Here's the Story Behind the CNN-Owned 'Great Big Story' and Its Rapid Rise

Social video network tells surprising stories every day

Either you surprise the crew at Great Big Story or you go home. 

They, of course, will explain this in much kinder terms. But the basis of their visually stunning short- and long-form videos is surprise.

"There has to be a sense of wonderment," said Chris Berend, svp of global video for CNN and CNN Digital Studios, and co-founder of GBS, told Adweek. "Ideas here don't get out the door unless they're surprising." 

GBS, which is owned by CNN but operates independently, launched in October 2015 and has told more than 650 stories in 65 countries—GBS Nordics recently opened in Stockholm, and a London branch is set to open in March—with no signs of letting up.

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