Talk:Web series

Web series vs streaming series

Ohnoitsjamie and M.parvage, can we come to an agreement? I actually read page 186 of the source provided by Parvage, I wonder if Ohnoitsjamie has, and has an answer. Kailash29792 (talk) 08:00, 19 June 2023 (UTC)

My understanding is that a streaming series are on streaming services, but web series are elsewhere, like on YouTube? I don't know, its very close distinction between each of them. Historyday01 (talk) 14:24, 19 June 2023 (UTC)

That source suggests that there isn't a clear distinction, and as to whether or not a show is a web series or streaming series depends on who you ask (marketing department or someone else). Here's the text I was able to read from that source:

Television or Web Series? Many traditional producers are creating content on the streaming networks. Shows such as House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, 11/22/63, and Betas are all original shows on the streaming outlets. Because the shows are delivered via streaming applications, they are technically web series, but are called television by the creators. We believe this is more of a philosophical question than technical. It's possible that people consider web series "free," whereas television is considered a subscription service or supported by commercials. The differentiation is now new--"It's not television, it's HBO" is a term coined by the premium service. In this frame, it means that original streaming series are just that, Original Streaming Series, a new hybrid of television and web series.

When there is ambiguity as to how a term is defined, Wikipedia presents both perspectives and doesn't try to decide which one is "correct," which is why I objected to the phrase "common misconception." OhNoitsJamie ^Talk 12:57, 30 June 2023 (UTC)

I guess the source should stay, and the wording changed. Kailash29792 (talk) 13:39, 30 June 2023 (UTC)

Yet another source to support my claims. Starts from page 79. Kailash29792 (talk) 11:27, 11 September 2023 (UTC)

Other web series that should have their own articles

I think that there should be some web series that deserve to have articles to themselves. Including Murphy & Mitzi, Mugman (Jacob Lenard), asdfmovie, Suction Cup Man and Alfred Alfer/Alfred's Playhouse. AadamK (talk) 16:08, 18 August 2025 (UTC)

Since you're interested in them: go ahead and create their articles. Follow policies and guidelines — WP:MOSTV, WP:NOR, WP:V — and make it happen. Pyxis Solitary (yak). ⚢ 07:33, 19 August 2025 (UTC)

Ah, well here's the thing. I actually am a bit confused with how things work in terms of the guidelines for the articles. Also, I meant me and other users should also create these articles, not just myself. AadamK (talk) 10:24, 19 August 2025 (UTC)

Every editor on Wikipedia has gone through a learning curve. The guidelines and policies create and maintain consistency throughout the project. I just look at them as the rules of the game, and all games have rules. As for other users should also create these articles, if they're interested in them they will. Pyxis Solitary (yak). ⚢ 09:05, 22 August 2025 (UTC)

2010s and 2020s

I am surprised to see a lack of information on the 2020s given the rise of the independent web series with The Amazing Digital Circus or Murder Drones. For the 2010s, I thought of YouTube Originals, but they were part of the greater YouTube Premium subscription which might make those series streaming series. MarcusAbacus (talk) 13:39, 4 June 2026 (UTC)

"I thought of YouTube Originals, but they were part of the greater YouTube Premium subscription which might make those series streaming series." – What differentiates a web series from a streaming television series is their episodes runtime: anywhere from 3–15 minutes (20 mins maximum) — that is why they're also called short-form series. If the episode duration of a YouTube Original is within this time span, then it's a web series regardless of its production cost. If you know of notable web series from the 2010s (for example Carmilla, a low-budget web series that achieved mainstream success), do add content about it in the section. Same goes for the 2020s. Pyxis Solitary (yak). ⚢ – not queer. 09:59, 5 June 2026 (UTC)

I thought it would something about series available for free or behind a paid service, so thank you for the clarification.

Looking at the list, a majority of shows fall under the mentioned range of under 20 minutes, more or less, but rarely surpassing 30. So I could probably add the introduction of YouTube Originals and some of the first shows.

I already mentioned the rise of the indie web series in the 2020s. I could add more details such as distribution in streaming services or the theatrical releases. MarcusAbacus (talk) 10:41, 5 June 2026 (UTC)

A web series can be on Netflix, Prime Video, Tubi, Rakuten Viki, Vimeo, etc. The gist is about episode runtimes. Pyxis Solitary (yak). ⚢ – not queer. 11:50, 5 June 2026 (UTC)

MarcusAbacus: I appreciate that you have an interest in providing information about the 2010s and 2020s, but this edit is all about YouTube Red/Premium, not about any web series provided by the service in the 2010s, nor why any YT web series has importance. The focus of this article is "web series" — their development, growth, uniqueness, etc. Pyxis Solitary (yak). ⚢ – not queer. 07:05, 10 June 2026 (UTC)

I disagree. Most people consider a "Web series" to be a series hosted on the internet independantly(spefically youtube most of the time) no matter the length.(Edited to be more respectful and clear) Privatelater33 (talk) 02:21, 17 August 2026 (UTC)

If you cannot engage on Wikipedia without insulting other editors, you will face the consequences that eventually catch up to all editors who do it: WP:NPA. WP:CIVIL.
(1) The runtime of what are considered web series is referenced with reliable sources. (2) If what's driving you to behave as you are doing is because you're upset about your edit being reverted -- then you shouldn't have ignored the need for reliable sources when you removed the template to add unreferenced text. Pyxis Solitary (yak). ⚢ – nevah queer. 08:55, 17 August 2026 (UTC)

1)I wouldn't call that a "insult". I'm sorry if you're offended,but "Aggresive criticism" would probably be more accurate. I will read those articles though. 2) No,i just really disagreed with that defintion. I don't really care about it honestly. Privatelater33 (talk) 21:02, 17 August 2026 (UTC)

i've read WP:CIVIL now,and have edited my comment. I also noticed some of the stuff metioned "not to do" could apply to your comment too,so i request you reread it. Privatelater33 (talk) 22:09, 17 August 2026 (UTC)

Yeah, I think the problem is defining the modern web series, not only with the increase in quality, but also the fact that some of them are now being screened in theatres and even distributed to streaming services. An example of this would be Jet Lag: The Game, all episodes are on YouTube but are released one week earlier on Nebula, a streaming service, so I don't know where to classify that. MarcusAbacus (talk) 03:39, 17 August 2026 (UTC)

I just checked and Jet Lag IS a Nebula original, so that is sort of ruled out. The point is still there, recent web series, particularly independent ones, have quickly evolved where we might want to change the definition of "web series". They might as well go to a separate article, maybe call it "Independent web series". MarcusAbacus (talk) 07:59, 17 August 2026 (UTC)