Impact Media
Impact Media is an American social media news organization focused on delivering socially-conscious content to Gen Z audiences. Founded in 2020, the company specializes in activism, politics, culture, and current events distributed primarily through platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Background
Impact Media was launched in response to the rapid rise of social media-based activism during the COVID-19 pandemic and the global racial justice movements of 2020. During this time, Generation Z increasingly turned to digital platforms as primary sources of information and advocacy.Founded by Tim Chau and Michelle Andrews, Impact Media sought to bridge the gap between activism and journalism by creating accessible, action-driven content.
History
Impact Media was established in 2020, initially focusing on creating digestible explainers and educational slideshows distributed through Instagram. The organization quickly gained traction, building a following of over 2.5 million Instagram users by 2025.Leadership at Impact Media prioritized diversity, with LGBTQ+ leaders and contributors featured prominently. The company later expanded into event organizing and partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy organizations.
Content and coverage
Impact Media produces a range of multimedia content including news explainers, documentary videos, op-eds, and activist toolkits. Its reporting covers topics such as climate change, racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive rights, and mental health.The platform emphasizes visually-driven storytelling optimized for Instagram and TikTok, with an editorial tone balancing information dissemination and advocacy.
Impact Media also organizes offline events, including "Z-Con," a conference aimed at Gen Z creators, activists, and entrepreneurs seeking to foster dialogue on social change.
Reception and influence
Impact Media has been cited by major publications such as The New York Times as a rising force in reshaping how young audiences consume news. The company's integration of activism into news reporting has been recognized as both innovative and representative of broader trends among Generation Z media consumers.Recognition
Impact Media and its leadership have received multiple industry recognitions. The organization won the 2022 Shorty Impact Award and received the Audience Honor in the same year.Impact Media was named a Webby Awards Honoree and Nominee in 2022, and received another Webby Nomination in 2023.
The company’s founders were also recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 for their contributions to media innovation and social entrepreneurship.
In addition, Impact Media was honored by Fast Company as a Design by Innovation Honoree in the Best Design North America category.