webserien

Webserien are episodic video programs released primarily on the internet rather than through traditional television. They are usually produced with lower budgets and fewer resources than conventional TV shows, and they are distributed through video platforms, social media, or dedicated websites. Webserien can be fictional narratives, documentaries, or reality-style series, and they vary in length, genre, and release cadence.

The concept gained momentum in the mid-2000s with the growth of broadband and platforms such as YouTube and Vimeo. Early successes demonstrated that online audiences could support ongoing storytelling outside the traditional TV system. Notable examples include Lonelygirl15 and The Guild, both launched around 2007, which helped popularize web-based series and showed paths to broader opportunities in media.

Formats typically feature short episodes, often from a few minutes to around 20 minutes, with seasons that are concise and quickly produced. Creators commonly use crowdfunding, sponsorship, or direct fan support to fund projects. Audience feedback and social media engagement are integral to development and distribution.

Today, webserien are distributed on major video platforms, streaming services, and creators’ own sites. Some series transition from the web to television or cinema, or receive distribution deals after building a dedicated online following. The webserien format has influenced traditional television by encouraging modular storytelling, on-demand viewing, and lower-cost production models, and it continues to serve as a testing ground for new formats and talent. Notable online-origin series include Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (2008) and High Maintenance (2012).