Quibi Launches Mobile Streaming Service Amid Global Quarantine
Backed by $1.75 billion, Quibi debuts with nearly 50 star-studded shows featuring episodes under 10 minutes. The mobile-first platform launches with a 90-day free trial despite the on-the-go viewing concept clashing with global stay-at-home orders.
Quibi, the highly anticipated mobile streaming app designed for "quick bites" of video, officially launches today with nearly 50 shows. Backed by $1.75 billion in funding and led by Jeffrey Katzenberg and Meg Whitman, the platform features star-studded content from creators like Steven Spielberg and Lena Waithe. All episodes are under 10 minutes long and can be viewed in either portrait or landscape mode.
The service offers two pricing tiers at $4.99 with ads or $7.99 without ads, along with a 90-day free trial for users who sign up before the end of April. Quibi promises to release more than 25 new episodes daily, including Daily Essentials like news and entertainment content from ESPN and Entertainment Weekly. The initial lineup features high-profile projects such as "Chrissy's Court" with Chrissy Teigen and "Most Dangerous Game" starring Liam Hemsworth.
Despite the massive investment and polished product, Quibi faces an unusual challenge as it debuts during a global pandemic. The app is specifically built for on-the-go viewing during moments like commuting or waiting in line, which are currently rare due to widespread stay-at-home orders. However, company executives argue that people stuck at home need short, engaging breaks now more than ever.