PRODUCT RESEARCH
Vigloo
This research note is kept separate from the app profile so the main page stays focused on ranking data.
One-line positioning
Vigloo is a global vertical short-drama platform launched in June 2024 by South Korean company SpoonLabs (formerly audio-social platform Spoon Radio, founded 2013). Centered on Korean original 1-2 minute episodes and available in 8-11 languages, it monetizes through free trial, virtual-coin unlocks, memberships and ad-based unlocks, and received a KRW 120 billion strategic investment from game company Krafton in September 2024. It is the largest homegrown short-drama platform in South Korea and a leading non-Chinese short-drama app by global revenue and downloads.
Product & company
The operating and store-listing entity is South Korean company SpoonLabs, Inc. (formerly audio-social / live-streaming platform Spoon Radio, founded in 2013; founder and CEO Neil Choi; HQ in Gangnam, Seoul). In September 2024, game company Krafton (developer of PUBG) made a strategic investment of KRW 120 billion (about USD 86-90 million) to support the global expansion of its short-drama business. The corporate chain is corroborated by App Store / Google Play seller records, the official website, Wikipedia and multiple media reports, forming a closed chain with high confidence.
Business model & format
Paid model: most series offer the first 5 episodes free, with episodes from the 6th onward unlocked via virtual coins (about 50 Coins per episode) or ad viewing (limited daily). Weekly, monthly and yearly membership subscriptions plus tiered coin packs are offered. Revenue is driven primarily by in-app purchases and subscriptions, reaching about USD 3.32 million in monthly IAP in May 2026.
Growth & market
In January 2026 Vigloo posted about USD 1.95 million in IAP revenue (+80% MoM), entered the overseas short-drama revenue top 20 for the first time, and ranked 3rd on the South Korea iOS free entertainment chart. From January to April 2026 it generated over USD 6.4 million in global revenue and over 2.2 million downloads, ranking third among non-Chinese short-drama platforms by global revenue and downloads (DataEye). In May 2026 it rose to 13th on the overseas revenue chart (+5 MoM) with about USD 3.32 million monthly IAP (+130% MoM). The US contributes about 50% of revenue, with US MAU growing 5x since December 2024. User acquisition runs mainly through Facebook (about 77% of traffic), with top markets being South Korea, the US, Portugal, Japan and Brazil.
Risks & watchpoints
Corporate evidence is solid (high confidence). Points to monitor: reports differ slightly on the Krafton investment size (about USD 86M vs USD 90M, KRW 120 billion), and post-investment control and consolidation arrangements are not public; the target of 30% AI-generated content by 2026 faces tightening labeling and disclosure requirements for AI content in South Korea, Vietnam and other markets, raising compliance costs; Chinese overseas platforms (DramaBox, ShortMax) still lead the Korean market in revenue share, squeezing homegrown platforms; the US accounts for about 50% of revenue, so returns on the Los Angeles office and localization investment remain to be seen.