Meet Vurt, the mobile-first streaming platform for indie filmmakers embracing vertical video

The landscape of video streaming is undergoing a transformation, driven by the popularity of short video platforms like TikTok. This evolution has prompted established services such as Disney+, Peacock, and Netflix to explore the realm of short-form content. Amidst this backdrop, Vurt emerges as a unique mobile-first streaming platform tailored for independent filmmakers keen on leveraging the vertical video trend. Launched recently, Vurt is designed specifically for indie creators to showcase their micro series and feature films in a vertical format optimized for mobile viewing. The platform already boasts over 100 episodes of original micro-series, full-length films, and diverse TV shows, including works featuring stars like Kevin Hart and Vivica A. Fox. According to the company, a new original title is made available each week, appealing to a growing audience that prefers content designed for on-the-go consumption. As the demand for mobile-friendly content rises, adapting traditional storytelling to fit vertical formats is becoming a natural progression. Vurt positions itself as a pioneering solution in this space. The success of similar platforms like ReelShort and DramaBox highlights the lucrative market for engaging, bite-sized content, which has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar industry. Projections indicate that ReelShort could reach around $1.2 billion in gross consumer spending by 2025, while DramaBox achieved $276 million last year. In addition to competing with emerging apps like Watch Club—featuring microdrama stories from SAG-AFTRA and WGA creators—Vurt sets itself apart with its streamlined content distribution process. Unlike conventional streaming platforms that often rely on lengthy distribution channels through major companies, Vurt allows creators to submit their work directly. Once approved, filmmakers can upload their projects, making them accessible to audiences within just 48 to 72 hours. For those looking to monetize their creations, Vurt adopts an advertising-based video on demand (AVOD) model, enabling revenue generation through ad placements. The platform also offers a non-exclusive licensing agreement with a favorable 50/50 revenue split, ensuring that filmmakers have a fair chance to profit from their work. Ted Lucas, the founder of Vurt and known for his success with Slip-N-Slide Records, recognized the distribution hurdles many filmmakers face while promoting his own documentary, “Miami Kingpins.” His vision for Vurt was born from a desire to address these challenges, stating, “Not every content creator and filmmaker has the resources to overcome these hurdles. I realized that it’s a problem that I could potentially fix.” With a founding team rich in industry experience, including Eric Tomosunas of Swirl Films and director Mark A. Samuels, Vurt is poised to make an impact. As more young viewers turn to mobile devices for content, the reception of vertical storytelling among independent creators and major streaming platforms remains to be seen. Could we witness the emergence of full-length vertical shows on platforms like Netflix or original films on TikTok? While the future is uncertain, the shift towards vertical storytelling is unmistakable. “The way people consume content has already changed, and we’re building something that fits that future,” Lucas emphasized. Vurt is currently available for free on both the App Store and Google Play, along with a web version that mirrors streaming services, but focuses exclusively on vertical content.