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Netflix, Disney, Paramount Embrace Short-Form Video to Rival TikTok

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Netflix

Netflix, Disney, and Paramount invest in short-form vertical videos to engage mobile audiences and compete with TikTok and YouTube

Hollywood streaming giants Netflix, Disney, and Paramount are turning to short-form video streaming to reclaim audiences increasingly captivated by TikTok and YouTube Shorts.

Also read: The Ghoul Awakens Hits Netflix on Jan 30

Industry insiders say vertical, snack-sized videos are being deployed to boost engagement on mobile devices and reach viewers during day-to-day browsing.

The short-form video format has surged globally. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed Instagram and Facebook Reels now generate an estimated $50 billion in annual revenue, while Google reported that YouTube Shorts are viewed over 200 billion times daily.

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Analysts note the format’s alignment with modern attention spans and smartphone usage makes it a critical battleground for streaming services.

Paramount has prioritised short-form content, planning to add up to a million clips to Paramount+ “as quickly as possible,” according to internal sources.

Netflix and Peacock have also invested in vertical videos, while Disney has integrated short-form content into its revamped ESPN app and intends to expand the format to Disney+.

Experts caution that short-form content remains harder to monetise, though it appeals to younger audiences.

Brandon Katz, insights director at Greenlight Analytics, said, “Not even attempting to engage with it isn’t an option. Short-form content is harder to monetise, but easier for young consumers to swallow.”

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Media analysts highlight vertical videos’ potential to build viewing habits throughout the day, rather than only during traditional binge-watching periods.

Emily Horgan, a media consultant specialising in children’s content, said, “Premium streaming is plowing into this space because of a need to own more lean-back moments in a viewer’s day.”

The strategy also allows streamers to repurpose existing shows and movies into vertical clips, creating cost-effective content that maintains subscriber attention.

Paramount has additionally explored the integration of user-generated content, a hallmark of TikTok and Instagram, into its platform.

Despite past challenges Netflix retired its initial “Fast Laughs” feature after two years the streaming platforms continue experimenting with short-form vertical video.

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Disney plans to launch AI-generated clips on Disney+ developed with OpenAI’s Sora, while Peacock has already added NBA and show highlights in vertical format.

Critics note that TikTok and YouTube retain unique engagement through interactive features and user-generated content.

Also read: Arese Ugwu opens up about Netflix rejection, her dreams as a filmmaker

Still, streaming platforms aim to leverage short-form videos as tasters, enticing viewers to explore full-length shows and movies and strengthen long-term engagement.

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Entertainment

My Wife Knew About Actresses I Dated, Says Yinka Quadri

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Veteran Nollywood actor Yinka Quadri has revealed that his wife was aware of his romantic relationships with some actresses in the industry and treated them cordially.

The actor made the disclosure in an interview on the Africanalist Podcast, where he spoke about his personal life and marriage.

Quadri said some of the actresses he dated eventually became friends with his wife, Sadiat Adenike Quadri. According to him, the women would sometimes approach her and share gossip about his relationships with other female colleagues, even though they themselves were involved with him.

“It got to a stage, I won’t mention the ladies’ names in the industry. They would become friends with my wife and start giving gossip to my wife that I am dating so so so in the industry,” he said.

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He added that jealousy sometimes arose among the women. Some of those he was dating reportedly went to his home out of jealousy, only to find that his wife already knew about the relationships.

“And there were some of them that we were dating who went home out of jealousy. Meanwhile, my wife would say she was aware already and she doesn’t fight them because of that,” Quadri said.

The actor further disclosed that some actresses occasionally spent the night at his house when movie productions ended late. He said his wife knew about the relationships and still provided food and care for them.

“Sometimes when production ends late, they would sleep in my house. And my wife is aware I am dating them, she would still feed them and everything,” he stated.

Quadri has been married to Sadiat since 1989. The couple have children and grandchildren.

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Prioritise Talent Over Social Media, Fisayo Abebi Tells Young Actors

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Actress and filmmaker Fisayomi Amodemaja, popularly known as Fisayo Abebi, has urged young actors to build strong personal brands and rely on their talent rather than fame or social media visibility for a sustainable career in Nollywood.

Speaking in an interview with Sunday Scoop, Abebi, who began acting as a child before moving into filmmaking and production, said having a distinct identity was essential for anyone seeking longevity in the industry.

“As an actor, you should have a brand. You should have something that makes you different. Your talent should be able to speak for you wherever your name cannot speak for you,” she said.

She also stressed the need for dedication and readiness to handle the demands of the profession.

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“Any young actor coming into the industry has to know that it is time-consuming, and you have to be fully ready to be diligent and ready for the stress,” Abebi added.

The actress reflected on her own experiences, noting that growing up in the spotlight came with pressure, particularly from being recognised for a character she played as a child.

She credited her family and friends with helping her navigate the attention and remain grounded. Her mother, she said, played a key role by helping her understand that she was separate from the character audiences associated her with.

Abebi also spoke about the challenges of combining her acting career with university education, describing it as stressful at times.

“Sometimes I might have to refund or sometimes I might have to go to the set after finishing my exam. So, that can be very stressful,” she said.

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She noted that her journey in the industry had taught her to take risks and build confidence in herself.

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Regina Daniels Spent Months In Wheelchair Due To Health Issues

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Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has revealed that she spent several months struggling with severe pain and mobility challenges that left her dependent on a wheelchair.

The actress shared the details in a video posted on her Instagram page on Saturday as she marked her 25th birthday, which she described as her “Silver Jubilee.”

Appearing in a wheelchair, Daniels explained that her prolonged absence from social media was due to the health difficulties.

“I know many of you may be surprised seeing me in a wheelchair. Well, welcome to another chapter of my life,” she said.

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She stated that the problem began as a minor issue but gradually became more serious, eventually limiting her freedom to move around as she pleased.

“For several months now, I lost my freedom to move around as I please. It started as something minor, very minor, but eventually led to this,” Daniels said.

According to her, the condition took a major turn after the last public gathering she hosted, a Children’s Day carnival. She said she underwent repeated medical tests during the period and joked that she had started calling herself a “lab rat.”

“The pain became excruciating. Sometimes I find myself walking well, and sometimes I just can’t move. I cried,” she added.

Despite the challenges, the actress said there had been significant developments in her recovery, which encouraged her to share the update publicly.

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“Well, me sitting here today, in front of this camera, sharing this with y’all, it’s because there’s been some really significant developments in my recovery. And I say, thank you, Lord,” she said.

Daniels did not disclose a specific diagnosis or the nature of the treatment she is receiving. She expressed gratitude to God and prayed for calm as she entered a new phase of her life.

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