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

Short-form videos like TikTok have revolutionized the streaming landscape, making traditional social media services a reality Disney +, Peacockand Netflix to search for short video clips. This change raises the question of how indie filmmakers can benefit from vertical cinema.

Log in FurtThis is a free startup video platform designed specifically for independent filmmakers to upload their short films or showcase their original stand-up videos.

The platform announced its launch on Tuesday, with more than 100 episodes of original mini-series, full-length movies, and TV shows taking on a variety of genres on the platform. There are also movies starring Kevin Hart and Vivica A. Fox. The company says a new original title is released on the platform every week.

As audiences increasingly gravitate towards content created for mobile devices, the transition from traditional storytelling methods to vertical formats feels like a natural progression. Vurt sees his platform as a solution that fits this future.

The success of “micro-drama” platforms like ReelShort and DramaBox has proven that there is a large market for engaging, bite-sized content. The sector has exploded from a small fortune to a multi-billion dollar business.

As he said Art, ReelShort is expected to achieve approximately $1.2 billion in consumer spending in 2025, while DramaBox generated $276 million in consumer spending last year. Even TikTok he started his mini-drama program in January. Vurt also finds itself in direct competition with emerging apps like Watch Clubwhich features short stories produced by SAG-AFTRA and WGA (Writers Guild of America) actors and writers.

What sets Vurt apart is its distribution strategy. Unlike traditional advertising services that often involve long-term distribution channels through aggregators or large companies, Vurt allows creators to post content directly. Once approved, filmmakers can upload their projects, making them available to audiences within 48 to 72 hours.

For creators who want to monetize their work, Vurt uses the AVOD (video on demand) format, which allows them to monetize their titles. In addition, Vurt offers an exclusive royalty-free license with a 50/50 revenue split, giving filmmakers the opportunity to profit from their productions.

Vurt’s brainchild, Ted Lucas, is the founder of Slip-N-Slide Records, which has sold millions of records for artists like Trick Daddy, Trina, Rick Ross, and Plies. Vurt’s idea came from Lucas’ experience while distributing his documentary “Miami Kingpins.” He recognized the distribution problems faced by many filmmakers and wanted to find a solution.

“Not every producer and filmmaker has the tools and the opportunity to deal with these challenges. I realized it was a problem I could solve,” Lucas told TechCrunch.

Vurt’s founding team brings years of industry experience: Eric Tomosunas, founder of Swirl Films; director and producer Mark A. Samuels; and angel investor Hilmon Sorey. Additionally, former BET and REVOLT executive Tarik Brooks serves as a consultant.

With young viewers only consuming content on their mobile devices, it will be interesting to see how the vertical format interacts with independent producers and major advertising services alike. Will we one day see long-form shows on Netflix, or old movies on TikTok? It’s too early to predict the future, but the trend toward vertical storytelling is undeniable.

“The way people consume content has already changed, and we’re building content that fits that future,” Lucas said.

Vurt is now available for free on App Store and Google Play. There is also a website which looks at social media but remains dedicated to itself.