Qik

Qik was a mobile video messaging and live streaming service that allowed users to capture video on their smartphones and share it over the internet. Videos could be uploaded to a central Qik platform and accessed via a web interface, or shared directly to social networks. The service supported live streaming from compatible mobile devices, enabling real-time broadcasts to followers.

Qik supported multiple mobile platforms and emphasized ease of sharing. Users could post videos to their Qik profile, publish to partners like Facebook and Twitter, or send private links to selected viewers. The web portal provided browsing, comments, and discovery features, helping videos reach broader audiences beyond the sender’s contacts.

History and acquisition: Qik emerged during the rise of camera-equipped smartphones and faster mobile networks. In 2011, Skype announced the acquisition of Qik to enhance its mobile video capabilities. Following the merger, Qik's technology and team were integrated into Skype’s mobile services. The standalone Qik consumer app and website were gradually discontinued as features were folded into Skype’s offerings, and by the mid-2010s the Qik brand had been retired as a separate product.

The legacy of Qik lies in its early demonstration that mobile devices could function as live broadcasting tools and video sharing hubs, a concept that later became mainstream in various social and messaging platforms.