As the streaming market continues to grow, the entertainment seems to be getting more and more bite-sized. Take TikTok, for instance, one of the most successful social video-sharing apps, which does not permit videos longer than 60-seconds. And as of today, Netflix and Hulu face a new half-pint competitor in the form of Quibi, a mobile-first, short-form entertainment app with a $2 billion budget. Here’s what you need to know about streaming’s newest disruptor.
What is it?
The word Quibi actually stands for “quick bites.” Unlike other new streamers like Disney Plus, HBO Max, or Peacock, Quibi doesn’t have a catalogue of old programming but is rather relying on the force of its original, bite-sized content, all ten minutes or less. Content ranges from reality TV to game shows to scripted comedy and drama.
Who’s involved?
Quibi has been able to pull huge names and well-known franchises into its fold. Chance the Rapper is hosting a reboot of the MTV prank show Punk’d, and comedians Joel Kim Booster and Keke Palmer co-host a reboot of the same network’s Singled Out. Co-starring in a new comedy called Flipped are It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star Kaitlin Olson and SNL alum Will Forte. And leading a dramatic adaptation of the classic tale The Most Dangerous Game are Liam Hemsworth and Oscar-winner Christoph Waltz. Nicole Richie, Chrissy Teigen, and comedian Matt Rogers also have projects on the platform. (See a full lineup here.)
Leading the business are giants, including Dreamworks-founder Jeffrey Katzenberg and former eBay exec Meg Whitman, who is serving as Quibi’s CEO.
How Much Does it Cost?
There is a 90-day free trial of Quibi for anyone who downloads the app before the end of April. After that, you can subscribe with some ads for $4.99/month, or without ads for $7.99/month.
How do I watch?
Quibi is currently only available on smartphones, a decision intended to imitate the addictive, one-more-video experience of TikTok.
Go to Quibi.com to sign up for the 90-day free trial, and then download the Quibi app for Android or iOS to watch.
