I wasn't pointing at people who put an effort in making original content but there are lots of websites which just build upon memes, gifs, simple tips, and tutorials and do quite well with it.
Further - what's wrong with gifs and memes? There is a market for it people will go ahead and supply it. It's definitely not easy to do.
I don't fancy Buzzfeed top 10 lists much, but someone out there finds it valuable.
The way I see it is that you have a choice (if the opportunity knocks).
1) Create a product (that you don't like) that a mass audience likes. Reap the benefits, and then start something that you do like.
2) Create a product (your life's work) that an audience may like and see what happens.
There are more options than that of course, but I hope my idea does come across clear.