V Live (stylized as VLIVE), sometimes referred to as V App, was a South Korean live video streaming service that allowed celebrities based in the country to broadcast live videos such as live chat sessions with fans, performances, reality shows and award shows on the internet. The service was available for streaming via web browsers on Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as apps on iOS and Android devices. The company was launched by Naver Corporation in late August 2015, and transferred to Weverse Company on March 2, 2022. It was shut down after merging with Weverse on December 31, 2022.
History
In 2007, Naver Corporation launched its video platform channel, but availability was highly restricted and unavailable in many countries.
In early August 2015, Naver Corporation released the live streaming app, V Live. The application was originally available only on the Google Play Store for Android, but later launched on App Store for iOS. The app was aimed at reaching international fan bases, particularly those in Japan, China, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Therefore, there were no region restrictions and the website had a variety of language options, such as English, Chinese and Japanese.
V Live provided beta service on August 1, 2015, and the official service started on September 1, 2015.
V Live released the full Android version on September 2, 2015, and the full iOS version was released in mid-September 2015.
According to Sensor Tower, the application had 200,000 downloads and earned $600,000 in Aug 2017; by May 2018, the V Live app had over 1 million downloads on the Google Play Store and iTunes.
On January 27, 2021, it was announced that Naver Corporation, would transfer their V Live service to Hybe Corporation's technology subsidiary, Weverse Company Inc. (formerly known as beNX Inc.). The transfer started on March 2, 2022, starting with transfer of users information and change of management company leading to the gradual phase out of the service in favor of a consolidated service.
Services and features
V Live had over 1,450 channels associated with different K-pop stars, including BTS, Big Bang, Blackpink, Winner, iKon, Exo, Red Velvet, Got7, Gfriend, TXT, Ateez, Treasure, Monsta X, BtoB, Astro, Apink, T-ara, NCT, Twice, Stray Kids, Itzy, Iz*One, Infinite, Mamamoo, Rocket Punch, Golden Child, Enhypen, Oneus, Victon, Seventeen, Super Junior, Double S 301, Heo Young-saeng, and Jessica Jung. It also hosted channels for various actors and actresses, including Lee Jong-suk, Lee Dong-wook, and Park Bo-young. V Live broadcast programs that ranged from live performances and chat sessions with fans, to reality and award shows.
V Live also made it easy for fans to interact with the website. Users were alerted when a channel they followed began a live stream or uploaded new content. They could comment or send hearts on videos, which were visible to the idol or celebrity in real time. A special effects congratulatory message appeared on screen whenever the heart count exceeded 1, 10, or 100 million hearts. Every interaction contributed to the user's "chemi-beat", which tracked the users chemistry with a celebrity. Users could increase their chemi-beat by regularly engaging with a channel, turning on push notifications, and sharing videos. Having a high chemi-beat increased users chances of winning an event hosted by an idol.
V Live+ (Plus) V Live+ referred to paid content types that offer unreleased, downloadable, and fan catered content. V Live+ content could be purchased with V coins, which roughly amounted to 50 for US$1, or redeemed using a code presented with an external purchase, such as an album.
CH+ (Channel+) Some idols also offered CH+, a premium channel accessible only via subscription. CH+ channels could be purchased with V coins on a 30-day, 3 month, 6 month, or yearly basis. CH+ channels differed from regular channels in that they provided hidden broadcasts, videos, and posts. Behind-the-scenes footage of V Live-exclusive dramas, for example: Welcome to Heal Inn and We See Winter, both featuring Fromis 9, was also available.
Reality shows that aired exclusively on V Live CH+ included Real GOT7 and BTS: Bon Voyage.