Capitalized Software Costs, net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2022	Sep. 30, 2021	Dec. 31, 2021
Capitalized Software Costs, net
Website and internal-use software	$ 91,653		$ 91,653		$ 81,908
Less: Accumulated amortization	(72,359)		(72,359)		(65,354)
Net Carrying Value	19,294		19,294		$ 16,554
Amount of capitalized internal used software	3,100	$ 3,300	9,700	$ 7,600
Depreciation and amortization expense	$ 2,500	$ 2,700	$ 7,000	$ 7,700

For each balance sheet presented, the amount of accumulated amortization for capitalized internal used computer software costs.

No definition available.

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Additions made to capitalized computer software costs during the period.

No definition available.

Name:	bzfd_CapitalizedInternalUsedComputerSoftwareAdditions
Namespace Prefix:	bzfd_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
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Amount of expense for amortization of capitalized internal used computer software costs.

No definition available.

Name:	bzfd_CapitalizedInternalUsedComputerSoftwareAmortization1
Namespace Prefix:	bzfd_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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The carrying amount of capitalized internal used computer software costs net of accumulated amortization as of the balance sheet date.

No definition available.

Name:	bzfd_CapitalizedInternalUsedComputerSoftwareNet
Namespace Prefix:	bzfd_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Period Type:	instant

Amount before accumulated amortization of capitalized costs for computer software, including to, acquired and internally developed computer software.

No definition available.

Name:	bzfd_WebsiteAndInternalUseSoftware
Namespace Prefix:	bzfd_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

No definition available.

Name:	us-gaap_CapitalizedComputerSoftwareNetAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration