Offbeat Media Group

Offbeat Media Group is an Atlanta-founded digital media and creative production company built around social publishing, branded entertainment and virtual influencers. Established in 2018, it developed a business combining owned media channels, brokered publisher distribution and original digital characters to connect brands with audiences across lifestyle, gaming, entertainment and internet culture.

Its production capabilities encompassed short-form video, episodic social programming, influencer campaigns and sponsored content distributed through TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat Discover and YouTube. By combining owned and brokered publisher pages, the company assembled a network reported to reach more than one billion collective followers. That network supported content placement and campaign amplification alongside its creative production work.

Virtual characters and original programming

Offbeat developed virtual influencer intellectual property through character conceptualization, 3D modeling, narrative design and community management. Its characters included Zero and Lilith, with work extending into branded augmented reality and metaverse experiences. The company also developed a publication and directory documenting virtual influencers and synthetic media, connecting its character development work with research into the wider sector.

Alongside its virtual personas, Offbeat produced more than 30 original episodic social shows. These included Excuse Me, What?, a street-interview series distributed across major social platforms. Its commercial work included branded content and digital influence campaigns for TikTok, Netflix, Twitch, Cameo, Warner Music Group, McDonald's, Grubhub and Hooters.

Asset sale and subsequent developments

In December 2023, Vertiqal Studios acquired 68 digital media channels and associated assets from Offbeat in a transaction valued at US$2 million. The final promissory note payment was completed in June 2025. Following the transaction, co-founders Shep Ogden and Bailey Grady launched Interlock Studios in March 2024 to develop and acquire mobile applications. The supplied research describes Offbeat's independent operations as inactive following the asset transfer.