• by Sara Guaglione , April 20, 2020

Fandom, a user-generated content site for movies, TV and gaming, experienced a surge in traffic in the last month. 

The platform, which claims over 200 million monthly users, is launching six fan-focused initiatives in response to COVID-19, along with a PSA campaign and charity partner to provide funds to fight against the pandemic.

The COVID-19 PSAs promote social distancing and other COVID-19 safety measures. Fandom has committed to donating at least 75 million monthly impressions to this campaign.

From March 16, when stay-at-home orders in the U.S. began, to April 12, Fandom says its unique users increased 32% and page views were up 38%, compared to the previous four weeks in 2020. Time spent on the site rose 44%. 

“As countries, communities and fans are confronting the COVID-19 pandemic, people are turning to entertainment to pass the time, connect with family and friends online, or escape to other worlds and realities,” stated Stephanie Fried, Chief Marketing Officer. “Using our platform to raise awareness of COVID-19 safety measures and provide financial support to Direct Relief is enabling us to make an impact in the global community we serve.”

Direct Relief is one of the largest global providers of humanitarian medical resources.

Last week, Fandom launched “Roll in the Family: The Slumbering Forest,” a live, weekly digital series of campaigns for the "Dungeons & Dragons" role-playing game, featuring well-known players and their children. 

Viewers can change the narrative of the adventure via donations to Direct Relief, which to date has delivered more than 2.4 million masks, 2.6 million gloves and thousands of other items to over 1,100 health facilities in 32 countries and all 50 United States.

The first episode of "Roll in the Family" raised more than the $1,000 goal.

Another initiative, called “D&D Celeb Charity One-Shot,” is a live-streamed "Dungeons & Dragons" adventure, featuring a group of celebrities playing the game together for the first time. 

Fans can change the course of the game with donations to Direct Relief as well. The show will launch in early May on Twitch and be available at dndbeyond.com. 

The “Fan Trivia Game Show” is scheduled to launch May 12. The live game show will call on fans to answer trivia questions about a specific movie, TV show or game for a chance to win prizes. 

“As the world continues to shelter at home, connecting with others virtually and finding an escape through entertainment has never been more important,” Fried stated. 

Fandom earns revenue from digital advertising, branded content and events, as well as direct to consumer revenue from subscriptions and products.