Ted Lucas and Hilmon Sorey Launched Vurt Platform
The Miami-based vertical streaming service aims to empower independent filmmakers through a 50-50 revenue share model.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Urban
Live Poll
Would you consider using independent platforms over social media to distribute your own creative work?
Founders Ted Lucas and Hilmon Sorey have launched Vurt in Miami, a new vertical streaming platform designed for mobile-first storytelling. The service offers independent creators a 50-50 revenue share on advertising while partnering with the Urban Film Festival for distribution.
Why it matters
The platform intends to shift independent creators away from traditional social media distribution models by providing dedicated, professional hosting. This initiative also seeks to establish South Florida as a primary hub for mobile-first content development.
Vurt features micro-dramas of 30 to 90 episodes, with each segment lasting two to three minutes. The platform follows the success of benchmarks like the Screen Time series, which recently reached 150 million total views.
The players
Ted Lucas
Ted Lucas is a founder of the Vurt streaming platform and a key figure in South Florida creative development.
Hilmon Sorey
Hilmon Sorey is a co-founder of Vurt who previously spent 25 years working in Silicon Valley tech circles.
Urban Film Festival
The Urban Film Festival is an event based in the Overtown area that now partners with Vurt to distribute independent projects.
Issa Rae
Issa Rae is the creator of the Screen Time series, which serves as a performance benchmark for vertical content with 150 million total views.
The details
Vurt utilizes episodes engineered with specific dramatic hooks and cliffhangers to optimize engagement for mobile and connected TV devices. Through a partnership with The Source, the organization also provides local tech certifications and scholarships via Grow with Google.
Timeline
The global vertical video industry revenue is projected to reach its milestone by late 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The launch of Vurt signals an effort to professionalize mobile content, following the vertical video format popularized in China and South Korea. This marks a strategic departure from standard social media distribution, positioning the platform to capitalize on the $150 billion industry forecast.
Independent creators can now access a 50-50 revenue share model, moving away from the limited monetization options found on mainstream social apps. Users can expect short-form, high-frequency episodic content designed specifically for mobile device viewing.
The takeaway
Creators looking to monetize short-form dramas should explore dedicated streaming platforms that offer transparent revenue sharing. This shift highlights a growing professionalization of vertical content that prioritizes sustainable income over viral reach.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving landscape of digital storytelling, visit the Miami Urban section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WLRN.
Live Poll
Would you consider using independent platforms over social media to distribute your own creative work?
