It was launched on June 12, 2014 by The Onion,[4][5][6][7] in conjunction with that publication's decision to stop its print edition and shift its focus exclusively to the internet.

[8] According to ClickHole's senior editor, Jermaine Affonso, the website is "The Onion's response to click-bait content" and serves as "a parody of online media".

[10] ClickHole ensures that its employees put detail into how each topic should be addressed from a satirical point of view, so that its ideas are conveyed successfully.

[16] Content posted on ClickHole also is shared on social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, and Pinterest.

"[19] As PatriotHole, the site's journalistic style shifted to resemble fringe right wing news websites such as Breitbart and InfoWars.

[21] On August 29, 2017, PatriotHole introduced Doug Baxter as the host of its eponymous web video series which premiered on September 6, 2017.

[citation needed] Various writers predicted that the website will be a long-term success because its content has consistently been creative and targets a wide audience.

[1] Many users of social media have taken ClickHole articles to be literally true (especially those addressing controversial topics), and have expressed their anger and confusion online.