Smosh, once YouTube’s biggest comedy group, has transformed in many ways since Anthony Padilla left in 2017. This article explores why Anthony left, how Smosh struggled under Defy Media, and how its revival under Rhett & Link has led to his return and the channel’s continued evolution.
SMOSH’S EARLY SUCCESS & SKETCH COMEDY DOMINANCE
Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla launched Smosh in 2005, and it soon became a huge YouTube channel. Smosh’s sketch comedy made it a leader on early YouTube, gaining millions of subscribers and billions of views. Their talent for keeping up with YouTube trends kept them popular for more than ten years.
SMOSH’S RISE TO YOUTUBE FAME
- Their first hit, “Pokémon Theme Music Video,” became a record-breaking YouTube video in 2006.
- Smosh became one of the most-subscribed channels multiple times.
- They grew into gaming (Smosh Games), movies, and branded merchandise.
WHY DID ANTHONY PADILLA LEAVE SMOSH?
Many fans wonder, “Why did Anthony Padilla leave Smosh?” In 2017, he left because he felt he had no creative freedom. Since 2006, Smosh had been under different corporate ownership, which limited Anthony’s ability to make the content he truly wanted.
ANTHONY’S CAREER AFTER SMOSH
After leaving, Anthony built his own YouTube channel, where he interviews underrepresented people and gathers millions of views.
- He started his “I Spent a Day With…” interview series, covering internet personalities, marginalized communities, and viral figures.
- His channel gained over 7 million subscribers.
- He teamed up with well-known celebrities and influencers.
SMOSH’S DECLINE UNDER DEFY MEDIA
After Anthony left, Smosh remained under the ownership of Defy Media, a digital media company. However, by 2018, Defy Media shut down, leaving Smosh without financial backing. During this period:
- Smosh’s content quality fluctuated.
- The future of the brand was uncertain.
- Fans speculated if Ian Hecox could maintain Smosh’s legacy.
WHAT HAPPENED TO SMOSH UNDER DEFY MEDIA?
- Defy Media cut budgets, affecting production quality.
- Many original Smosh members left due to instability.
- When Defy collapsed, Smosh was left without ownership, leading to uncertainty.
RHETT & LINK BUYING SMOSH – A NEW BEGINNING
In 2019, Rhett & Link’s company, Mythical Entertainment, acquired Smosh. This step helped the brand stay stable, giving Ian and the team control over creativity again. Since the acquisition:
- Smosh has revamped its content style.
- New cast members have added new life to the channel.
- Smosh Games and Smosh Pit are still running, though engagement levels change.
ANTHONY PADILLA RETURNS TO SMOSH (2023)
In June 2023, Anthony Padilla rejoined Smosh, as he and Ian Hecox repurchased the company, making it independent once again. Since then:
- Smosh has returned to its original sketch comedy style.
- The brand has set up new projects, including the late-night talk show “Bit City” in 2024.
- The duo has regained their old audience while evolving with the latest content styles.
IS SMOSH STILL RELEVANT IN 2025?
Despite Smosh’s changes, it still maintains a loyal fanbase. However, it no longer controls YouTube the way it did in its peak era. Some major points about Smosh in 2025:
- Subscribers: The subscriber base has reached over 26.8 million yet this figure shows lower interaction than emerging content creators.
- Content: The channel presents combination content consisting of sketch comedy and both talk shows and reaction videos.
- New Projects: “Bit City” has gained positive reception which represents Smosh’s move toward new content directions.
- Relevance: Subscribing to Smosh remains relevant due to a large subscriber base but newer YouTubers challenge their position within the market.
HOW SMOSH IS ADAPTING TO YOUTUBE IN 2025
- Using short-form content to attract today’s viewers.
- The company continues fresh by working with emerging influencers from new demographics.
- The company needs to extend its operations from YouTube channels by developing streaming platforms and podcast content.
SMOSH VS OTHER LEGACY YOUTUBERS
- Ray William Johnson switched to Facebook but struggled to keep his popularity.
- CollegeHumor switched to a paid subscription model after YouTube’s changes.
- Smosh stays on YouTube but must keep experimenting to remain competitive.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Anthony Padilla’s exit and return played big roles in Smosh’s evolution. It struggled with business challenges and ownership changes but lost its leading spot. Still, with independence and sketch comedy, Smosh keeps millions watching.
FAQS
Why did Anthony Padilla leave Smosh?
He left in 2017 because of creative conflicts and business restrictions.
When did Anthony Padilla leave Smosh?
He announced his departure on June 14, 2017.
Did Anthony Padilla return to Smosh?
Yes, in 2023, he and Ian Hecox repurchased Smosh, making it independent again.
Who owns Smosh now?
As of 2023, Anthony Padilla and Ian Hecox repurchased Smosh, making it independent again.
Is Smosh still popular in 2025?
While it’s not at the top, it still keeps its audience and has done well with “Bit City.”