Freelance Viral Stories & Local News Writer (Remote)
Are you hooked on the bizarre, the controversial, and the delightfully offbeat? Do you have a nose for small-town scandals, neighborhood squabbles, or strange-but-true stories that could blow up online?
We’re looking for freelance writers who can uncover viral-worthy local stories from across the U.S. and turn them into fast, funny, and highly shareable articles.
We’re especially interested in candidates available to cover stories on weekends.
What We’re Looking For:
- Writers with experience (or strong instincts) in local news reporting
- A knack for finding quirky, surprising, or polarizing stories from towns and cities across America
- A casual, internet-savvy writing voice that leans into the absurd when needed
- The ability to identify viral trends on Reddit, TikTok, Facebook, and local news outlets
- Strong headline skills — your titles should stop the scroll
- Clean, concise writing that gets to the point quickly
- Writers who can turn around stories quickly while they’re still fresh
Bonus Points If You:
- Have experience covering local news, oddball crime, or small-town drama
- Can match the tone of The Daily Dot, Dexerto, BuzzFeed News, or similar outlets
- Know how to add an internet-friendly spin while keeping the local flavor
- Have a sharp sense of humor and an eye for viral gold
What You’ll Do:
- Pitch and/or write short (400–700 word) articles with strong hooks and clear narratives
- Find and report on strange, attention-grabbing stories with viral potential (we’ll assign some too)
- Add supporting sources, embeds, and relevant links
- Stay on top of news trends, social media chatter, and local oddities
Compensation:
- Per-article payment
- View-based performance bonuses
- Your work will be featured on a fast-growing platform reaching thousands of readers daily
To Apply:
Please submit:
- A brief introduction about yourself and your writing experience
- 3 headline ideas for local viral stories you’d want to write
- Links to published work or a writing sample in our tone/style
All applicants will be asked to complete a short paid writing test.
Note: All application materials must be submitted for consideration. Applicants will undergo a writing evaluation during the hiring process.
Job Type: Contract
Work Location: Remote