webisodes

Webisodes are short episodes released on the internet as part of a web series or as supplementary online content tied to a TV show, film, or brand. They are typically shorter than traditional television episodes, often ranging from two to fifteen minutes, though some may run longer. The term is a portmanteau of “web” and “episode” and reflects the growth of online video distribution beginning in the late 1990s and 2000s. Webisodes can be standalone stories or extend an ongoing franchise, and they are usually designed for on-demand viewing on computers and mobile devices.

Production and distribution: Webisodes are frequently produced with smaller budgets and looser schedules than network television. They are distributed via YouTube, Vimeo, network or studio sites, streaming services, or social media platforms, and may serve as promotional material, test beds for new formats, or a bridge between seasons of a larger series. They also enable audience interaction through comments or interactive storytelling formats.

Notable examples include Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (2008), a three-part musical miniseries; The Guild (started 2007), a comedy about online gamers; and Red vs. Blue (began 2003), a machinima series created with game engines. These works helped popularize webisodes as a form of digital storytelling and marketing.

In later years, the line between webisodes, web series, and short-form streaming content has blurred, with platforms adopting short-form episodic formats as part of broader distribution strategies.