The Rise of Giggly Squad: A Comedy Podcast Phenomenon

Giggly Squad has emerged as one of the most popular comedy podcasts in recent years, captivating audiences with its unfiltered and hilarious conversations between best friends Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo. What started as casual FaceTime calls between the duo has evolved into a multimedia empire that includes a successful podcast, YouTube content, live tours, and published works.^[1]^[2]

The Dynamic Duo Behind the Laughter

Hannah Berner: From Tennis Courts to Comedy Stages

Hannah Lucy Berner, born August 12, 1991, brings a diverse background to the Giggly Squad partnership. A Brooklyn native who played tennis at the University of Wisconsin while pursuing a degree in Communication Arts Rhetoric, Berner has transformed herself into a multi-talented entertainer.^[3] Her journey includes work at digital media company Betches, appearances on Bravo's Summer House for seasons 3 through 5, and a flourishing stand-up comedy career that culminated in a Netflix special released in July 2024, which premiered at number 2 on the Netflix charts.^[3]

Berner's comedy style has been praised by industry veterans, with Whitney Cummings describing her as "funny without the darkness and without hurting anybody." This approach has earned her recognition as one of Variety's "Top 10 Comics to Watch" in 2023.^[3]

Paige DeSorbo: From Albany to Entertainment Stardom

Paige DeSorbo, born November 6, 1992, in Albany, New York, complements Berner's energy with her own unique perspective and wit. A journalism graduate from the College of Saint Rose, DeSorbo worked her way up through the media industry, including internships at WRGB and positions at ABC News and Betches before joining the cast of Summer House in 2019.^[4] Notably, she announced her departure from Summer House on June 5, 2025, after seven successful seasons on the show.^[4]

Podcast Success and Cultural Impact

The Giggly Squad podcast has achieved remarkable success since its inception during the COVID-19 pandemic, accumulating over 44 million downloads to date across 237 episodes published over five years.^[2]^[5] The show's format centers around the hosts discussing pop culture, fashion trends, television, horoscopes, mental health, and dating while maintaining their signature self-deprecating humor.^[6]

The podcast's appeal lies in its authentic portrayal of friendship and the natural chemistry between Berner and DeSorbo. As DeSorbo explained in a recent interview, the show represents "a total one hour escape" where listeners can experience the lighter, funnier version of themselves that emerges when spending time with best friends.^[2]

Chart performance reflects the show's popularity, with Giggly Squad consistently ranking in top positions across major platforms. Recent data shows the podcast holding the #6 position in Apple Podcasts' Comedy category and #13 in Spotify's Comedy charts as of June 2025.^[7]

Multimedia Expansion and Brand Growth

YouTube Presence and Video Content

Beyond podcasting, Giggly Squad has established a significant presence on YouTube, where they share video content with their dedicated fanbase known as "Gigglers."^[1]^[8] Their YouTube statistics demonstrate steady growth, with the channel featuring 149 videos and generating an estimated monthly income of approximately $16,600.^[9]

In May 2025, the duo launched "Hannah & Paige Try New Things," a web series that showcases them attempting various activities and challenges. Episodes have included professional baseball training at Nationals Park in Washington DC, demonstrating their willingness to step outside their comfort zones for entertainment.^[4]^[10]

Literary Success

April 2025 marked another milestone for the duo with the publication of their book "How to Giggle: A Guide to Taking Life Less Seriously." This literary venture represents their expansion beyond digital media into traditional publishing, offering fans a deeper dive into their philosophy of finding humor in everyday situations.^[4]

Live Entertainment and Tours

Giggly Squad has successfully translated their digital popularity into live entertainment, conducting tours that bring their podcast experience to audiences nationwide. Their "Club Giggly" live shows in late 2024 featured a 25-city, 28-venue tour, demonstrating the strong demand for in-person experiences with the hosts.^[2]^[4]

Industry Recognition and Media Appearances

The success of Giggly Squad has led to numerous high-profile opportunities for both hosts. Berner and DeSorbo served as correspondents for the Vanity Fair Oscar Party 2025, showcasing their growing influence in entertainment circles.^[3] Their podcast has attracted attention from industry veterans, with both hosts appearing on major shows and platforms, further cementing their status as influential voices in comedy and entertainment.

The podcast's reach extends beyond entertainment, with both hosts maintaining additional projects. Berner co-hosts "Berner Phone with Des Bishop" with her husband, while both continue to make guest appearances on other popular podcasts, demonstrating their versatility and broad appeal within the podcasting ecosystem.^[3]