What Is a Web Series? Are They Worth Watching? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Internet, Networking, & Security > Around the Web 57 57 people found this article helpful
What Is a Web Series? Are They Worth Watching?
A web series vs. a TV series
By Elise Moreau Elise Moreau Freelance Contributor University of Ontario George Brown College Elise Moreau is a writer that has covered social media, texting, messaging, and streaming for Lifewire. Her work has appeared on Techvibes, SlashGear, Lifehack and others. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on September 10, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Around the Web Browsers Cloud Services Error Messages Family Tech Home Networking 5G Antivirus Around the Web A web series is designed like a television series. Both include a number of episodes that tell a story or inform. The main difference between a web series and a TV series is the financial investment required to start and maintain each one. A TV series usually requires heavy production costs, celebrity actors, and large media companies. A web series requires a camera, an idea for a show, and people to recite the scripted or unscripted lines. Getty Images Who Can Create a Web Series
Anyone with a camera and an account on a video sharing platform can create a web series. Some web series are written and filmed by amateurs and require minimal cost for equipment and special effects. Friends and aspiring actors say their lines, film scenes with a few cameras, and create a loyal online following. From a Web Series to a Television Series
Occasionally, a web series can grow so popular that it makes its way to television. Issa Ray started her career by creating a web series on YouTube called The Misadventures of AWKWARD Black Girl. After a successful YouTube run, she was approached by HBO to create the television series Insecure. Other web series are produced by large media networks and receive the same exposure that a television series receives. These shows can also make it to television. A good example of such a show is Drunk History, which first appeared on the Funny or Die website and then moved on to air on Comedy Central. Fewer Restrictions Short Sweet and Anytime
TV shows are governed by network and broadcasting guidelines. Such guidelines limit when and where a show can air. Some TV shows are not available for streaming. However, you can watch your favorite web series anytime. And, if you are a series creator, you can upload your videos anytime. Also, since most web episodes don't need to fit into a network's broadcasting time slot (30 minutes or an hour, for example), a web episode can be any length. Many are 3 to 15 minutes long. Where to Watch Web Series
There are several places you can watch web shows. First, search Google to find a show you're interested in with a specific theme. For example, if you're into aliens or sci-fi content, you can search for terms like alien web show or sci-fi web series. Use the YouTube or Vimeo search function in this same way. Many web series creators use these popular video sharing platforms to host their shows. Suggested Web Series Shows to Check Out
If you want something to watch immediately, have a look at the following shows to get you started: The Lizzie Bennett Diaries: This is a popular one that has a hundred episodes to watch currently on YouTube. It's a dramatic web show based on the iconic book Pride and Prejudice in the form of video diaries. Between Two Ferns: This one is a very funny show part of Funny or Die, which features Zach Galifianakis sitting between a couple of fern plants where he conducts interviews with popular celebrities. If you're not sure what kind of show might be interesting and need to see a few to help you choose, check out Ranker.com. This website maintains a ranked list of web series based on user up-votes and down-votes. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Best Shows on HBO Max Right Now (September 2022) 11 Ways to Watch TV Shows Online Free in 2022 11 Best Free Apps for Streaming Movies in 2022 Crunchyroll: What It Is and How to Watch Anime on It The Best LGBTQ Shows on Netflix Right Now (October 2022) How to Watch Movies on YouTube The 30 Best Podcasts of 2022 Crackle: Watch Free Movies and TV Online The Best Shows on Apple TV Plus Right Now (October 2022) The 12 Best British Shows on Netflix Right Now How to Watch the Indiana Jones Movies (plus TV Shows) in Order 9 Best Free Action Movie Websites How to Watch the Star Trek Movies in Order The Best Action Movies to Watch Right Now The Best Free TV Shows on YouTube How to Stream Law and Order Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies