Vigloo Expands into U.S. Market, Capitalizing on Short-Form Drama Boom with $86M Backing from Krafton
The short-form drama entertainment sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, and Vigloo, a leading platform for immersive short-form content from Korean content innovator SpoonLabs, is making a bold entry into the U.S. market. Backed by an impressive $86 million investment from South Korea’s gaming giant Krafton, Vigloo is positioning itself as a frontrunner in the rapidly expanding short-form streaming industry. With plans to release over 100 English-language original titles by 2025, the platform is tapping into America’s surging appetite for mobile-first, bite-sized storytelling.
According to Sensor Tower, short-form drama app downloads surged by 320 million year-over-year in 2024, with revenue outside China reaching $1.2 billion. The U.S. accounted for a staggering 60% of this revenue, solidifying its position as the largest and most lucrative market for short-form content. This explosive growth underscores the shifting preferences of modern audiences who crave high-quality, engaging entertainment that fits seamlessly into their fast-paced lifestyles.
Why the U.S. Market Loves Short-Form Drama
Since its launch in July 2024, Vigloo has quickly emerged as a key player in the U.S. short-form drama landscape. The platform’s success is evident in its rapid user growth—monthly active users (MAU) in the U.S. have increased fivefold since December 2024. Today, American viewers account for 50% of Vigloo’s total revenue, a testament to the platform’s appeal and growing influence.
Vigloo’s audience demographics reveal a clear trend: 70% of U.S. users are aged 35 and above, with 60% being female. These viewers include busy professionals, working moms, and members of Gen X and older millennials who seek entertainment that aligns with their hectic schedules. Whether they’re squeezing in quick breaks during work or unwinding after a long day, Vigloo’s content is designed to deliver maximum engagement in minimal time.
“The U.S. has become the biggest market for short-form drama, and Vigloo is leading the charge by delivering original, immersive content that speaks directly to American audiences,” said Neil Hyuk-jae Choi, CEO of SpoonLabs. “Through strategic production partnerships in the U.S. and a growing library of English-language originals, we’re redefining mobile-first entertainment with fresh, binge-worthy storytelling.”
Popular Genres and Standout Titles
Vigloo’s content strategy focuses on genres that resonate deeply with U.S. audiences. Romance, thrillers, and workplace dramas dominate the platform’s top-performing categories. Subgenres like cross-cultural workplace romance (e.g., stories about working abroad in Korea) and revenge-driven thrillers (e.g., betrayals and undercover plots) have proven particularly popular.
Some of Vigloo’s most-watched dramas in the U.S. include:
- Fight for Love: A gripping tale of love and resilience.
- The Billionaire Cowboy’s Runaway Bride: A romantic escape with a twist.
- Escaping the Bridezilla: A comedic yet thrilling journey through wedding chaos.
These titles exemplify Vigloo’s ability to blend universal themes with culturally relevant narratives, captivating viewers across diverse backgrounds.
Redefining Streaming with Bite-Sized Content
Vigloo’s over-the-top (OTT) platform combines elements of gaming, webtoons, social media, and traditional TV to create a unique streaming experience. Each series features 50-100 episodes, with individual episodes lasting just 1-2 minutes—perfect for today’s fast-scrolling, multitasking audience. This format ensures that viewers can enjoy high-quality storytelling without committing to lengthy viewing sessions.
To meet the demand for fresh, diverse content, Vigloo employs a flexible and cost-effective production model. By leveraging partnerships with creators worldwide, the platform produces content available in eight languages, including English, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, and Arabic. This multilingual approach allows Vigloo to cater to local tastes while maintaining a global reach.
Building a Thriving Creator Ecosystem
Vigloo’s expansion into the U.S. is not just about producing content—it’s about fostering a vibrant creator ecosystem. The platform is actively collaborating with American creators to develop new short-form drama series that reflect local perspectives and cultural nuances. These partnerships aim to empower storytellers and provide them with the tools and resources needed to thrive in the digital age.
“Stay tuned for upcoming announcements as Vigloo continues to build a thriving creator ecosystem and partners with U.S. creators to expand our short-form drama lineup,” added Choi. This commitment to collaboration ensures that Vigloo remains at the forefront of innovation in the streaming industry.
Why Vigloo is Poised for Success
As the demand for short-form content continues to grow, Vigloo’s strategic investments and innovative approach position it as a leader in the space. By combining Korean expertise in storytelling with locally relevant American narratives, the platform offers a unique value proposition that sets it apart from competitors. Its focus on mobile-first, bite-sized entertainment aligns perfectly with the preferences of modern audiences, making it a natural fit for the U.S. market.
With backing from Krafton and a robust pipeline of original content, Vigloo is well-equipped to capitalize on the booming short-form drama trend. As the platform continues to expand its offerings and deepen its connections with U.S. audiences, it is poised to redefine the future of streaming entertainment.
Join the Short-Form Revolution with Vigloo
Whether you’re a fan of romance, thrillers, or workplace dramas, Vigloo offers a diverse library of content tailored to your interests. Experience the next generation of storytelling with bite-sized episodes that fit seamlessly into your busy lifestyle.
For more information about Vigloo’s exciting lineup and upcoming releases, visit their website or follow their social media channels.
About Vigloo
Vigloo, the innovative streaming platform, provides short-form drama aficionados worldwide with a curated selection of premium content from both emerging and award-winning filmmakers. Designed for mobile-first, episodic storytelling, its vertical-scrolling OTT platform caters to audiences seeking binge-worthy entertainment without the lengthy time commitments of traditional streaming content. Vigloo’s vast library of over 20,000 hours and 200 series of exclusive content spans genres like romance, comedy, and thriller, featuring original IP for the U.S., Korean, and Japanese markets, as well as licensed IP in eight languages. Vigloo is operated by SpoonLabs, a global content platform company backed by investments from leading venture capital firms and Korean video game company Krafton. For more information, visit www.vigloo.com and www.spoonlabs.com/kr/.
