Launched on April 6, Quibi is a new app designed for phones or tablets and caters to the on-the-go watcher. It offers a plethora of episodes that are individual skits under 10 minutes. Their slogan is, “Quick Bites. Big Stories.” Stars such as Chrissy Teigen, Liam Hemsworth, Kevin Hart, Jennifer Lopez and more make appearances on Quibi. Each week, new shows are pumped into categories including but not limited to comedy, thrillers, true stories and daily news. 

This app enters an increasingly saturated market dominated by the likes of Netflix, Hulu and Disney+. Yet I anticipate it will be successful due to its differential competitive advantage. 

The three streaming behemoths listed above are constantly battling for consumer attention, repeatedly trying to churn out the next great show. Quibi does not compete to take away these viewers. These consumers will use the app in conjunction with other streaming services. 

The vast majority of series today exceed 40 minutes per episode unless you are tuning in to sitcoms that typically last 20 minutes. Under this format, it can be challenging to delve into a show while bouncing to and from classes or work. I painstakingly crawled through “Better Call Saul” during the academic year, streaming it in the 10- to 15-minute breaks I found. Just as soon as I engrained myself in the plot, my time would abruptly end and my Google Calendar would beckon me to my next destination. 

Platforms like Netflix will continue to pull me in with its arsenal of films, but it is much better suited for when I can sit down, relax and appreciate it. It is a pleasure predominately reserved for the weekend. 

Quibi fits perfectly into a budgeted schedule. Throughout the workweek, obligations can be overwhelming. A five-minute break may be all you are granted. In that short time frame, you can hop onto Quibi and watch a lighthearted skit that will give your brain a break. Because of how short each episode is, it requires minimal commitment and engagement to enjoy. 

Best of all, as of right now, Quibi is offering a 90-day free trial. After that, the baseline subscription is $4.99 per month.