BuzzFeed Said to Expect 2014 Sales of Up to $120 Million

BuzzFeed Inc., the online publisher of news, lists and quizzes that are designed to be shared on social media, is forecasting revenue of as much as $120 million in 2014, said two people with knowledge of its financials.

The sales level will depend on how many advertising deals are booked next year, said one of the people, who asked not to be identified because the numbers are private. BuzzFeed has projected about $60 million in sales for 2013, according to another person familiar with the matter, indicating that revenue may double next year.

The company, based in New York, has seen its Web traffic more than quadruple over the past year, vaulting it into the top ranks of news sites. BuzzFeed is now completing work on its 2014 budget and will soon present the numbers to the board, one of the people said. This year’s revenue projection was raised from $40 million in the middle of 2013 because the startup was growing faster than expected, according to the person.

BuzzFeed, started in 2006 by Huffington Post co-founder Jonah Peretti, relies on Facebook and other social networks to spread its articles and videos. Peretti, who serves as Chief Executive Officer, said in September that the startup, which has more than 300 employees, is profitable.