Right now, I’m a senior reporter at Business Insider. I cover the internet and the people shaping it.
Previously, I’ve written for The Face, Office Magazine, and ran socials for the Virginia Quarterly Review.
Other talents include: vintage shopping, haggling, film photography, Bruce Springsteen karaoke covers, finding slugs, and filling any uncomfortable silence.
Want to rabbit hole into my world? Here’s a glimpse into my playlists, Instagram, and Twitter.
Select Stories
Business Insider
August 2026
May 2026
Business Insider
February 2026
August 2025
August 2023
November 2022
At Business Insider, I’ve investigated startups like Flip, Jellysmack, Spring (fka Teespring). Written in-depth dives into the moment TikTok disappeared, Substack’s zeitgeisty rise, how TikTok changed the comedy industry, and this generation’s MTV: short-form shows. Profiled influential creators and their companies, tech executives, and the behind-the-scenes people running the show.
I’ve dug into how platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pay creators. As well as reported on the Big Tech companies behind the platforms — from layoffs to lawsuits.
There’s a new internet coming. I’ve obsessively reported about emerging apps, online communities, and the Gen Z push for more IRL connection. I download and try nearly every apptthat crosses my path.
AI is changing all of it. I’ve closely reported on the rise of new consumer AI startups raising millions — where they work, how they build companies, what they’re trying to change, and who is up to cool (or weird) things. I’ve scooped their acquisitions, product changes, and fundraises.
Photography
(typically shot on 35mm or very strategically with my iPhone)
Sydney Bradley has been covering media and tech for Business Insider since 2020. She breaks news and writes extensively about Instagram and Facebook, as well as new social media startups, dating apps, the creator economy, venture capital, and tech culture.
She regularly contributes to BI's "After Hours" series, where our reporters dive into the social scenes shaping tech, media, and finance.
Sydney's reporting on Instagram was nominated as a finalist for the 2021 Los Angeles Press Club National Entertainment Journalism Awards.
She regularly contributes to BI's "After Hours" series, where our reporters dive into the social scenes shaping tech, media, and finance.
Sydney's reporting on Instagram was nominated as a finalist for the 2021 Los Angeles Press Club National Entertainment Journalism Awards.
Education
University of Virginia, 2019
American Studies
graduated with high distinction
University of Oxford
... for a summer abroad
American Studies
graduated with high distinction
University of Oxford
... for a summer abroad
Other Jobs
Freelance Photographer
NYC and wherever else people have me2023-
Editorial Associate
Modeworld
2019-2020
Editor
Pure Nowhere
2020
Intern
The Face
2019
*Bonus: I was The Face’s first US intern when it was revamped. We worked out of a coworking space in Bushwick. Ask me about it.
Social Media Manager and Editorial Intern
Virginia Quarterly Review
2017-2019
Student Council Vice President
UVA
2017-2017
*I resigned, politics wasn’t for me.
Daycare Assistant
2016-2018
*Bonus: I was really good at changing diapers and getting kids down for naptime, if you need a babysitter.
Modeworld
2019-2020
Editor
Pure Nowhere
2020
Intern
The Face
2019
*Bonus: I was The Face’s first US intern when it was revamped. We worked out of a coworking space in Bushwick. Ask me about it.
Social Media Manager and Editorial Intern
Virginia Quarterly Review
2017-2019
Student Council Vice President
UVA
2017-2017
*I resigned, politics wasn’t for me.
Daycare Assistant
2016-2018
*Bonus: I was really good at changing diapers and getting kids down for naptime, if you need a babysitter.