Although Quibi is no longer operating, its programming will continue to be accessible to audiences.

The Wall Street Journal reported last week regarding discussions between Roku and the short-form video platform concerning a potential acquisition of its content library. This morning, Roku confirmed that an agreement has been finalized, granting them exclusive distribution rights to all Quibi programs.

The financial details of this acquisition have not been publicly revealed.

Roku plans to offer this content at no cost to viewers, supported by advertising, through The Roku Channel. This encompasses not only the shows that were previously available on Quibi, but also “over a dozen” programs that will be making “their exclusive premiere on The Roku Channel” – meaning they were developed for the service but never released before its closure.

“This announcement represents a unique chance to obtain captivating, original content featuring prominent figures in the entertainment industry,” stated Rob Holmes, Roku’s Vice President of Programming, in an official release. “We are pleased to provide this content to our audience on The Roku Channel via an advertising-based approach. We also extend a warm welcome to the remarkable studios and skilled creators who brought these narratives to life, and we look forward to presenting their work to our extensive user base.”

While Roku is widely recognized for its streaming media players and platform, advertising is becoming an increasingly significant component of its overall business. The Roku Channel, which provides both free content and subscription-based channels, reportedly reached 61.8 million viewers in the United States during the final quarter of the previous year.

Quibi announced its cessation of operations in October, a mere six months after its highly publicized launch. The service centered on producing video episodes lasting ten minutes or less, intended for mobile viewing – a concept that proved unsuitable during a period of widespread restrictions and stay-at-home orders.

In a concluding statement, executives Jeffrey Katzenberg and Meg Whitman indicated that the service’s failure stemmed from a combination of unfavorable timing and the realization that “the core concept lacked the strength to sustain a separate streaming service.”

“Exceptionally talented and inventive individuals in Hollywood produced remarkable content for Quibi that surpassed our expectations,” Katzenberg commented in today’s announcement. “We are delighted that these stories, ranging from the fantastical to the profound, have discovered a new platform on The Roku Channel.”

It is also important to note that the service initially concentrated solely on mobile viewing, without offering the option to watch shows on smart televisions. This policy was later modified with the introduction of AirPlay compatibility. Now, with Roku’s acquisition, programs originally designed for smartphone viewing are expected to be primarily watched on television sets.