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I think Quibi is a prime example of what happens when you raise too much money too quickly. They created a totally new form factor for content without validatin

I think Quibi is a prime example of what happens when you raise too much money too quickly. They created a totally new form factor for content without validating it. You could argue that it's hard to tell if this type of content will work without a huge build out, but I think you could do it more cheaply than they did. Produce your best possible show with some low profile actors, throw it up on Youtube, then work back from viewer stats to estimate how many you can convert to paying customers. That probably costs a lot less than $2bn. I think COVID struck at the worst possible time for Quibi, but I strongly suspect that it was more of the straw that broke the camel's back than the entire reason it didn't take off.

jjeaff 6y ago
I suppose covid is bad for quibi's content creation side. But from the demand side, it's probably the best it will ever be. The fact that they couldn't drive adoption during a nationwide lockdown says a lot. Although, they may have had very little content available, I am not sure.
- detaro 6y ago
  Wasn't at least the idea that it'd be short-form stuff people watch on their commute and other short breaks, whereas in the lockdown long-form stuff probably wins? (especially since as you mention their backlog likely wasn't that long - 20x 15 minute bits are 4 weeks of one per workday - or two afternoons)
- phillipseamore 6y ago
  Being mobile only is what failed them, especially with people staying home. They tried to mitigate that later on with Airplay/Chromecast but they are still missing Apple TV, Roku and Android TV apps. "Quibi watch on tv" was trending on Google for a while! Content was/is fine, though the catalog is a bit too short for the subscription fee.
  - clintonb 6y ago
    I agree that mobile-only was a poor move. I want to consume content on my own terms, and that is usually on a screen larger than my phone. The fact that the videos are short is great. Most of the content I have watched throughout the pandemic has been YouTube videos between 5 and 15 minutes in length.
    - phillipseamore 6y ago
      I meant the depth of their catalog is short. I absolutely love short/bite-sized content.

jjeaff 6y ago

I suppose covid is bad for quibi's content creation side. But from the demand side, it's probably the best it will ever be. The fact that they couldn't drive adoption during a nationwide lockdown says a lot. Although, they may have had very little content available, I am not sure.

detaro 6y ago
Wasn't at least the idea that it'd be short-form stuff people watch on their commute and other short breaks, whereas in the lockdown long-form stuff probably wins? (especially since as you mention their backlog likely wasn't that long - 20x 15 minute bits are 4 weeks of one per workday - or two afternoons)
phillipseamore 6y ago
Being mobile only is what failed them, especially with people staying home. They tried to mitigate that later on with Airplay/Chromecast but they are still missing Apple TV, Roku and Android TV apps. "Quibi watch on tv" was trending on Google for a while! Content was/is fine, though the catalog is a bit too short for the subscription fee.
- clintonb 6y ago
  I agree that mobile-only was a poor move. I want to consume content on my own terms, and that is usually on a screen larger than my phone. The fact that the videos are short is great. Most of the content I have watched throughout the pandemic has been YouTube videos between 5 and 15 minutes in length.
  - phillipseamore 6y ago
    I meant the depth of their catalog is short. I absolutely love short/bite-sized content.