ReelShort is a Chinese short-form video streaming app specializing in serialized dramas designed for mobile viewing.[1][2][3] It is owned by COL Group, a publicly listed company.[3][4]
ReelShort's shows emphasize rapid plot twists, heightened emotional conflicts, and minimal character development.[5][3] The production values are notably low, with simple sets, costumes, and a cast of predominantly unknown actors.[3]
Background
editDespite the failure of similar short-format television platforms in the United States, such as the closure of Quibi in 2020, it has become a popular format in China.[3] Initially filling a void created by movie theater closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, the format became popular with Chinese viewers seeking quick entertainment.[1][3] ReelShort was founded in August 2022 to introduce this format to international audience.[3][6][7]
Production
editCrazy Maple Studio, the production company behind ReelShort, is a joint venture between COL Group and Joey Jia headquartered in Sunnyvale, California.[3] It was founded with the intention of introducing short dramas to an international audience.[3] The studio maintains an additional office in Shenzhen, China, and COL Group retains a 49 percent ownership.[3]
Business model
editReelShort uses a virtual currency system where users can purchase coins to unlock additional episodes of their shows.[8] These coins can be acquired by watching advertisements within the app or by purchasing them directly.[8][7]
Programs
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c d "ReelShort is the latest Chinese export to conquer America" – via The Economist.
- ^ a b Zhou, Viola (December 7, 2023). "Forget Quibi. Chinese streamers are hooking Americans with werewolf love triangles". Rest of World.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Tobin, Meaghan; Li, Lyric (February 4, 2024). "Three plot twists in a minute? No problem for ReelShort's cheesy dramas". Washington Post.
- ^ Liang, Rachel; Purnell, Newley (December 26, 2023). "Steamy Romances and Vampires: The Chinese-Backed App Appealing to American Moms". WSJ. Retrieved 2024-05-28.
- ^ a b Moses, Claire (January 30, 2024). "Minute-Long Soap Operas Are Here. Is America Ready?" – via The New York Times.
- ^ "COL's Share Price Doubles as Chinese Firm's ReelShort App Becomes Popular in US". Yicai Global. Retrieved 2023-12-02.
- ^ a b c Welk, Brian (January 31, 2024). "ReelShort Isn't Quibi — It's Candy Crush for 60-Second Vampire Soap Operas". IndieWire.
- ^ a b Perez, Sarah (November 16, 2023). "A Quibi-like app called ReelShort hit record downloads and revenue this month". TechCrunch.