Short-form streaming platform Quibi has reached 1.7 million installations within the first week of launch amid a tepid reception due to the ongoing pandemic.
The numbers reportedly surpassed third-party estimates with 1.75 million downloads, evenly split between iOS and Android devices.
Approximately 87 per cent of the installs came from the US and 6 per cent from Canada, according to Apptopia. The mobile-only service launched with a 90-day free trial.
“Quibi was likely hoping for a better launch,” said Adam Blacker, VP of insights and global alliances for Apptopia. “The coronavirus has definitely had an impact. It’s clear from using the app that it’s best used while commuting to work, which is not happening for many people right now.”
However, Quibi CEO Meg Whitman told CNBC the company was “delighted” by the launch. “We don’t actually think [the coronavirus crisis] hurt us,” she added.
Whitman also said the Jeffrey Katzenberg-led company is accelerating plans to add a feature to cast the app to TVs in light of the widespread quarantining.
