Co-founder Thomas Petrou has teased the possibility of a "new Hype House" – perhaps a revamped space or a different iteration of the concept. In the past, Thomas revealed his plans to renovate the Hype House to turn it into a more communal space complete with game rooms and movie theaters. Although the OG Hype House is on the market, the group leader teased that there might be a bigger and better Hype House on the way. Thomas captioned an August 2023 TikTok : "New Hype House coming soon …"
This suggests that the Hype House may be evolving into something different: a brand, an incubator, or a collective that exists more in the digital space than in a physical house.
The Hype House Playbook: Key Strategies & Lessons
Regardless of its future form, the Hype House's initial success offers valuable insights for aspiring influencers and content creators.
- Collaboration is Key: The Hype House demonstrated the power of collaboration. By bringing together diverse talents, they amplified their reach and created engaging content.
- Ride the Trend: The Hype House capitalized on the rise of TikTok, utilizing its short-form video format to gain massive exposure.
- Brand Building: While the collective was important, individual members also focused on building their own brands, leading to greater long-term success.
- Adapt and Evolve: The Hype House's struggles highlight the importance of adapting to changing trends and audience preferences. Staying relevant requires constant innovation and a willingness to experiment.
- Recognize Individual Needs: One of the biggest lessons from the Hype House is the importance of recognizing individual needs and ambitions. Failing to do so can lead to internal conflicts and departures.
Navigating the Collab House Landscape: Choosing the Right Path
For aspiring creators considering joining a collab house, here's a decision tree:
- Define Your Goals: What do you hope to achieve by joining a collab house? Increased exposure? Collaboration opportunities? Mentorship?
- Research Potential Houses: What are the house's values, mission, and track record? Do they align with your own brand and goals?
- Assess the Members: Are the other members talented, ambitious, and supportive? Will you enjoy living and working with them?
- Understand the Contract: What are the terms of the agreement? What are your responsibilities and rights?
- Consider the Exit Strategy: What happens if you want to leave the house? Are there any penalties or restrictions?
Quick Answers: Hype House FAQs
- Is the Hype House still living together? Not in the original sense. While a core group remains affiliated, the physical house dynamic has changed.
- Who are the most successful Hype House alumni? Charli and Dixie D'Amelio are arguably the most successful, having leveraged their Hype House fame into thriving individual careers. Chase Hudson has also found success in music.
- What was the biggest challenge the Hype House faced? Balancing individual ambitions with the goals of the collective. Also, disputes about crediting and ownership.
- Are there other Hype Houses? The "Hype House" model has inspired numerous other creator collectives, each with its own unique focus and membership.
Is the Hype House a Failed Experiment?
Not entirely. The Hype House’s legacy is complicated. It served as a launching pad for numerous successful influencers and popularized the creator house model. However, its internal conflicts and struggles to adapt highlight the challenges of managing a collective of ambitious individuals in the fast-paced world of social media. You can find more background on the initial rise and fall Inside the Hype House world.
Building Your Own Hype: A Quick Start
Whether or not the Hype House returns in its original form, its impact on the creator landscape is undeniable. Here's how you can apply its lessons to build your own "hype":
- Identify Your Niche: What makes you unique? What are you passionate about?
- Build a Community: Connect with your audience, engage in conversations, and foster a sense of belonging.
- Collaborate Strategically: Partner with other creators who share your values and target audience.
- Stay Authentic: Be true to yourself and your brand. Don't try to be someone you're not.
- Embrace Change: Be willing to adapt to new trends and platforms. Don't be afraid to experiment and take risks.
The Hype House may not be the dominant force it once was, but its story offers valuable lessons for anyone seeking to navigate the ever-evolving world of online influence. The key is to learn from its successes and failures, adapt to the changing landscape, and build your own unique brand.
