Overview
Complex is a New York-based media and entertainment company that focuses on youth culture, music, fashion, sports, and pop culture. Founded in 2002 by Marc Ecko, Complex started as a print magazine and quickly evolved into a digital powerhouse. The brand is known for its distinctive voice, covering everything from sneaker releases and streetwear to hip-hop news and celebrity interviews. Complex has expanded into video content, events, and e-commerce, with popular series like 'Hot Ones' and 'Sneaker Shopping' amassing millions of views. The company has a strong social media presence and a loyal audience of millennials and Gen Z. Complex's website features articles, reviews, listicles, and original videos, making it a go-to destination for trend-conscious readers. The domain complex.com was registered in 1997, predating the company's founding, and has been a cornerstone of its digital identity. Over the years, Complex has faced challenges in the competitive media landscape but remains a significant player in pop culture journalism. Its ownership has changed hands, with Verizon acquiring it in 2012 and later selling to BuzzFeed in 2021, though Complex continues to operate as a distinct brand. The site's global traffic rank of #7709 underscores its substantial reach and influence.
Company Profile
Complex is a media and entertainment company that produces content across digital, video, and social platforms, focusing on pop culture, music, fashion, sports, and lifestyle. It is known for its original video series, editorial coverage, and events like ComplexCon.
Complex.com websiteComplexCon eventsComplex video series (Hot Ones, Sneaker Shopping)Complex social media channelsComplex branded content and partnerships
Market PositionLeading pop culture media brand among youth demographics, competing with sites like Hypebeast, Highsnobiety, and The Fader.
RevenueEstimated $50-100 million annually (pre-BuzzFeed acquisition)
EmployeesApproximately 200-300
Typical Use Cases
- ▸Reading the latest news in hip-hop and streetwear
- ▸Watching celebrity interviews and food challenges (Hot Ones)
- ▸Discovering new sneaker releases and fashion trends
- ▸Following sports culture and athlete profiles
- ▸Finding recommendations for music, movies, and TV shows
Infrastructure
RolePrimary domain for Complex's media website and associated services
IP OwnerAmazon Web Services (AWS)
Global ScaleGlobal audience, primarily English-speaking, with strong presence in North America
DNS Records
A Records
3.175.64.119
3.175.64.20
3.175.64.59
NS Records
ns-1942.awsdns-50.co.uk
ns-696.awsdns-23.net
ns-152.awsdns-19.com
MX Records
1 aspmx.l.google.com
10 alt3.aspmx.l.google.com
5 alt1.aspmx.l.google.com
Related Domains
Official Website
complex.comSimilar Services
hypebeast.comhighsnobiety.comthefader.comxxlmag.com
Complex is owned by BuzzFeed, but operates as a separate brand. Similar services include other pop culture and streetwear-focused media outlets.
Identity
OwnerComplex Media, Inc.
TypePrivate
Founded2002
HQNew York, New York, USA
Notability
Complex is a well-established media brand with a global traffic rank of #7709, indicating high visibility and influence. It has been a key player in pop culture journalism since 2002, with millions of monthly visitors and a strong social media following. Its original video series like 'Hot Ones' have achieved viral success, further cementing its cultural relevance. The domain age of 28 years and consistent operation underscore its longevity and authority in the digital media space.
Known since2002
Global rank#7709
Risk & Trust
Risk: lowTrust: high
Complex is a legitimate media company with a long history and no known association with malicious activities. The domain uses Google Workspace for email (MX records point to Google), indicating professional email management. The site is hosted on AWS with Cloudflare CDN, suggesting a focus on security and performance. There are no reports of malware or phishing associated with the domain. The brand is widely recognized and trusted by advertisers and audiences alike.
WHOIS
RegisteredJun 21, 1997
Age28 years
RegistrarAmazon Registrar, Inc.
ExpiresSep 1, 2026
AI Confidence
ai_knowledgewhoisdns
This analysis is based on publicly available data and AI knowledge. Direct access to the website was not available, so some details may be incomplete or outdated.