Quibi, the Mobile-Based Streaming Platform, is Finally Here
Quibi, the subscription-based streaming platform designed for cell phones, released on Apr. 6 to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Jeffrey Katzenberg and Meg Whitman are the creators of the app. Katzenberg is a film producer and Whitman previously was a higher-up for eBay and Hawlett-Packard.
Quibi is an application designed to reinvent the way people watch shows. It features a variety of original programs, where episodes range from seven to 14 minutes in length. There will be different genres including news, comedy, drama, documentary, reality, and more.
The name “Quibi” is a play on the words “quick bites,” because of the shortness of the episodes. Whitman said, “During the day, you have these in-between moments. Ten minutes here, 15 minutes there, where you want to see something great.”
The subscription comes at two different prices. With ads, users will pay $5 per month; without, it is $8 per month. T-Mobile subscribers with a Magenta plan—or an older plan with at least two service lines—can get a full year of the service with ads for free.
Quibi features a variety of programs. One scripted show is called the “Most Dangerous Game,” which is a thriller featuring Liam Hemsworth and Christoph Waltz. The scripted programs are being called “movies in Chapters.” These shows will have daily episodes that are released over the course of about two weeks.
For reality programming, there’s a section called “Unscripted and Docs.” One is called “Thanks a Million,” featuring Jennifer Lopez and other celebrities in which they give $100,000 to 10 people within the course of 10 episodes.
There are also news, entertainment, and lifestyle briefs called “Daily Essentials.” The clips are produced by NBC News, BBC, TMZ, E!, and more.
The makers of Quibi plan to release about 7,000 pieces of programs within the first year. Katzenberg said that the programs are not child-oriented, rather suited for the viewers of 25 to 35-year olds.
Quibi is currently available for download on mobile phones.
Kayla Mutchler is a senior studying communication double concentrating in journalism and digital media. She joined The Charger Bulletin as a staff writer...