Hugo Travers, the 26-year-old founder of HugoDecrypte, a French media start-up, has become a sensation in France with his unique approach to delivering news to young audiences. What started as a university student’s YouTube channel has now grown to boast 14 million followers across social media platforms, 200 million monthly views on TikTok, and 35 million views on YouTube.
HugoDecrypte’s success has surpassed traditional media outlets in France, with more followers on Instagram than Le Monde, the country’s newspaper of record, as well as popular news networks BFMTV and France24. The daily news update from HugoDecrypte is also the most downloaded podcast in the country, according to media monitor ACPM.
Travers’ approach to news delivery, with a focus on accessibility and engaging content, has resonated with young audiences who are shunning traditional media. His channel’s dominance among the age 15 to 34 demographic has even attracted major politicians in France, including President Emmanuel Macron, who have sat down with Travers to reach a younger audience.
Despite facing challenges in the French news industry, HugoDecrypte has been able to capitalize on trends and maintain its success. Travers and his team are now looking to expand into English- and Spanish-language content, believing that their model can be successful wherever there are young people looking to be informed.
With a growing team of about 25 employees and a commitment to producing accessible and engaging content, HugoDecrypte continues to lead the way in delivering news to a new generation of media consumers in France.