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

Short video platforms like TikTok have changed the live streaming landscape, prompting traditional streaming services like Disney+, Peacock, and Netflix to explore short video features. This shift raises the question of how independent filmmakers can capitalize on this vertical video trend.

Enter Vurt, a mobile-first vertical streaming platform designed specifically for independent filmmakers to upload their miniseries or feature films in a mobile-first vertical format.

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

As audiences increasingly gravitate toward content designed specifically for mobile devices, adapting traditional storytelling techniques to vertical formats seems like a natural progression. Vurt sees its platform as the answer to this future.

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

As Appfigures reported, ReelShort was expected to generate about $1.2 billion in total consumer spending in 2025, while DramaBox generated $276 million in consumer spending last year. TikTok even launched its own mini-drama app in January. Forte also finds itself in direct competition with emerging apps like Watch Club, which features small dramatic stories created by SAG-AFTRA and WGA (Writers Guild of America) actors and writers.

What really sets Vurt apart is its approach to content distribution. Unlike traditional streaming services that often involve long distribution processes through aggregators or major companies, Vurt allows creators to submit their content directly. Once approved, filmmakers can upload their projects, making them available to the public within a time frame of 48 to 72 hours.

For creators looking to monetize their work, Vurt operates on an AVOD (ad-based video on demand) model, enabling them to generate revenue through ad placements on their titles. Additionally, Vurt offers a non-exclusive licensing agreement with a 50/50 revenue split, providing filmmakers a fair opportunity to profit from their creativity.

Vurt’s brainchild, Ted Lucas, is the founder of Slip-N-Slide Records, which has sold millions of records by artists such as Trick Daddy, Trina, Rick Ross and Plies. The idea for Fort came from Lucas’ experiences during the distribution of his documentary, “Miami Kingpins.” He recognized the distribution challenges facing many filmmakers and wanted to find a solution.

“Not every creator and filmmaker has the resources and access to overcome these obstacles,” Lucas told TechCrunch. “I realized it was a problem I could solve.”

Vurt’s founding team has years of industry experience: Eric Tomosunas, who founded Swirl Films; Director and producer Mark A. Samuels; and angel investor Hillmon Sorey. Additionally, Tarik Brooks, former executive at BET and REVOLT, serves as an advisory figure.

With younger viewers primarily consuming content on their mobile devices, it will be interesting to see how the vertical format resonates with independent content creators and major streaming services alike. Will we one day be able to watch full vertical shows on Netflix, or original movies on TikTok? It’s too early to predict the future, but the move toward vertical storytelling is undeniable.

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

Vurt is now available for free on the App Store and Google Play. There’s also a web version that mirrors the streaming services but it’s still only for vertical content.