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

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Freelance Viral Stories & Local News Writer